'Buying into the Green Movement'

An article in today's New York Times style section discusses the notion that many people buy green just to look cool and because they can do it guiltlessly, and it doesn't end up doing much for the environment.

"Critics question the notion that we can avert global warming by buying so-called earth-friendly products," writes Alex Williams, "from clothing and cars to homes and vacations, when the cumulative effect of our consumption remains enormous and hazardous."

Apparently "green is the new black." And it's not actually solving the problem of climate change.

There's a great quote from Chip Giller, founder of Grist.org: "Over even the last couple of months, there is more concern growing within the traditional camp about the Cosmo-izing of the green movement — '55 great ways to look eco-sexy.' Among traditional greens, there is concern that too much of the population thinks there’s an easy way out."

"The assumption that by buying anything, whether green or not, we’re solving the problem is a misperception," says Michael Ableman, an environmental author and long-time organic farmer. "Consuming is a significant part of the problem to begin with. Maybe the solution is instead of buying five pairs of organic cotton jeans, buy one pair of regular jeans instead."

Image credit: Post Typography