A Brave New World

If you care enough to read this you probably understand the basics of  ‘going green.’  But how do we convince the masses that much of our culture is just a big fat marketing scheme to induce consumerism? 

Image was found at http://goodbrew.com.au/news/100102rainbow.html

This is some of what is happening where I live in Hawaii:

• Recycle Hawaii – recycling centers that take mixed recycling (metals, plastics, glass) as well as household items, toys, shoes and clothing.  The usable items are sold at garage sale prices to pay the salaries of the staff.
• ReStore– Habitat for Humanity’s version of the above recycling center only there’s more of a focus on furniture and building materials.
• A plastic bag ban– Maui county will cease the use of plastic bags on the whole island on January 11, 2011.

 So if we all start riding only bicycles, using only solar or wind power, planting gardens, using reusable shopping bags, and eliminating the use of plastic tomorrow will we be able to completely reduce our collective human carbon footprint to zero and save the world from ourselves?  Unfortunately, no.  We have created a huge mess and even if we  stop producing all the things that contribute to it, the mess remains.  But will we make the world a better place and teach our children how to make better choices? YES!