I finally obtained a copy of the 1968 article by former professor of biology Garrett Hardin from the journal Science. Titled, “The Tragedy of the Commons,” the article refers to the degradation of resources (be it land, water, food, or other) that are collectively managed. Donella Meadows provided a good overview of the concept in her book Thinking in Systems: A Primer, reviewed here.
On a macro level, the tragedy of the commons may be one of the most challenging issues facing society. Overfishing is a classic example of how a lack of responsibility (some may read regulation) leads to the depletion of a resource. Paul Greenberg’s Four Fish contains several instances where overfishing has led to the collapse of a stock. Caring for common spaces serves an everyday example of concerns that arise with managing these shared resources. Today’s example is what I am referring to as tragedy of the commons “writ small.” Anyone who works in an office or setting with a communal kitchen has been through this very scenario. In the office that I inhabited over the past year, though no longer do so, there is a small kitchen with a refrigerator and sink. The fridge recently was “taken over” by an individual or group that has claimed responsibility for its care by posting signs saying it will be cleaned out every Friday. This has resulted in less food being left in the fridge. However, the adjacent sink is not currently being managed. As such, there were a number of dishes sitting out on the counter, soaking with what can only be described as Chef Boyardee remnants.
I bring this up not to be a stickler, but rather to point out that common space which is seemingly the domain of the collective, depends on all involved parties. Instead, the anonymity which lies at the heart of common goods, allows some to evade responsibility. We are beholden to each other and reliant on one another to build a sustainable future. This “Tragedy of the Commons Writ Small” is but one example of what I imagine are numerous instances of our failure to take care of and look after not only one another, but our common spaces. A more sustainable future requires us to watch out for one another.
[Images author’s own]
