I just came across an old NY Times article on Your Free Press. “Buying Into the Green Movement” reminds us that buying green is still consumerism at its best. It’s just more guilt free, is all.
I’ve noticed this especially since starting this blog. In doing research and writing up companies, it’s clear that many businesses are jumping on that green bandwagon. As someone who would love to buy only sustainable products, but simply cannot afford to, I can say this first hand: Going green is for the rich.
Sure, insulating your home properly and changing to CFL bulbs will save money in the long run. Yes, using low VOC paints and formaldehyde free cabinets will be beneficial to your health. And who doesn’t want to save the planet? Most of these options have not been realistic for my renovations. I salvage and recycle building material. I offer options to folks who can afford these sustainable items. I hope that’s enough.
I’ve always thought gut renovated green homes with central air and 3 car garages were a bit hypocritical and this article clinches it for me. Why are old homes being taken down to build “eco-McMansions”? Why can’t outdated kitchen cabinets be revamped? Is it always necessary to dump your old toilet in the landfill for a more water efficient model?
The article mentions some interesting facts about sustainable clothing, cars and food, which I won’t go into here. You should read it!
As far hypocrisy, what about me? Am I not a consumer of these products because I’m wise to the racket or because I can’t afford them? Perhaps neither. I think I just prefer old junk.
3 Comments
It’s like taking a diet pill to lose weight. People want the easy way out.
“Eco McMansion”? Too funny!
yeah, that article did a good job of summarizing much of the hypocrisy that exists in the “green” movement. i think what you are doing is far better than purchasing all these hyped-up products; in the reduce-reuse-recycle equation, reuse is always the most sustainable option. the fact that it works for your pocket too is all the better.