Green consumerism : A myth or reality ??

[Dr. Deeksha Dave]

The world over, the human beings are paying the cost of economic development in terms of the health of self and environment. Global warming, the result of greenhouse gas emissions, is the price the world pays for its ruthless growth. Similarly ozone hole depletion, climate change, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity are some of the few environmental problems the world is facing these days.

When one thinks about it, in today’s modernized society, life without the purchase of products and services appears impossible (unless we plan to go back to a prehistoric age). A demand for products creates their supply. Keeping this in mind, one can go to the extent of saying that all environmental concerns we face are due to consumerism. While it is impossible to survive without consuming, it then logically seems that it would be for our greater good that our consumerism be ‘green’ than otherwise.

The gap between green concern and green consumerism has been widened by the different orientations given to green consumerism by various segments of the society. These differences in perceptions and ideologies have intensified the debate on whether green consumerism is a strategy to save the earth or is it just a fancy of the developed nations.The green products still face the controversy regarding their purpose and credibility

[Satya Prakash Mehra]

Dr Deeksha, it is the matter of revival of eco-centric approach of Indian Culture which was following "Aranya Samskruti" (Forest Culture) on the concept of "Prakruti Purush" (Nature Man). Now-a-days this link has been broken down (reasons may be several). Further, Indian culture is having nothing like "waste" and "use n throw". "Minimum energy" was our attitude.

Everything lost due to this consumerism.... now in my views green consumerism is simply reviving indigenous culture. Every culture has its interrelationship with nature based on eco-ethics.

In rural areas of Rajasthan, my team is working on the age old traditions and rituals which are related with Conservation Practices. Today many of them area glamorized unfortunately without knowing the logic behind those practices.

Small actions could save our nature. If we start from our own then possibly could convince other to follow.

So first start up from your our side and every action will make a mark towards Green Consumerism.

[Vinodh Valluri]

Green consumerism is inherent to the Indian heritage. For how long have marriage parties ended in banana leaves, and molded leaf-cups?? Mr. Bharat rightly states the need for ethical and equitable consumption. The design of eco-products is not one contingent on buying power, but on the effect that the products ultimately have. After all, if we only made technologies and tools that the Ambanis could afford, there is not much that could be done to help the planet. Moreover, the demand-supply question is an easy one!!! How does the fashion world manage to keep alive and active, if demand and supply were the only powers? Innovation and industry are the call for this hour, along with a directed orchestration of societal greening by empowerment. We should discuss this further, especially in the context of 'creating' jobs in India.. jobs like potters, leaf molders, and natural [organic] farmers...

[GOPI KANTA GHOSH]

It will be reality without vested interest

[J.Bharat]

Dr. Deeksha,

Green consumerism is nothing but ethical consumerism which restricts the cosumers and induce them to make intentional purchases just to satisfy their needs rather than wants. That means keeping the purchases to minimal in such way that the purchases should not harm environment, humans and animls. Of course, a green consumerism can be used as a strategy to save earth balancing the future impacts of present consumption and preserving for the future generation. Unfortunetely, developed countries still learn to the basics of need based consumption wherein 20:80 rule is still existed if we take whole world population. That is, 20% of people have been consuming 80% of worlds products and services. That is why the controversy of the purpose and credibility of green products will continue.

Regards