Saving the Planet–through Conspicious Consumption

Lee has a great post up on the “green consumerism” phenomenon. I think he’s absolutely right. In the part of town we live the the preferred mode of transportation is now the Lexus Hybrid SUV. The bus routes are still minimal, infrequent, and regarded with disdain.

M and I feel strongly about the environment and have been transitioning to more environmentally friendly cleaning products and post-consumer recycled products.I think more people generally are doing this and, as is the case, there is more discussion about means and motives. Perhaps the silliest thing I’ve seen was a shocked and horrified article (I don’t remember where) that people and companies who were pushing buying green and organic were making money off it! …Apparently still in the mindset that if you’re making money on it, then it can’t be a real “cause”…

Lee’s point and the article it cites are important warnings. Being environmentally friendly isn’t just about buying a whole bunch more things. After all, when it comes to “green” cleaning products, it’s amazing how much you can do with vinegar and lemon juice… ;-)

3 thoughts on “Saving the Planet–through Conspicious Consumption

  1. *Christopher

    What, we can’t have all we want?

    Hey, “it is too bad, of course, that we can’t all live simple lives like the Buddhist monks in Tibet. But you know something. That’s not going to happen.” —the Governator. Californians are the green consumers par excellence…just look at all of those luxury hybrids (and just to clarify, I’m not Californian, I only live here).

  2. JayV

    Well, I’m glad Lee’s “the ‘green consumerism’ phenomenon” mentions the Monbiot article. George M is spot on. I’ve been reading him in the Guardian for years.

    Y’all also might be interested in: Derek Wall (Male Principal Speaker for the Green Party of England and Wales) writes in The climate for profits
    that market based ‘solutions’ will make the ‘fat cats fatter and do little to solve the problem’ of global warming.

    I read today in Episcopal CafĂ©/Daily Episcopalian Steve Charlston’s announcement of the Genesis Covenant initiative.

    And it seeks to leverage similar action by corporate and political interests who will be challenged to follow the lead of people of faith in doing something concrete to effect change.

    I can’t see that because these entities promote consumerism and more consumption. As Monbiot writes, the action is going to require living with less. The yuppie/progressives I speak to in my own town of Burlington, VT about peak oil and global warming, are all thinking that our technology and corporations will have solutions to maintain the same life styles they have now!! Ridiculous!

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