BlogHer - eco-conscious - Comments

I think because many of the

Browne — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:22:51 -0500

I think because many of the bigger blogs are owned by marketing companies and people who are anti-consumerism aren't to popular to people in marketing. There's a concentrated effort among those who sell to link and support one another, but in the more humanistic side of the blog world that's not as common. We're very into prove to me why I should promote you, not you're on my team so I'm going to support you. I think business people who like pushing product are very team oriented, they are very into group think, which makes it easier for them to make their voices seem louder, even if that's not necessarily the true way most Americans feel.

But this is all theory out my butt, who knows really...

Browne Molyneux, LA Eastside and The Bus Bench

Reclaim green

bethfly — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:24:18 -0500

I still like "green." Makes me think of trees and other growing things. I just think those of us who are truly trying to lighten our impact on the planet need to speak up and reclaim the term. I totally agree with you that caring for the planet means buying/consuming less. And I also see companies jumping on the green bandwagon as a way to make more money.

How can we find a balance? We do need to consume to an extent. And we do need products that are environmentally-friendly. But we also can cut way, way back on what we do consume in the first place. There are quite a few green anti-consumerist bloggers out here. And maybe we're not getting our voices heard. Why do you think that is?

Beth Terry
http://www.fakeplasticfish.com

Love those kids

Denise — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:22:20 -0500

The look on the teen boy's face, love it - pure teen boy.
The vigorous toothbrushing!
The little one turning off the light in the bathroom!

Fantastic.

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings

Recycling has its down side

bethfly — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 06:04:11 -0600

Hi. Recycling is good, but I don't believe it's the final answer. Reducing our consumption is better than recycling. Please check out this video posted on my blog about what happens to some of the plastic we recycle. It's really heartbreaking...

http://www.fakeplasticfish.com/2008/01/week-29-results-26-oz-of-plastic-making.html

Beth Terry
http://www.fakeplasticfish.com

Keep it buttoned.

Papergeist — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:09:59 -0600

I am the same way. Once, I drove an empty glass gallon apple juice jug from New Hampshire back home to Florida because NH didn't recycle and I couldn't bring myself to throw it away. I have also put plastic bottles in my car to recycle at home. Your attitude is great, but try to bite your tongue while at friends' houses if it's a casual visit. (Don't look in the trash) Just set a good example and hope that others will follow. HOWEVER, if the friend is having a party, I don't see anything wrong with offering beforehand to take the recyclables when the party is over. I think that would be a case where the friend would see the benefit (less waste) and perhaps even encourage her to start recycling.

Susan
Papergeist

Once a friend asked me...

laurenbpgh — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:05:21 -0600

In my youth, I smoked cigarettes. Once a friend came to visit, and asked me why I threw the cigarette butt out the window. I'll admit it: at the time, her question made me angry and defensive. When I reflect back, though, I remember that it wasn't asked with a righteous tone or a sense of judgment. She just wanted to know if I had thought about it and if it was something I cared about. And you know what? I didn't throw butts out the window anymore after that. (Then, later, I quit. Go me.)

People want to think good things about themselves. Environmental issues get enough media coverage that I doubt anyone wants to think of herself as a polluter or bad for the environment. Use this to your advantage!

The next time the occasion presents itself, I would suggest asking your friends, in the most Pollyannaish, I'd-love-to-help-out, sincere tone of voice you can muster, if they are planning to recycle their water bottles (or whatever). And if they aren't, then this is the clincher: admit publicly that you are freakish. "I know it's bizarre, but I have this compulsive recycling habit. Mind if I take those cans to the recycling center?" or "I know where there's a recycling bin."

Who's going to say "No, you can't recycle my bottle! I want the Earth to melt and die!" So long as you aren't compromising your health, safety or personal relationships for recycling, what's the problem? Go ahead and pull over!