In his new book, “The Alternative: How to Build a Just Economy,” journalist Nick Romeo sheds light on the human cost often overlooked by our current growth-based economic systems. He argues that while there are initiatives and programs that have been proven to improve the lives of local citizens, they are not widely implemented. Romeo highlights models such as “true price” initiatives, which consider human labor costs and environmental impacts in pricing, and job guarantee programs that ensure everyone in a community has access to employment.
Throughout the book, Romeo emphasizes the importance of ethics in economics, calling for a reintroduction of ethical considerations into economic decision-making. He showcases examples from around the world, as well as some from California, to demonstrate alternative approaches to structuring economies. By taking an ethical and community-focused approach to economics, Romeo believes that there is much to be gained for society as a whole.
During our conversation with Romeo, we will delve into what strategies have been successful in creating just economies and what hasn’t worked. We will also explore the potential benefits of adopting an alternative approach to how we think about and teach economics. Through these discussions, we hope to shed light on the importance of considering the human aspect of economics and the potential positive impacts of incorporating ethics into economic practices.