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Going Green
"Everyone’s “going green”-- using alternative energy and of course, buying the latest eco-friendly products."
By Alana Germany, 18
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As the effects of global warming take their toll, it's becoming increasingly trendy to buy eco-friendly products. But Alana Germany says consumerism is not the solution to global warming. (July 29 on KCBS)
Earth Day has been around for decades, but in recent months, the fight to preserve the earth has become brutal. Everyone’s “going green”-- using alternative energy and of course, buying the latest eco-friendly products.
Right now some factions in the green movement are playing the consumerism card, pushing the sale of eco-friendly products.
People are told to buy the Toyota Prius, or cut back on airplane travel; they’re encouraged to buy houses that occupy less square feet, or use hemp grocery bags when they visit the store. These are great suggestions for adults with the money to buy houses and cars, but what about us young people? I’m not in charge of the grocery shopping at my house. And I don’t have a learning permit, let alone a car. I definitely don’t have the money to invest in a new house.
But I do care about the environment, and I would like to do my part to ensure its survival. So if environmentalists want to reach people like me, maybe the should stop talking about what people can buy to reduce global warming. It’s time to promote action – the kind that doesn’t require a bottomless bank account.
For Youth Radio I’m Alana Germany
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