Tony Esposito WCNC Production

Hello all, I hope everyone is doing well. I have been busy on some interesting subjects to write about so that is why you haven't heard from me for a while. One of the things I have been doing is getting ready to celebrate Earth Day. There are many events planned and I'm sure there will be a lot of neat things to learn about. One of the big events in the area is this Saturday at CPCC - it is the first Charlotte Clean and Green. Organizations from all around the city and county will participate.

I will be in York County next Saturday the 26th at the Museum of York County. I will have a table there promoting the Backyard Habitat Program & The South Carolina Wildlife Federation. If you are in the Rock Hill area, stop by and say hello. There are many more events in the coming weeks so get out and see what's new in being green.

Something I have noticed is that being Green has become a target for marketing campaigns. Everyday I see ads stating If You Are Green, you either need this product or you will enjoy owning that product. On Treehugger.com, there is an article that asks Is Earth Day the New Christmas? Whoa, what is going on here. Has Corporate America found a way to cash in on caring for the planet by selling you things that you probably don't need?

As I read the Treehugger article I felt my blood start to boil. I read about how JC Penney partnered with green-lifestyle expert Danny Seo who created the, get this, The Simply Green Home & Fashion Line. Oh my goodness, I wish I had thought of a line of products named that. The article goes on to tell about Ba-nana Republic's new eco line that will donate 1 percent of sales from April 22 through April 27 to benefit the Trust for Public Land. Macy's is also mentioned. Macy's will offer 10-20% off most merchandise the weekend of April 26 in exchange for a $5 donation to the National Park Foundation.

Is this really happening or am I having a bad dream? Surely true Green people aren't falling for all the consumer talk encouraging you to buy these products or shop at stores, so you will be Green and help save the planet.

What about the famous Green mantra, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle? Is consumerism taking over the minds of responsible stewards of the earth? Man, I hope not. But it sure sounds like the companies are trying. It is amazing what companies will do to sell their products. I really don't think that true environmentalists will buy into these ads and buy the products because we know it is just the companies trying to brainwash us into that mindset. Consumerism runs this country and buying things help keep it going. Most of the items we just "have to buy" will be in the closet or landfill in 6 months. I know that we sometimes have to pur-chase cloths or replace worn shoes but I hope we do it when these items are really worn out, not because some ad agency told us we would be extra Green if we bought these items.

Raising awareness on Earth Day and caring for the Planet is good for business, but to try and cash in on it by having sales that promote consumerism during a time of reduced consumer spending is just wrong and counters all the progress made in reducing the junk going into landfills.

Remember, to be really Green, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. By following this mindset, you will not only help save the planet, but it will really save you money. Now that is a mindset we can all live with.

1 Comments

Betty Jean Compton said:

Earth Day:
“.....Earth is not a caring, nurturing planet it is a DNA slaughterhouse,” to see where that quote comes from watch the following YouTube film

“The Origin of Jesus Christ”
Parts I & II

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzY2bVsZK5s

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sckuqPulRGk

Best Regards,
Betty

April 22, 2008 7:59 AM

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