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ilco, stock.xchng
Is there such a thing as being "moderate" in anything, anymore? You don't hear the term much these days. Green-leaning folk tend to be lumped together at one end of the spectrum, with labels ranging from "environmentalist" (sounds serious, doesn't it?) to "crunchy-granola hippie" ('nuf said). Personally, I've always aligned myself as what I call a "midstreamer," trying to share new (old?) concepts about simpler, more natural living in bite-sized chunks that people can integrate into their modern lifestyles.
"Hypocrisy" is a label that gets hurled at green-minded folks who find themselves somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. But sometimes, the critics have a point. How can you say you care about the environment if you continue to indulge in outmoded, wasteful ways? Green Muze lists up a whole host of eco-hypocracies:
- Are reusable bags a cover for your rampant consumerism?
- Have you made no real effort to change your gas-guzzling ways?
- Does meat play a starring role in your diet?
- Is your jet-setting carbon footprint still flying high?
- Have you exempted yourself from the concept of population control?
- Are eco-celebrities still pulling the wool over your eyes?
- How green can you be if your whole life is super-sized?
- Soy what?
Granted, the lists points out some valid concerns. If you're completely unwilling to change your wasteful ways ... if you deploy green products merely as eco-chic accessories ... You may have justly earned the eco-hypocrite title. Still, we'd ask a little patience and understanding for those who are still midstream in their green journeys. After all, they're wading toward a greener shore.
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well said. we each do what we can. no, i am not perfect. no where near. but everyday i try to make better decisions, better choices, and to learn more about what i can do in the various aspects of my life. and i agree it is important not to judge others, but rather encourage. and to concentrate on what you can do - one step at a time.
Wow. After mulling your pointed questions, I've come to the realization that I have a loooooong way to go in the green department. I just bought a nifty reusable bag at IKEA today, a gorgeous mod cover for my wasteful purchases. C'mon ... but I really NEEDED two identical glass nightlights that take random Swedish light bulbs. Shee-a.
Definitely still wading, myself, but leading by example and bringing my friends and family along as I go. Much better to move all together, I think, than to be the isolated oddball!
We can all learn from one another, and there's always a little more or a little "better," no matter where you are on the green spectrum. The only grade we get in this is whatever we're willing to contribute in our part to make the planet better.
Some lifestyle changes I made may seem "green," but for me personally, it is a path of harm reduction. I want to reduce harm for myself and others and "harm reduction" is open to personal interpretation and is variable to each individual needs.For me it doesn't just mean using less plastic bags, but also includes things like being more understanding and compassionate of those around you. If I get criticized for not doing enough or being inconsistent, I'd say that it's a practice of harm reduction. Nobody is perfect, hence, much of what we do is a practice.