being green isnt easy

In response to the Michael Maniates Washington Post article, I would agree with most of the statements he makes. Saving the planet from catastrophy is not going to easy, but I would disagree and say that everyday people can do 'easy' steps to make an impact. Recycling, and cutting down on waste and personal compsumtion can help, but it is not a panecea for the problem. The small steps suggested by the numerous books on the market are not going to save the planet alone. It will take large radical steps by governments, and industries to really make a difference.

As we saw in the Story of Stuff the consumption wheel was created, it is not inherent. Corportations and governments drive people to consume at high rates. People will always consume, but companies need to work harder to create environmentally safe products that don't just take from the environment but actually positively give back.

Average citizens cannot make the types of large scale changes needed. It will be the responsibility of the governments and corporations to make the changes. They have the power to influence consumers and the environment. Social change only occurs when large actors make changes. Average persons can start to spread consciousness of the harmful effects of consumption, and growing emissions but it will take the policy makers and industry leaders to make changes.