In today's Guardian, George Monbiot expressed a view that I've heard countless times since I've been editing Hippyshopper; that nowadays 'going green' is mainly another way for the middle classes to make themselves feel virtuous, while continuing to pollute the planet with long-held habits. And it caused me exactly the same internal conflict as it invariably does...
Largely because a lot of the article is depressingly familiar. How many comfortably-off people do you know who congratulate themselves for their eco-warrior credentials whilst continuing to fly, drive their kids around in people-carriers and buying as many questionable items as before? (Stand up Mr Chris Martin)
Monbiot's main argument is that there is a fundamental conflict between consumerism and being green, because being green essentially involves buying less. He cites the numerous 'eco' goodies he's had heaped on him at press events, and the resulting 'green' mountain he's collected at home. And I would agree wholeheartedly that a lot of people are indeed missing the point. Going green is cool - very cool - and it runs the risk of being seen as another trend that'll soon look horribly dated.
But where do we draw the line? We all need to eat, dress ourselves, get from A to B and work. If there are industries helping us to do this with minimum environmental impact, aren't we all better off? The solution is, of course, to make purchasing decisions based on the best information you have, and stick to the basic principle of not buying for the sake of it.
And a lot of the truly green items on the market will help you do just that. Buy ethically-produced, handmade clothing that hasn't come out of a sweatshop, and you'll have a garment that lasts a lot longer, meaning far fewer replacement items are needed. Invest in a sturdy canvas tote (whether it's an 'it bag' or an old kit bag) and you'll be turning away a heck of a lot of plastic. Of course, all of this depends on the attitude of the consumer, but I don't think this changes the fact that there are a a lot of well-meaning business people doing their best to change the way we shop. A little finger-pointing at the hypocrites is never a bad thing, but let's hear it for those shoppers who know it's possible to live a green life - even one involving sacrifices - that need not deprive us of a little of what we like.
Abi,
glad you've commented on this. Yes, 'green' runs the risk of being just another fad. And yes, it is - by and large - a middle class pursuit because it generally costs more up-front (though is often cheaper long-term).
Still, there are plenty of middle class people who are changing both their lifestyle habits - flying less, for example - *and* buying ethical versions of essential products such as food and clothing.
I've been guilty of featuring green/fair products that are non-essential and gimmicky (much like Hippyshopper has, on the odd occasion), but I genuinely think sites such as Hippyshopper and New Consumer are still creating a greater good. For every one person that buys a hydrogen toy car because they read about it here, there are many people buying products that cut carbon emissions, help producers through fair trade and generally have a lower environmental impact than their 'non-ethical' counterparts.
Anyway. As you've gathered I could go on about this all day! I've put some more thoughts about George's thought-provoking piece here:
http://thegreenguy.typepad.com/thegreenguy/2007/07/why-monbiots-wr.html
Hi Adam! agree entirely - like any movement trying to gain momentum, a love/hate relationship with fashion is inevitable I think. It's a very powerful medium when harnessed properly, but you have to accept the ugly side of it as well, i.e. that some people will pay lip service to it and trends will reverse.
I think he's absolutely right to point the finger at the 'eco luvvies' who pride themselves on their empty gestures, but I think it's also important to recognise the positive steps we have taken through changing shopping habits. If done properly, shopping ethically is possible, and is far more realistic a notion than, say, expecting people to give up buying things altogether. Like that's ever going to happen? ;)
abi, While I agree with what you are saying about how much it sucks that "being green" is just another fad, I try to look at it another way. As I see it, every little bits helps. And isn't that why we do all this anyway? Because we care about the earth and the living things on it. And if "this fad" turns just a couple people our way, I believe it is more than a success. It's all happening for a reason. Keep up the good work!