Problems with Going Green and How to Overcome Them

"Subconsciously, I think this is just part of human nature, it's like, 'If I just do a little, I'm off the hook and my conscience is clear. Give me a pat on the back, and thank you very much.'"
― Jason Holstine, owner of Amicus Green Building Center in the Kensington

Go green! Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. Do your bit. Play your part. These are just some of the phrases we're constantly bombarded with, in our everyday life. Everyone thinks that everyone should be doing something about the dire straits that our environment is in, and the only solution anyone can come up with, unfortunately, is just one mantra: go green.

Sure it makes us feel like we're being responsible citizens of the world and that we're ensuring, in our own little ways, that our future generations have a better ecosystem and a more healthy environment to thrive in than the one we've obviously managed to pillage and defile with such ease.

But is it easy to actually 'go green'? Some may nod in agreement, some may shake their heads vehemently, disqualifying it as a viable way of life.

Since everyone's making such a big deal about how awesome it is to go green, let's play the devil's advocate and see what kind of problems going green can pose, and some solutions (if any) to counter them.

Honestly ask yourself: what does going green mean? Does it mean that you should stop using anything that has any kind of chemical substance in it? If yes, good luck with trying to live in the jungle. No high-speed Internet there, so whatchugonnado?

Or does it mean that you have to give up on practices and products that lead to deforestation or unfavorable use of rapidly depleting natural resources. Yes? Well, how, may we ask, will you reach work if not for your car or even the very efficient public transport system in your city.

You'll walk or cycle? Ummm, know a road or bike that isn't made of chemicals? We can go on with such questions, but we'll never get a definite answer. Why? Because there isn't one.

No one really knows what exactly going green entails, so everyone just formulates their own version of how to feel a little less guilty about the environment and decides to proclaim it as going green.

Now we're not saying that the effort isn't laudable. We're just saying if you have the passion and the drive to come up with ideas, why not take it on as a worldwide movement without having to worry about the money or sustainability part of it? Any answers?

► What the Solution Could be
Research. Do as much research as you can about the different and various meanings that going green has been attributed with over the years, pick one that seems the most doable by you, and follow it. The best part is, no one knows why they're doing what they're doing, so the chances of you doing it wrong aren't very high.

Don't be surprised. While there's too little information about what going green is, it is also true that there's so much of it, in bits, fragments, and pieces. One gets so overwhelmed that he can't help but begin doubting that the whole concept is nothing but urban legend.

You're supposed to recycle plastic, but only some types can be. You're supposed to use solar energy for electricity, but there's hardly any sunlight where you live. You should stick to cloth grocery shopping bags, but aren't they made from plants, which are green too?

So, does that mean that in order to protect plants, you've to make bags out of them? All these seem too ridiculous to you, don't they? Give it some time, and you'll realize you have similar questions, but no answers.

► What the Solution Could be
The best solution we can dare to offer to this obviously subjective conundrum is: pick a side or remain neutral. You make your decision based on what makes most sense to you: the arguments for or against going green.

If you truly believe that everything that is being said about going green will hold true under any circumstance, you've already decided that it's worth it. If you're more confused than convinced, then first of all, join the club, and next, refrain from making any major lifestyle change until you truly are convinced. Why? Coming up next!

Going green poses another problem that no one really advertises next to those glossy green posters: it is an extremely expensive way to live. At least for the middle or earning class. If it's so great to live green, why can't affordable products and practices that encourage it be made so that this class can benefit from it too?

They comprise the majority of the world population, so why does a hybrid car that runs on renewable energy cost almost a third more than its regular, gas-run counterpart? Why is solar energy so much more expensive than conventional electricity?

Because we haven't reached a stage where it is feasible to reduce prices without covering production costs. But then, aren't we supposed to be talking about the bigger picture, and NOT be worrying about trivial things like profit margins?

► What the Solution Could be
Rethink your decision. Make a financial plan. Calculate if you're going to be able to sustain a living while you attempt to sustain the environment. Don't do it just because it's in vogue. Consider all the lifestyle changes you'll have to make to accommodate this way of living, and make an informed decision.

Guilt among people who aren't green and prejudice against those who aren't are the emotional problems that this way of life can bring with it. The only way to handle it is to grow up and be practical. Do what you can, when you can, and how much you can.