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Email ThisThere’s a ‘fog of war’ surrounding all things green. We don’t know what green really means, are confused about how it affects us on a personal level, and it leads to literal competition: who’s greener than who. That’s enough to make any ‘green’ and climate-change skeptic drool; but doesn’t mean that we should give up hope. Some initial problems with green environmentalism are:
One: green has become expensive and elite, and those pushing it know how to collect its cash flow.
When green is about technology and living sustainably, it comes down to trends and spending. There’s nothing wrong with that in theory, but it certainly takes a certain brand of sustainability away from our generation. I like the thought of sustainable-living developments, but don’t have $350,000 for a self-sustaining bachelor condo.
Two: green definitely has its heart in publicity, which has its perks but is not eco-focused.
Besides the slight chance of pollination, things like green roofs will never connect themselves to other ecosystems, a key element driving ecosystem health. But, they do provide a cooling effect vs. the city’s concrete, and at least some benefit to air quality. I’m never against such initiative, but the benefits are only slightly more than peace of mind.
So, for now, forget green and get back to the basics:
1. Ecosystems
The first thing I’d like to reflect is that our cities don’t actually separate us from nature. It may appear that way because of the infrastructure or the way we live day-to-day, but we are very much in there. In fact when you look at our input, output, and the energy it takes to maintain urban economies - we are very much an ecosystem in ourselves. A big dirty one.
Simple advice? Think of your (that’s right, your) environment as a system of climate, land and water. Along with ‘green’, the ‘environment’ picked up some bland meaning so that recycling and going easy on gas mileage was becoming enough. It takes the input-output mindset, and ecological awareness to realize how we affect our surroundings.
Also, Zen-up your office work space by buying some plants. Not only is green a relaxing colour, but having plants can demonstrate the care needed to sustain life.
2. Keep doing what you’re doing
Don’t stop now, because your habits are improving and you’re doing great, I know you are. Your new-found travel habits are soft on your bank account, and that’s critical in your saving years. The fact that you are recycling shows you just how much you’re consuming (because taking it out back is a bitch), forcing you to consume less packaging.
Take the opportunity to compost too, so that ever-important organic matter doesn’t go to waste. Even if you live in an apartment. (<< I love how they mention that the worms eat through your compost “and junk mail“, that’s productive recycling!)
3. Basic, and Early Education is Key
Start educating yourself and kids now. Many Gen-Yers complain that right now, in this stage of their life, ’saving the planet’ comes after family and career. Fair enough. But what if every child grows up to pass on that same mindset? What a disaster our world would be, seriously. We could all use some time outside, where nature counts, to show us what our grandchildren need to survive.
Young parents, have a look at this site promoting early education in fun and eco-friendly ways.
Take some time: At the bottom of this recent post are some links to get your curiosities flowing.
And finally, don’t get caught up in ‘buying green’. Your actions are still more important than which green movement you’re supporting. Customize a sustainable life to fit your priorities, because every bit counts. 
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So, basically, you’re advocating being smart about it and not buying into the commercialized “green” fad sweeping the nation.
Yeah, I’d have to agree with you.
Besides becoming a sustainability-oriented nation, what we really, really need is to lay off the commercialism a bit.
I have a feeling that, as an American entrepreneur, that comment’s going to make me look like a traitor. =P
I think it’s important to lay off, as a part of commercialism, some urban spread.
Take down the old crap to replace it, and stop with the strip malls.
I love the recycle bin analogy. If you ever think you are consuming too much just take a look at that recycle bin. Better yet, look at the trash. How much can you cut out? How much wrapping, plastic, boxing, casing, etc is totally unnecessary and can be sold without?
Good to see you going right after the issues! Catch ya next time.
T, this is a great post. Sustainable living and going green is such a fad and it is promoted to the rich so companies can charge a premium price on it! This is so apparent in larger cities especially.
@ Greg - thanks for the comments. As a side note, recycling is in no way overrated, but it’s a business and creates employment first and foremost. It is more important to know why you’re recycling, and even cut down on your need to recycle.
@Monica - I fear that green’s in a bit of a dip right now, as people and business tries to figure out how to get in on it early, leading to price gouging and the rest. Green is good, but figuring it out on our own is better.
Refuse and Reduce first!
Great post.
I tend to be somewhat of an activist but I think I can sum up by saying this: No one can save the world, but everyone can, one step at a time.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle yes, but don’t become a fanatic. Commercialism and fad spending are not what will save the planet.
My favorite quote speaks to the radical fanaticism of “green” advocates (who in reality are the ones in multi-million dollar sustainable homes in Seattle making all the moolah off our green efforts…)
“Whoever fights monsters should see that in the process he does not become a monster. When you look long into the abyss, the abyss also looks into you.”
Nice comments.
@ Ms. Summers - thanks for the comments. Well spoken. re The Abyss, great movie from the 90’s too…
But just for a minute, lets look past the recycling and consumerism, because ecological integrity is the base of it all.
**Cardboards, brochures, phonebooks, junk mail - wasted forest.
I hate to say it, cause how can we solve this problem, but cement is a blister on our landscape. The water it takes to produce, the water it displaces, and the carbon it emits to produce. Again, all ecological integrity.
I like the whole little baby steps motif. Do what you can. That makes a difference. But we could use some government policies to move that along. That’s something to push for and bug our leaders for. We shouldn’t fall for lip service. Carbon legislation, anyone?
Greenmulletthanks for the comment, (and link from your site too).
It’s true that the govt’ can do more to push aspects of green and sustainability. That’s why I think going back to the basics is important. We’re forgetting why we’re going green, and just thinking that by spending a buck we might save a buck (and maybe help the world).
Future is key, and yea, carbon legislation has a long way to come, that would be one good push North Americans would be healthier with.
there is no doubt a trend of “going green” sweeping the commercial materialistic world by storm. large corporations will do whatever they can to keep up with the latest trend and fashions to make a buck. being it’s a trend, it costs more. there is no less waste or impact on the planet just beacause these companies claim to have an eco-friendly product. we as consumers need to be educated as to what companies are really doing there part, compared to the one’s that are just marketing a new fad. we speak thru buying power. there are companies out there that were “green”, beforegreenwascool. anyone interested -
GET INVOLVED - visit me at
http://www.beforegreenwascool.net
the website is having technical difficulties at the moment. I would love comments forwarded to
changinglives@beforegreenwascool.org
I’d certainly have to agree with you on this. Well spoken.
I would like to add that while many companies today are taking advantage of the ‘green fad’ by greenwashing, I believe this will only be true in the short-run. Consumers will wise up and the companies that continue to market deceptive products will end up worse off in the long run.
The companies who make real sustainable products will ultimately win. In the mean time it’s our job to call out the crap.