Corporate Responsibility and the Obsession with Consumption

Maniates’ article is unique in that it criticizes the latest fad, “Going Green.” An endeavor he claims is not only insufficient in combating environmental issues we collectively face, but also the notion of “easy” and “simple” ways to “save the environment” should be found offensive. Environmental degradation will only end when people change every aspect of their life and their demands of policymakers. But the notion of change is horrifying to many; the idea of altering the way we eat, speak, and consume is uncomfortable to most. But what should be even more unsettling is the idea of massive floods, prolonged droughts, and numerous hurricanes. I agree with the bestselling authors that ditching plastic bottles for reusable ones or going a little out of ones way to recycle are great, though minute, ways of helping to decrease one’s carbon footprint. But I am of the same opinion as Professor Maniates, these incremental changes are not enough, the focus should not solely be on biking to work and believing you did your part in the fight against climate change, but about massive demonstration, a wake up call that if the U.S. does not change every way in which it operates, there will be no hope of a future, or a desirable one at least. A revolution should be started, and not a Green Revolution like the 1940s (please no!), but a fight for Life revolution. One thing I would like to point out about the "Going Green" fad is the irony behind it, as it openly promotes consumption. Companies pump out canvas bags that read “I’m not a plastic bag” and Starbucks releases “new” reusable mugs for every possibly consumer, some with curves, some with a handle, some with grip, the fact is it’s all just more junk we do not, but are told to need. Therefore I think the question in the environmental effort, and one that Professor Maniates does not mention, is not only the role of the average Joe and the Government, but the responsibilities of the corporation, the businessman, the lobbyists who push for oil pipelines and limits on the life of light bulbs. Until we stop giving into the "American Dream," trying to acquire every new tangible good that exists, environmentalism will always be on the back burner to consumerism. Despite it being four years since the publication of this article, not much has changed. Hopefully something or someone (or everyone) soon does.