Time to get a non-Presidential related discussion going here.

As one cannot go five minutes now without hearing or reading about how the U.S. economy is going in the pooper, it’s put a question on my mind that I’d like to pose to you all, regardless of your political persuasion.

We all know part of what happens in a recession is that people consume less. In a nation where overconsumption is de facto part and parcel of the national fabric, does a recession hurt or help the environment? Without a doubt, less consumption means less resources are being used, but I’m sure there’s other things I’m missing here. I’m sure it’s not really a yes or no type of answer. Your thoughts?