What Does Green Really Mean?
©Dianne Irene
Published in March, 2009
The concept of going green has been gaining attention in the media and in marketing campaigns from a growing number of companies. This concept continues to become the conversation that businesses are discussing. However, it is important that we do not focus on politics and exploiting an idea that is honestly needed in our world. Going green means that society will have to consider renewable resources, cleaning up poor environmental practices, and taking a serious look at responsibility. We must consider creative responsibility.
As a human race, many things have been done to impact our environment. We have made technological advances that have given way to conveniences and advances. However, humans have taken some routes of advancement that have not been environmentally responsible. Our ecosystem relies on a balance of factors. Upsetting this balance eventually affects the whole ecosystem. Selfishly creating hazards will eventually require a debt that must be paid.
Creative Responsibility
When we create, we must take responsibility for that creation. This means that companies that are creating harmful products and services need to address responsibility. You cannot create something detrimental in society and then blame the public. The responsibly must begin with the creator. This is necessary in order to ensure that we progress and do not repeat the mistakes of the past. The influence that a creator has over society comes with responsibility. Mining, nuclear waste, oil drilling, food product packaging, production, industrial waste, consumer products, and construction all have an impact on the environment. This impact is going to greatly affect our children’s children.
For example, the Great Garbage Patch, and many like it, threatens our oceans and wildlife in a serious way. The real culprit to this hazard is plastic. Our environment suffers when plastic is not properly disposed or recycled. Now, scientists are examining the Pacific Ocean with great concern and finding wildlife with plastic in their systems. These creatures are suffering from plastic poisoning. This great travesty is truly irresponsible and needs to be cleaned up. The other issue to consider is that this should not have happened in the first place.
Corporations need to look at the products they create and ensure that it is in harmony with the environment and doesn’t cause harm to the intricate balance of our ecosystem. There is a better way and that way is possible if creators choose to be conscious of their choices. The public is waking up and many have begun to consume less and make better choices, but the creators behind these products and services are responsible for their creations.
It is important to address this issue as citizens of this planet and ensure that this and other environmental disasters do not happen again. Going green does not just mean that citizens just accept the idea, but that the concern moves into action and responsibility. It should not be seen as a fad, an excuse to gain attention, a political agenda, but as a way to take responsibility as citizens of the ecosystem and to ensure that our children’s children have a planet that is in balance.
Resources:
The Great Garbage Patch. Retrieved on March 14, 2009 from: http://www.greatgarbagepatch.org/
