Green Group discussion

Since the group has been inactive for so long, I thought it might be a good idea to reintroduce ourselves by answering the following questions during the week of October 7.

- What made you become an environmentalist?
- What environmental issues are you most concerned about?

(This will also help to see what types of environmental book genres we can focus on in future reads.)

I began working on environmental issues back in the 1990s. At first, it was the saving the redwoods issue that got me involved, but then it branched out to almost all other environmental issues.

It's hard to really specify a couple of issues, but I'm interested in simple living, overpopulation, overconsumption, wolf retroduction, redwood preservation, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and organic and genetically modified foods.

Now, I would like to look at ways to help the environment within my own sphere: my home. Since lawn grass is so water intensive, I'm going to look at ways to landscape with native plants that uses little or no water.

I became an environmentalist because of my love of wild animals and nature.

Most concerned about overpopulation, climate change, preserving wildlife habitat, endangered species, keeping common animals common.

I became an environmentalist when I read a picture book about extinct and endangered animals when I was 6 or 7.

Now at the age of 20, I'm concerned about overpopulation, overconsumption, our current economic system which encourages the overexploitation of natural resources, and the mass anthropogenic extinction taking place.

I became an environmental vegetarian (I became a vegetarian due to the inefficiency and land/water degradation related to meat consumption)3 years ago.

Jimmy and Aiman - glad to see others concerned about overpopulation. It isn't a popular environmental topic because it is considered to be a sensitive issue.

But to me, it is at the heart of all environmental issues.

Recently, I read a book called "Hot" by Mark Hertsgaard (would definitely recommend it and s/h put it on my list). He argues that overpopulation is important, but not as important as other issues, particularly overconsumption.

I disagree - although I think that overconsumption is a huge issue as well.

It's hard to find books on the topic that aren't older. Thomas Friedman's book, Hot, Flat, and Crowded, does address overpopulation in one chapter, but we definitely need more books on the subject.

I love nature and i like to explore nature. Thats how i ended up doing master in Environment Science.

For me world population is main and key factor for major environmental issues.

- What made you become an environmentalist?

I was introduced to environmental concerns in college in St. Louis after attending a series of lectures by Barry Commoner who became a hero of mine. If you are not familiar with him, his life is summarized in an Obituary in the New York Times. He died last Tuesday. Also see his Wikipedia page. His 4 laws of ecology were drummed into me. A bit later I heard Ralph Nader speak and got the activist bug which the Viet Nam evil crystalized. It was get drafted, get into med school or become a Canadian. I got into med school and learned that out of balance homeostasis in a human caused disease and death, much as they do in any ecosystem. And, I was in NYC for the 1st Earth Day. (As medicine and the US have become so f-uped, now I wish I were Canadian). Anyway, that's how it started.

Today, though I wish I could wage war with Greenpeace, I spend my activist time harassing my "I don't believe in global warming" Republican politicians about their evil ways and supporting their more rational Democratic opponents, whom I try to keep on track.

- What environmental issues are you most concerned about?

Climate change is the most important issue if our time, IMO. We change or Nature will eradicate Earth's human infestation.

Being a microbiologist, I became aware of how bacteria and algae can help in creating alternate sources of energy to help save our environment. This inspired me to write an environmental thriller entitled “Green Power”. In this novel my protagonist, (Dr. Ray Pendleton a microbiology professor), sets up methane digesters on dairy farms. When an epidemic occurs it appears that it might be his project which is the source of this outbreak. However, later on it is found to be an act of bioterrorism.
Check out: http://vrooman.webs.com

I think you have all summed up my concerns already. I'm also sad that environmentalism is not seen in a better light.

I'll cut and paste something I posted in one of my other (favourite) groups, as it pretty much says what I am feeling at the moment:

We're about to hit peak pretty much everything. The peak oil issue alone, is so under reported. I don't think most people have any idea how the EU, U.K and the US, will be crippled by this. We are only just starting to fund alternate energy developments. We're running way behind. There will be a shortfall in terms of years spent catching up. Now add climate change, or our earth's natural reaction to massive changes in co2 in the atmosphere, and it's an explosive mix.

I don't need doomsday scenarios, just take a human race, that has no concept of living in anything other than a parasitic relationship with the planet that birthed, and evolved them, and breeds like rabbits. We are very capable of creating our own 'hell', here.

Here's where I think the change also lies: if we can get it together to view our world, and the other species we share it with, in an entirely different light, and if we manage to handle our own waste, and balance our energy needs, and to live in a symbiotic relationship with mother earth, we will have evolved to a point that we can, and will, survive. It will be a different earth for it :)

Or we'll go extinct.

Maliktipu wrote: "I love nature and i like to explore nature. Thats how i ended up doing master in Environment Science.

For me world population is main and key factor for major environmental issues."

I wish that I was good enough in science to have majored in something like Environmental Science. :-)

And wonderful, another member who focuses on overpopulation!

Kernos wrote: "Today, though I wish I could wage war with Greenpeace, I spend my activist time harassing my "I don't believe in global warming" Republican politicians about their evil ways and supporting their more rational Democratic opponents, whom I try to keep on track.
"

That's great - good for you!

I write letters as well, but I come from a very blue state with zero - at least right now - Republicans in Washington. So, I'm really just preaching to the converted.

Georgina wrote: "I think you have all summed up my concerns already. I'm also sad that environmentalism is not seen in a better light.

I'll cut and paste something I posted in one of my other (favourite) groups, ..."

I try to be optimistic, but I don't see enough changes, both individually or on the nation level. Europe is doing better than the rest of the world, but even they don't do enough. The U.S. definitely isn't doing enough, and China is problematic.

Sorry that I'm writing late in the game (was on vacation).

My name is Irene and have been an environmentalist/ conservationist since I was a tween. The influence came mostly from my father who would take us on nature walks in Chicago's "forest preserves" and always stressed environmental stewardship.

Also, political awareness of environmental issues were prominent as I came of age in the 70s/80s with the oil crisis and environmental degradation getting front-page coverage.

Most concerned about saving fisheries, adaptation to a new climate, living local, conservation, simple living, and sustainable transportation.

Lynnm wrote: "Jimmy and Aiman - glad to see others concerned about overpopulation. It isn't a popular environmental topic because it is considered to be a sensitive issue.

But to me, it is at the heart of all..."

Ya, it's a tough one. I studied demography/population in college and agree that both sides (overconsumption/overpopulation) have valid points. Consider that except for a few pockets, higher population growth rates occur in areas with the lowest levels of consumption. So we at least have that. Ironically, while the education of women is the strongest link to a reduction in birth rate, higher rates of education are associated (in many cases) with higher rates of consumption!

I read a great book a while back called something like "how many people can the earth support?" Turns out to be a very complicated answer. I would also be interested in other books on the topic (on either side).

Reenbean wrote: "Ironically, while the education of women is the strongest link to a reduction in birth rate, higher rates of education are associated (in many cases) with higher rates of consumption! "

First, hi Reenbean!

And true about educated women and lower birth rates, and unfortunately, higher education does lead to more consumption.

Overconsumption is a frustrating topic because most people agree, but no one wants to stop overconsuming material goods. It's fun to shop, they say! (Well, not for me - except for books. B&N is my favorite store.) Very difficult to get people to change their habits on this topic.

And I suppose that goes for everything regarding the environment. Everyone agrees, but no one wants to change.

I think the same goes for over population. I have delightful friends, who love and care deeply for the world, but keep having babies. Everyone wants someone else to have less! I think two or one is the go. I explained to my daughter and son that we wouldn't extend our family further, as I didn't want to be the old woman in the shoe. The world can't afford it.

Yes (to both Lynnm and Georgina), the disconnect is palpable even among the well-intentioned.

I have found the simplicity movement very appealing and most definitely not "austere". But I don't reflect the majority. Are we hard-wired for consumption?

Reenbean wrote: "Yes (to both Lynnm and Georgina), the disconnect is palpable even among the well-intentioned.

I have found the simplicity movement very appealing and most definitely not "austere". But I don't..."

Good question.

There is a good essay by Alan Durning called the "Dubious Rewards of Consumption," and he said that socially, we are not happy unless we have the same amount of material goods as the people around us.

I think one of his examples was something like, a person could make $500,000 a year - which most people would think is a great salary! - but if that person's circle is made up of people who all make $1,000,000 a year, they will feel poor. (The numbers are definitely different from his, but the idea is there!)

My humble opinion, but I think that people see so much wealth on TV and celebrities with their "bling" that that image has become the standard. In comparison, we all feel poor because we don't have a huge house, a sportscar, etc.

Plus, we have advertisements bombarding us day and night with the message to buy buy buy, and if you buy these "toys," you'll be happy!

Not the case. Durning points out that people in the 1950s - at least for the U.S. - with far less material goods were much happier. In fact, the 1950s was the pinnacle in happiness for the U.s. Since then, our happiness meters have gone down steadily.

Again, I think it is because of what we see on TV/films, etc. Something we can't possibly live up to, and therefore, we aren't happy.

Could be wrong though...again, just my humble opinion. :-)

Yes, I agree. I think I heard about that study too. I'm glad to see that there are a few of us finding happiness with less. :-)

Apologies for coming to this thread so late but work has been rather manic of late.

I've been interested in nature and environment since I can remember and as a result I'm now an Ecological Consultant who works with contractors, developers etc to try and reduce the environmental impact of schemes, proposals etc.

On a personal level, while I do still eat meat (nature did make me an omnivore after all), I buy only organic and locally produced meat and keep my consumption to a low level. I also use a green non-profict energy supplier, do much of my own baking/cooking rather than buy food that is overly packaged and have recently started on the path to making my own clothes (although that is a little slow going admittedly) and those I do have a worn until they are in tatters and then used as cleaning rags, cushion stuffing etc.

My opinion of humanity as a whole gets lower and lower the older I get and to be honest I struggle to see people as a collective doing anything significant enough to protect the environment that 'hurts' their perceived standards of living or their wallets until they absolutely have to, which lets face it will be too late. I frequently get quizzed by clients with the classic 'well what are you doing to protect the environment?' when I tell them what mitigation measures they'll need to put in place for their schemes/proposals. Obviously I then feel rather smug when I give them my list of personal actions and actions my employers are also making.

Sorry to be depressing and negative but history shows that humanity is reactive and not proactive. Hopefully one day soon the message will get through that the green movement will help and protect them as much as the environment. Lets face it Earth has been through bigger things and come out the other side, so while we may be having massive effects on the environment, she'll bounce back and survive and when she does, she'll bite us in the backside (I'm strangely looking forward to this).

Hi Sam!

That's great that you are starting to make your own clothes. I would like to start buying some clothes made out of organic plants, but have never looked down the path of making them myself.

And I used to think that I would "enjoy" watching Earth's payback, but after having to go through some strange weather the last three years, not so much now. ;)

Hi Sam. I actually didn't think your story was depressing but uplifting and energizing. Keep up the good practices.

In terms of making or buying your own clothes from organic plants, hemp is a superior fabric. Try to find product made in eastern Europe rather than China, where it is not grown sustainably.

Well I'm glad I haven't depressed anybody with my rantings Reenbean!

I'm starting with customising, repairing and renewing the clothes I have then I plan to move on to making the more simple styles before hopefully moving on to the more complex garments. I've looked at hemp and I'm also going to try organic cottons and the like too. And of course trying for locally sourced materials as much as possible :-)

Great, Sam. Good luck with your endeavors and keep inspiring us!