My observation is that many people discount such a society because
they take it to imply a reduction in their standard of living or a
society characterised by a mild form of deprivation.
Exactly. Furthermore, simply suggesting that we all lower our
consumption is itself another form of "easy. quick fix" to a deeper
problem....
Perhaps the problem isn't (only and necessarily) our consumption, but (
also) how the consummables are made, packaged, shipped, and disposed
of.... I am against having less, but who's against having more for
less, better for longer ?
I believe this is where gov't must play a role ( and is the reason I
got involved with the Green party) - laws that provide both a carrot
and a stick - e.g eco-taxes and polluter pays....
I'm certain that the answers involve working at several scales - the
millions of amateurs, the education of the masses, the intervention of
gov't., and the redesign of industry...