The Simpler Way: Collected Writings of Ted Trainer

Ted Trainer is an Australian scholar-activist who for decades has been defending and practising an 'eco-anarchist' perspective he describes as the Simpler Way. His vision is of a world where self-governing communities live materially simple but sufficient lives, in harmony with ecological limits.

This anthology contains some of Trainer's most insightful and provocative essays, covering all aspects of his challenging but inspiring vision of a just and sustainable society. Topics include a radical critique of consumer-capitalism, the need for fundamental system change, and a transition theory based on building a new society within the shell of the old. Trainer also presents detailed descriptions of the Simpler Way society based on low energy requirements; explains why frugal but sufficient material living standards are necessary to live within planetary limits; and shows why technology alone is unable to resolve environmental problems. He also shares strategic advice on how to contribute positively to societal change, while also critically engaging some green and left strategies. Far from involving deprivation and hardship, Trainer argues that a Simpler Way society would enable liberation to a much higher quality of life for all.

As the first collection of Trainer's work, this book gives due attention to one of Australia's most insightful, but under-appreciated, thinkers.

Samuel Alexander is a lecturer with the Office for Environmental Programs, University of Melbourne, and the author of 13 books on degrowth and voluntary simplicity. He is also a Research Fellow with the Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute and co-director of the Simplicity Institute. Most of his writing is available at www.samuelalexander.info

Jonathan Rutherford is a Fellow of the Simplicity Institute. He is also coordinator of the New International Book Shop in Melbourne and is currently completing a Master of Environment at the University of Melbourne, Australia.