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Stop the "Going Green" Madness
Submitted by Corina on Thu, 07/10/2008 - 11:44pm.
There. I said it. And those who know me will be shocked that I did. But really, enough is enough. The whole point of the green movement is to reduce, reuse, andrecycle. But with "going green" going mainstream, the news media playing up the green movement, and the Corporate America jumping on the bandwagon, "going green" has lost its purpose. Now its, "buy new" because all that old stuff you have IS.GOING.TO.KILL.US.ALL.
Let me be clear. I am not against "going green" – quite the contrary. What I am against is the "going green" consumerism. The idea that we are doing the world good through the consumerism of "green" products balks at the whole idea of "going For example, getting rid of a washer or dryer simply because it isn't as energy efficient as it could be is NOT reducing waste or even “going green”. Where does the old one go? Well, hopefully reused by someone else, but, more likely, the delivery people haul it away, and it goes to a landfill. Of course, if the washer or dryer has kicked the bucket, replace it with a shiny green model. Until then, get the best use out of your model by doing full loads in the washer to reduce the overall amount of energy used, and re-wear clothes that are not dirty, reducing overall consumption of energy and water. Hang your clothes to dry. Or how about the idea of replacing furniture, counters, or floors with bamboo or cork just to be more “green” (and therefore more hip). Again, it is wasteful. Unless these things are falling to pieces or are covered in lovely lickable lead, why replace them for the sake of being green? Dress up old furniture by painting them with milk paint (a "green" paint) or add hardware to cabinets to make them more to your liking (maybe even ones you find at some great second-hand shops).
Furthermore, we are bombarded by products that are “green” that we simply don’t need (even if we like them). Do we really need an umbrella stand made out
So, please, the next time you are out to purchase something because it is “green” and it makes you feel like you are doing your part, think. Is the purchase really “green”? Is it really
necessary? Is it something that is a great want? Can you
(7 votes) »
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That's not all
You cant forget to add the whole "greenwashing" trend that has been spreading like wild fire through consumer products. Companies that don't even make eco-friendly products are saying that they are "green" or great for the environment when they really aren't. Kind of sad...
Green is supposed to be simple
As my husband always likes to remind me, it's greener to do without then to go out and buy "green" stuff. BUying organic clothes isn't as green as not buying any new clothes. If you're going to buy new clothes, organic is better, but let's face it, none of us is out of clothes yet.
Alana
http://greenarizona.blogspot.com/
Right On
I agree, the green movement has gone too far in some cases. people are getting rid of perfectly good things to replace it with green items. it should be more about reducing, reusing, and recycling, and not so much just being green because its cool. That is why it is a good idea to not give into popular trends!