We all have heard about the environment and its respective caring; never before has it been such a trending and hotly debated topic especially due to the rise of green movements, organisations and personalities such as Greta Thunberg. However, despite being a popular topic, are environmentalists really shifting the tendency or is it just fashion?
Some authors consider that people are indeed taking part of the movement, but just because it does not imply leaving their comfort zone. A lot of people do recycle, but only because it is almost effortless.
The other reason why people like to label themselves as green is the clout it implies. People are willing to take part in these activities so as to talk about their “altruism” with other people: some of the popularity of the movement resides in letting people know how good a person you are.
Environmentalism also consists in tricking ourselves in order to think we have an effect, when indeed we have no positive impact whatsoever. Being eco-friendly is just for personal joy and self-embrace. The light actions these supposed activists take will never stop the burgeoning emissions caused by the consumeristic society.
To conclude, I think we have to call a spade a spade, and I cannot help but agree with the two writers. If we really want to stop the detrimental effect of our way of life, bigger measures have to be taken.
Whether you like it or not, and no matter how green you are, we are all part of the same consumeristic society.
Martín A.