12 November 2008
In the late 80s i was a founding member of SEAC (students for
environmental awareness, although some of us felt it was more
appropriate to have the "a" stand for action). I say this not to be put
on a pedestal, but to point out that the same problems exist today,
twenty years later - and have been buried in confusion. There are many
who say things are not getting better. So lets look at why.
As we know the three r's of suatainability stand for reduce, reuse,
recycle (specifically in that order), unfortunately not everyone
understands this. Cities still get awards for recycling, but where are
the awards for reduction and reutilization? when we break it down its
easy to see who the real award winners are, it might suprise you!
First, we have your typical socially conscious rich person/yuppie. This
person has read all about the trends on the internet and magazines
(requiring energy and paper). They've learned that green is the new
black. They put all their old resources and appliances in the BMW SUV
and took them down to the rescue mission (who's director makes over
$100,000 a year, and is probably connected). Then sell the rest on
ebay. Then they drive off to Pier One, and Wallmart, to by new
sustainable things (which come from china and bali where workers are
like slaves, and the industry pollutes the land). Then the yuppie looks
at all their trendy stuff and thinks they are truly elite, and
tries,nonverbally, to let everyone know.
Next the conscientious shopper,who tries to avoid the trappings of
consumerism, gets in the biodiesel (which also chokes out fumes) and
goes to the co-op to buy products from places far away from things that
dont grow here, because someone said its sustainable. They load up on
anything hemp, and bamboo, and pride themselves on recycling all their
containers. Other resources are picked up at the thrift store (who's
executive director makes over $100,000, and gets a free house and car,
the chances of them being connected are pretty high). Then sell the
rest on craigslist. They then tell their neighbors they need to change
and think they are elite.
Last we have the socially conscious poor/homeless person who has
considered how to become sustainable at the public library, reading
books, and using shared wireless. They also spend time acquiring
information "word of mouth" from the community (public
feedings/community centers are interesting places to learn a wide
variety of knowledge, and places to acquire resources ), and from
social services they can get reused resources, information, and sign up
for social programs. They make things from natural elements found right
here in america. Chances are they know the recue mission/thrift store
is a scam, and have many reasons not to support it (incuding the
twisted evangelicalism). So they scavange, scrounge, and wait for
people to donate or get things from a garage sale/church give away.
Some things they are able to make d.i.y., and learn more out of
necessity. Recycling becomes a for profit venture which also includes
items found in dumpsters or things that are given to them. Some folks
may feel elite, or know that we are equals, but are often seen by
society as something they are not because they are victims of
capitalism's scapegoating. They are often willing to share knowledge
and resources, or will barter for a trade or fair price.
Its time to head down to the good samaritan to find the true heroes of the sustainability movement, and learn from their wisdom.
Society is a closed loop, regardless of the class war. For this
example, we can learn from infants. They do not judge based on
inconsequential assets. They are more sensual (how does someone smell?
Are they friendly?) They sometimes share food and acquisitions.
Children like to be loved and often are in awe of nature. The leaders
of the sustainability movement embody these characteristics and teach
others by inspiring themselves/us with new techniques for greater
awareness and action.
When i lived in an apartment i used to be a packrat for plastic bags. I
never knew what to do with them. Now i pass on a revelation. You can
dig a whole, line it with bags, and then cover with a thin layer of
pretty rocks. Voila! A little pond (be sure to keep it clean), watch
it, and learn from nature.
P.s. yes, its a case of extreme representations/gross generalizations,
but its yet another example of rethinking past hierarchies and the
false claims of greenwashers.
- john doe is a journalist who has embraced the sustainability movement, he sees d.i.y. and reuse as our building blocks to healthy societies.
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