GOING GREEN: TREND OR LIFESTYLE CHANGE? December 20, 2008

GOING GREEN:  TREND OR LIFESTYLE CHANGE?

By: Teresa Cuervo

 

 Clearly the issue on the environment has been in the minds of many thesedays, when I originally wrote this essay  as draft , it was some time ago (6 months or so to be exact) and to my surprise there have been many posts and blogs on this same subject; and these new additions  on the same idea only confirms that there is a general consensus to the “green movement” : Is it a trend or lifestyle change?

Given the new emphasis on environmental issues, global warming,and the recent energy crisis, It seems that “going green” is quite be the buzz these days; from existing businesses becoming “green certified” and many others mushrooming as green businesses, it seems that this trend has really picked up quite a momentum. Yet, there is still a question that lingers to all this, and that is will it fade and quiclky pass away, or will this truly be the change that will contribute to improving  the conditions of the environment.

It has been said that every trend or fad generally fades and dies, and to many this is no exception. For the true environmentalist, and other that have embraced this lifestyle before it ever became popular, tend to view this “movement”quite cynically and believe that the premise of “going green” is to a certain degree based on consumerism and not necessarily based on a change in people’s lifestyle.  That to a very large degree is a very true   statement and although I admittedly  have not been a fervid environmentalist throughout,  I do agree however, that words like “eco-friendly”, “environmentally safe” “sustainable”, and “green”  are used quite liberally these days for the promotion of  new products and services alike,   infuriating those that have been in the forefront of these pressing issues for years.

For this reason, and sadly I may add, although I would personally would love to see a change, it is my view that this movement is purely based on economics and just like every fad in the past this trend is the latest one to “jump on the badwagon”.

How can we equate the consumption of products to the betterment of the environment? Where in fact one would argue that it is an irony of sorts, we  have to remember that we live in a culture purely motivated by consumption, that maybe it is true that buying “green” products per se will not lead as a whole to  saving of the planet, it can and has brought an awareness to the  environmental issue. Although I don’t dispute that yes, it is based on marketing, we have seen a spurt in demand for organic products.

Although this movement if you will is not generally a negative thing, surely a step in the right direction, only time will tell whether this idea will penetrate the American psyche and become the change one needs.

Ideally, and yes ideally, I believe that in order for real change to take place and certainly make a difference, there has to be a dramatic shift in people’s perception, people’s habits and most importantly a change in lifestyle . I do believe that by choosing a simpler lifestyle and using less resources, there be true change. Again,only time will tell.

 

Every step although small is a step in the right direction.

 

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