This might be unrealistic, but it would be nice if the human race acquired some wisdom at some point instead of just blindly rushing ahead into whatever makes money. Maybe we could lessen the negative consequences with a little bit of restraint and foresight.

For example, did nobody stop to ask what would happen to all that non-biodegradable plastic meant to service a disposable economy?

Is that really true? For example, plumbing.

Early plumbing was often made of lead pipes which caused some pretty serious negative externalities such as brain damage.

Sure, someone will argue that the outhouse makers are out of business. Or the well makers.

As the owner of property with a well, the well makers are making bank. Your ideas of what is outdated are kind of outdated.

Or maybe "It's nearly impossible to have both, ie, progress and no negative consequences" is incorrect.