環境保護運動人士及環境保護理論學者或主張經濟發展的學者都會面對的一項兩難-環保與經濟發展孰重孰輕。兩者都是以「永續」為主要訴求,在理論與實踐上是否不相容,能否藉由相互的認識與介入,使思考路線不再是平行線。進一步,從環境教育著手,由生態文化的延續,使經濟與環保能共同為永續的未來努力。雖然Bowers致力於生態文化教育,但是筆者認為Bowers的生態文化教育過於否定經濟學上對生態的了解及思考,也未能完整的分析「文化」概念。若Bowers容許生態經濟學的思考與實踐路線,並在「文化」概念上藉著Martin對「文化財」理念的分析,將可強化Bowers的生態文化教育理論。
There is a dilemma faced by both environmental protectionists and people who advocate economic development. When one of these advocates stands strongly on his or her position, he or she will encounter resistance from the opposite point of view. Still when we look at recent development in ecological economics, we find that many ecologically conscious entrepreneurs have conducted their businesses based on principles of sustainability and still make a profit. Also, contemporary studies on ecological culture generally include economic considerations. I will argue that scholars from both groups are more compatible than ever before. I also argue that cultural education is an important factor in this process.