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I'm concerned about the environment and what our actions are doing to it. I'm not convinced that the doom-and-gloom predictions are well-founded, but there is sufficient evidence to convince me that some changes in our collective behavior are certainly necessary. I try to be conscious of the impact of my actions, and try to make choices that (I hope) reduce any negative impact on the environment. However, a couple of things that I've read in the last couple of weeks have struck a nerve.
I recently read that while the demand for hybrid vehicles is up, it isn't up equally for all models. At least in this area, the demand for the Toyota Prius out paces the demand for the Honda Civic Hybrid. These cars are comparably priced and equipped, but the Honda is virtually the same as its regular gasoline powered sibling (other than the "Hybrid" nameplate, they are cosmetically identical), while the Prius has a unique look (not an attractive on, IMO). Apparently, the Prius is selling better because it can be identified as a hybrid powered vehicle. This means that one of the selling points for the vehicle is the need to be seen as being environmentally conscious.
Another recent news item described a vandalism attack on a Hummer H2 in a affluent DC neighborhood. All the tires on the truck were slashed, all the windows smashed, and "FOR THE ENVIRON" scratched into the paint. Granted, the H2 is anything but an environmentally friendly vehicle, but is the answer to go out and vandalize someone's property because we don't agree with their choices?
In both cases, I have to wonder about the motives. Are these people really concerned about the environment, or are the more interested in appearing to care about the environment. To me, it doesn't matter whether others know what I'm doing, as long as I'm doing it. I don't need the recognition or attention. (I feel the same way about charity...this should be a quiet personal thing, and I get suspicious of people who insist on performing "charity" in highly public ways...) I've started referring to this phenomenon as Conspicuous or Self-righteous Environmentalism (both probably terms I've lifted from articles I've read), but I have to wonder if I'm really being fair...
I recently read that while the demand for hybrid vehicles is up, it isn't up equally for all models. At least in this area, the demand for the Toyota Prius out paces the demand for the Honda Civic Hybrid. These cars are comparably priced and equipped, but the Honda is virtually the same as its regular gasoline powered sibling (other than the "Hybrid" nameplate, they are cosmetically identical), while the Prius has a unique look (not an attractive on, IMO). Apparently, the Prius is selling better because it can be identified as a hybrid powered vehicle. This means that one of the selling points for the vehicle is the need to be seen as being environmentally conscious.
Another recent news item described a vandalism attack on a Hummer H2 in a affluent DC neighborhood. All the tires on the truck were slashed, all the windows smashed, and "FOR THE ENVIRON" scratched into the paint. Granted, the H2 is anything but an environmentally friendly vehicle, but is the answer to go out and vandalize someone's property because we don't agree with their choices?
In both cases, I have to wonder about the motives. Are these people really concerned about the environment, or are the more interested in appearing to care about the environment. To me, it doesn't matter whether others know what I'm doing, as long as I'm doing it. I don't need the recognition or attention. (I feel the same way about charity...this should be a quiet personal thing, and I get suspicious of people who insist on performing "charity" in highly public ways...) I've started referring to this phenomenon as Conspicuous or Self-righteous Environmentalism (both probably terms I've lifted from articles I've read), but I have to wonder if I'm really being fair...
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