I think this is the beginnings of an economy based on perpetual growth and fossil fuel energy running headlong into geological energy constraints. Basically I see an undulatory downward path for the rest of my life. From here out, I think any rallies in our economic condition are going to be met with spiking commodity prices that knock us right back down.
Today, I was there helping set up a stall today for a local company, who produce a solar hot water system.
Other worthwhile exhibitors include a company selling pellet woodstoves, the local Green party (very innovative), a company with a thermal building block etc.
However, the booth that took the prize for "taking the piss" was a company with a Honda hybrid taking pride of place (and a couple of bicycles hidden in the corner) calling itself "Greenfleet".
This appears to be a blatant example of greenwashing. This company is skimming profits selling an over rated vehicle while doing absolutely nothing to reduce dependency on personal motor vehicles. Worse, by promoting to the public the idea that the solution to serious climate change/peak oil problems is as easy as dropping in a new technology (hybrid vehicles/hydrogen vehicles etc) as a substitute for our current fleet of gas guzzlers, it is discouraging investment in alternatives such as public transit and cycling. In other words, its pretty much business as usual but with a superficial green tinge.
Do people who have taken the time to understand that the problem goes a whole lot deeper than mere technology substitution (e.g. refer to Monte's excellent threads on debt based money), agree that these greenwashing exercises are counter productive.
I'd be interested in hearing you views.
BTW, I'll be manning a stall there on Sunday so I might do some "research" and feedback to this site the types of responses I encounter. _________________ Let's hope the next generation have a sense of humour ... our generation will need it.
There is nothjing wrong with Hybrid vehicles, the options & the future are open to many interpretations. But if someone is in the market for a new car, because their situation todays demands they have transport, then it is preferable that they aquire the least polluting form of transport they can. So buying a Hygrid will reduce the users CO2 production, the very technology of the vehicle will limit its use. It takes no more energy to produce an energy efficient vehicle than a normal gas guzzler, so it is an overall saving.
The more people converting to Hybrids, the bigger the interest in the problem will become. The biggest problem at the moment is total lack of knowledge or apathy in the general public. The more their awareness can be improved, the better things will be in the future. The Hybrid is not the answer, but it is part of the solution !
Chris W. _________________ The roller coaster is still climbing, but it's near the top now !
Where there's a WAR there's a WAY
Hybrids are definitely part of the solution. Most people want to "help the environment" and everyone wants to save money. Obviously PO is still a problem but if everyone drove hybrids we would cut our gasoline use in half, no? Seems to me that would smooth things out a bit. Anything that gives us more time is good. If nothing else, reducing fossil fuel consumption rate will help environmentally (pollution/global warming).
Joined: Aug 18, 2004 Posts: 694 Location: SF Bay Area, Calif
Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 6:44 pm Post subject:
fastbike wrote:
This company is skimming profits selling an over rated vehicle while doing absolutely nothing to reduce dependency on personal motor vehicles. Worse, by promoting to the public the idea that the solution to serious climate change/peak oil problems is as easy as dropping in a new technology (hybrid vehicles/hydrogen vehicles etc) as a substitute for our current fleet of gas guzzlers, it is discouraging investment in alternatives such as public transit and cycling. In other words, its pretty much business as usual but with a superficial green tinge.
You pretty well summed up the phenomenon, fastbike. It's the old debate between Reform and Revolution.
I'd go farther and extend your analysis to much of what is currently labeled "green," such as hydrogen power, organic food produced by large corporations, and recycling.
I don't think I'd call the phenomenon "greenwashing." Greenwashing implies the perpetrators understand the real situation and are cynically hoodwinking the public. On the contrary, most people involved in hybrids and light-green solutions are sincere and, to some degree, idealistic.
In my mind, the challenge is: how does one deal with people with whom one disagrees?
One solution is MikeB's idea of peeing on the Honda's tires. Alternately, one can confront the others and denounce them publicly.
These tactics were used extensively in the 60s and 70s. Having lived through that period and done those things, let me assure you that they get very old very quickly.
For one thing, no matter how green or left you are, there will always be someone who is greener and lefter. Self-righteousness and impulsive actions poison the atmosphere. People stop listening and leave.
I've become a fan of what the Buddhists call "skillful means." For example: listening deeply to other people, trying to find areas of agreement, avoiding stereotypes and rigidity. I would not say that I have mastered these skills, but I notice that the more I use them, the better I feel about myself.
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