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We are surrounded by feature rich gadgets and gizmos but we use only a small percentage of the capabilities. We don’t have the time, or the patience to learn the other features, though it may save us time in the long run.

Building features costs money. When we build, we equate features with value, and consider it to be a competitive advantage. There is some truth to that. When we comparison shop,  we buy the product or service that has more features at the same price, with no regard to whether we will use it or not. This sets up a vicious cycle of pointless creation, conspicuous consumption, and waste. Of course, there is no option to say, “I don’t want these features, can I just pay less?”

I found a book that captures this eloquently. Just the research effort alone is mind boggling and many conclusions are compelling.

If you don’t have time to read the book, then watch the video. Not everyone agrees with the messages in the book, so be sure to look up the counter arguments as well. You’ll need to sort through the fallacies and FUD, ignore the emotion, silly interpretations, and crank up your critical thinking to take away the proposals worth implement.

You don’t have to be a tree hugger to appreciate or practice conservation. Organizations spend so much money on technology, but they don’t use all its features. In fact, they avoid the tough conversations relating to change in behavior, and buy more technology to make up for the gaps.

It is not necessary to start a big movement or occupy real estate. Start where you work (and live), start small, and gain confidence. Above all, understand the difference between ranting, moralizing, boiling the ocean, pointless indignation, and truly putting your head down and being a role model to make a difference.