Each Earth Day it feels like New Years in that I commonly commit to a top 5 or 10 list of habits I'm going to change until the next Earth day when I decide to step up my efforts (or remind myself of my previous commitments). Some of the common to dos and some don't dos are:
- Drive less/bike more
- Buy locally made products and produce or grow my own food
- Cut down on purchases with lots of packaging or just plain cut down on purchases
- Buy items made in the USA to reduce fuel usage caused from shipping product from one local to another
- Bring plates, silverware and cups to work so I don't use styrofoam or paper
- Invest or donate to Green companies & invest in carbon sequestration (offsetting) programs
- Buying recycled goods like designer clothing from a local Salvation Army/thrift shop
- Buy refurbished electronics to reduce mining demands and unethical mining practices
I always like to stay optimistic and think the masses will change behaviors for the better. I don't like to think, "What's the use? Nobody else is changing so what difference will I make?" Evidence is all around that society is adopting greener practices. For example, President Obama announced a plan to build high speed trains in the US. Finally we're coming up to (light rail) speed with Europe. I'm sure Delta and other airlines are pleased with this announcement and I'm thinking that's one reason why I'm going to have to spend $50 for a 2nd checked bag and have to spend $7 for a pillow!
Creating new green collar jobs is a great answer to the world's job loss epidemic and green practices are truly saving consumers and comanies money. Point in case, the government is cutting spending by hosting video conferences to cut down on travel expenses. However, other sectors will lose jobs. With these ethical choices consumers make, it's good to think…what is the best solution? For instance, if I buy certified ethical & green product, I could be cutting jobs for people in developing countries Then again, cotton farmers in Burkina Faso may not make a fair living unless it's managed by a fair trade program since the US gives subsidies to cotton farmers here, even though their prices are not as competitive.
Now, I feel warm, fuzzy and even cool by buying refurbished cell phones because I'm not creating a demand for the mineral Coltan, a mineral mined in the Congo which is causing wars, rape, decimation of forest and Gorilla killings in the Congo. Think of Coltan as the new blood diamond. I was at a Medicorps fundraiser in February where Ben Affleck discussed this issue.
If tales of violence spurred by demand for minerals don't pull your heart strings, maybe your purse strings will help you decide as buying refurbished product is also cheaper. This is exemplified quite well on eBay's Deal of the Day where you can get great product, refurbished and for a great price. Another place to look is mobile_karma for pre-owned cell phones and right now, partial proceeds going to Keep America Beautiful.
My solution? I think there's a middle ground that can be met where big companies have ethical practices and provide jobs in developing countries but we the consumers need to be aware of where product comes from and the conditions in that country, need to speak out to companies if their practices are not ethical and purchase from companies that do have great practices. This doesn't have to be a chore; saving the planet can be fun by sending flowers to friends through facebook apps.
Also, celebs like Leanardo DiCaprio. are involved so that means I should be, right?
