Far too often, when people hear the terms “eco-friendly” or “green“, they think of “tree-hugging liberals”. Even in the news, environmental ideas are touted (or degraded) because of perceived connections with “the far left”. This is bad logic, to think that only Starbucks-drinking, Mac-blogging, futuristic-glasses-wearing eco-hipsters (and hippies) care about the environment. Why must people be lumped into either Conservatives or Liberals? I guarantee you that the vast majority of people, whether they know it or not, have a mix of opinions that have elements of liberalism, conservatism, and perhaps even joeism.
Apolitical Reasons to Live Greener
- It saves money. By using resources more efficiently, we spend less money. Better miles per gallon = save money on gas, better insulation = save money on heating/air conditioning, etc.
- Makes our country stronger. USA #1!!!! By investing in research in alternative energy (solar, wind, tidal), the good ol’ U.S.A. can help supply its growing energy-needs while cutting energy costs. Plus, we won’t be sending a bajillion dollars to such repressive regimes such as Saudi Arabia and Mr. Chavez.
- Leave the world in good shape for the future. Everyone wants their kids (and grandkids) to live in a t-riffic world. By conserving wetlands, forests, and nature in general, we can bequeath a pristine Earth for future generations.
Since most of y’all probably stopped reading awhile ago, I’ll cut this short and stop here. Let me know if you think of other non-political reasons for gettin’ green.
March 10th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Amen!
I’m sick of people associating standing up for the environment with being a self-righteous prick or a “dirty hippy.” The truth of the matter is that we’re slowly but surely screwing up the one Earth that we have, and we’ll continue doing it for as long as people are too conceited to look past political parties and labels for long enough to get something proper done.
March 10th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Forilla, that’s what I’m saying. We needs to stop jumping the gun and labeling mess before thinking it through.
March 11th, 2008 at 11:22 am
I also agree.
The old political lines of left and right are archaic remenants of the cold-war era.
Furthermore there are good religious arguments to be “stewards of the earth” and this train of thought should resound with what the media terms “the Christian right”.
March 11th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I totally agree with you as indeed a ” green ” living has many benefits that should be put forward by all…
Here in France it’s the right wing that took the most important decisions on climate change mitigation and sustainable development, via the Grenelle de l’environnement…
Keep up the good work as I really enjoy reading you !
March 11th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Dang, thanks!
What part of France are you in? My brother is going there this summer to study abroad.
March 11th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I am near Lyon, in a quite secluded village.
Hope your brother will have a nice stay in France. But my humble advice : learn French as most of us here don’t speak English. except the young folks
If you want some data on the green policies here, please check my articles on the Grenelle :
http://www.elrst.com/2007/10/26/the-grenelle-a-french-green-revolution/
and :
http://www.elrst.com/2007/11/15/further-on-le-grenelle-de-lenvironnement/
Enjoy !
March 18th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Oh I love your post. It’s so true — just because I’m green and love eco-friendly things has nothing to do with politics. I care for the earth and love to share recycled crafting. That’s my main “political” position.
March 18th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
Thanks RecycleCindy! Also, good articles, Edouard (I about spelled your name “Edward”)