New Books in Popular Culture Johanna Drucker, "Affluvia: the Toxic Off-Gassing of Affluent Culture" (Bridge Art, 2025)
Jun 28, 2025
Johanna Drucker, an acclaimed author and cultural critic, dives into the intricate web of consumer culture in her latest discussions. She presents 'Affluvia,' a concept addressing the hidden toxic effects of affluent lifestyles. The conversation explores the ecological costs of daily routines, like coffee-making and pet care, revealing their connections to global supply chains and environmental degradation. Drucker also challenges societal norms, advocating for modest living and sustainability while shedding light on the invisible systems that support affluence.
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Daily Routines Reveal Global Impact
- Daily routines seem innocent but link to complex global systems and environmental damage.
- Examining small actions reveals huge unseen ecological and social impacts.
Personal Voice and Google Journalism
- Writing in a personal, conversational voice shares the discovery process, enhancing reader connection.
- "Google journalism" shows research can be accessible and available to anyone with curiosity.
Humanizing Complex Processes With Art
- Illustrations create accessible, humanized entry points into complex production processes.
- Hand-painted diagrams show interlinked ecological, labor, and industrial steps often hidden in typical visuals.