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There is no question that humanity requires an effective and rightly functioning private sector bringing all the advantages of innovation, trade, and entrepreneurial spirit. Likewise, a transparent and responsive public sector is required to facilitate the fulfillment of our collective aspirations. But we must also come to recognize that the condition of the commons is the “canary in the coal mine” signaling a present danger for civilization.
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A vibrant commons, in all its dimensions, is required to ensure the sustainability of the earth’s resources, the continued diversity of species, and access to the higher cultural and sacred modes of existence. As we rediscover the commons, we become sensitive to the deep interrelatedness between the human family and the planet with its myriad species and resources. Such an understanding engenders a spirit of undeniable mutuality,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], a sense of cooperation and trust among people, and a reverence for the earth and its abundance.”

This introduction about the relationship between commons, market and state, is republished from the Anthroposphere Institute:
“In an interdependent world the issue is not whether one sector will replace the others. The commons, along with the private and public sectors, are all needed. The key interface at this historical juncture is between the private sector and the commons. Environmental scientists tell us that the ecological footprint of the earth now stands at 1.4 planets in order to generate the resources we need and absorb our wastes. This means that it takes the earth a year and five months to regenerate what we use in a year. (Global Footprint Network, 2010) With the increasing depletion of natural resources, potable water, clean air,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], ethnic languages, and plant and animal species, there needs to be a new equilibrium, a rebalancing of human affairs. We owe it to the generations that follow us to have the opportunity to live in a livable world―even as we approach 9 billion people. By renewing our understanding of the commons, we have the framework for a new narrative. Indeed,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], historically both the private sector and the public sector followed the commons. And, in a fundamental sense, both are subordinate to it. Without the resources of the commons, life as we know it would not exist.

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This raises numerous ethical and moral considerations. While the commons sector has a cornucopia of natural and cultural resources, the private sector has financial resources and, often, political resources at its disposal. It is true that many corporate executives espouse virtuous statements about sustainability, some use multi-dimensional scorecards, several boards have stated their intentions to operate responsibly, shareholder groups are more active, and rating agencies are increasingly scrutinizing commitments to social responsibility. However, it is essential to acknowledge that the commons sector and the private sector are driven by fundamentally different propositions as noted in the diagram above. (The State of the Commons, 2003) In recent times there has been no voice for the commons sector and a very loud voice for the private sector. Consequently, short-term thinking now dominates not only corporations, but elected officials and popular culture as well.
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10 minute video intro on the issue, by Henry Story and Bye Bye Big Brothers: