I saw a commercial the other day for some company or other, and it was all about being "Green." We just had a presentation at a recent Administrators' Forum on campus about Sustainability. It's all the rage. And, I have to confess, I'm a bit annoyed by it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm happy that at least there's a new craze with a positive global impact, but I'm kind of annoyed that it's the new trendy thing to do. Why can't people just be environmentally responsible? Why does it have to be the trendy thing to do in order for people to buy into it? Can't people just see the necessity of being "Green" without it being a fad? Why was it not cool to recycle before but it is now? IT'S ALWAYS BEEN IMPORTANT!
I'm sad that Corporate America is now doing this, not because they necessarily feel that it's important, but because they know that it's what their consumers want. I know, I know, I shouldn't complain -- at least there will hopefully be a positive outcome and we can "Start Global Cooling" (I saw this on a bumper sticker yesterday). But come on, people.... did you really not know about turning off the water in between toothbrush rinses before you saw the Home Depot commercial? Did you not know that you can ride your bike to save gas and strengthen your cardiovascular system? Once the next fad gets ushered in, will energy efficient light bulbs become a thing of the past?
I don't necessarily have a question for the day, but I'd like you all to chime in with your thoughts. Yea or nay to the new Sustainability Movement?
Friday, April 25, 2008
It's not easy being green.
Posted by Tara at 2:28 PM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
As a member of Corporate America and a huckster for those going to get an advanced degree in business I have to object to this being trendy, at least in the business world.
In the 1980's it suddenly became cool to be green. But from that we have seen some wonderful things:
1. In 1991 there were only 11 "green retailers" in the US (eco-friendly eco-entrepreneurs). Now there are over 400.
2. The US Green Building Council has over 14,000 projects on record right now.
3. Brownfields are becoming increasingly common and both privately and government funded.
This is just to name a few. Granted there are a lot of things that make you raise your eyebrows. BP has poured literally billions of dollars into environmental research and alternative fuel development - but they are still the #2 fossil fuel producer in the world.
I think the problem comes in terms of education. Does the majority of the US population know whether to use paper or plastic bags at the grocery store? What are the facts? Reusable bags are best, um DUH! But while that is a DUH for us, my Mom this weekend requested paper bags because she thought they were more environmentally friendly. And she is an educated woman.
I read an article that said that there are three stages of social issues:
1. High anxiety, low activity
2. People learn more and activity replaces the anxiety
3. Activities are integrated into lifestyle
I personally think we are still in stage 1. There is a lot of fear-mongering that goes on and let's face it, people feel overwhelmed by all of the information that is provided to them. How do you sort out the truth? And does the average American have the time that we all have to research this stuff. Idealistically we can say "they have to care!", but no, they don't.
And that is the sad, hard, truth. They don't have to care. So "green marketing" is positive in at least one way, maybe it will make them care a little bit.....
Hmmm, Erin, I'm wondering what you mean about the "paper vs. plastic" comment. Sure, using reusable bags is the best option, but why is plastic a more environmentally-friendly choice over paper? Paper is a renewable resource, non-bleached, and biodegradable. Plastic is not biodegradable, is made with petroleum oil, and almost never gets recycled, even in communities where recycling plastic bags is an option.
I'll be interested in hearing your thoughts. When you have time, of course, with the new schedule! :)
Post a Comment