When it comes to being green, most of us are a bunch of liers. For the real scoop, here is a very interesting study, that was just quoted in the Telegraph:
A study by Norwich Union discovered that seven in 10 regard appearing to be green as the new way of “keeping up with the Joneses”. Although more than half consider unethical living as much of a social taboo as drink driving, nine in 10 admit that they tell “little green lies” to exaggerate their commitment to saving the planet. More than 50 per cent say they are unlikely to alter their way of life despite pressure from the media, politicians and their children to be greener. Corinne Sweet, a psychologist, said: “We want to be good but often are too busy, or it seems too complicated, so we cut corners, or forget altogether and then feel guilty. “This can lead people to lie about their environmental actions, or even to give up trying altogether, as it all seems too much to pack into our already too busy 24/7 lives. “People then feel guilty when friends, family and neighbours seem so much better at being green. “Spending money is a traditional way of ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ and is something most of us know how to do,” Miss Sweet added. “But being green, that’s a lot harder to work out and people are feeling a great deal of anxiety, irritation and fear that what they are doing is not enough or is wrong. Their anger can lead them to give up altogether and then be racked with green guilt.” Three-quarters of people feel most guilty about driving gas-guzzling 4x4s, while six in 10 rue wasting energy at home. More than half are ashamed of using plastic bags and the same number feel bad about not having a recycling bin, the survey found. Despite feeling sheepish, 40 per cent admit they are unlikely to check whether food and clothes are ethically produced, and admit to leaving electrical products on standby rather than switching them off. One in five say they have no idea how to be more green.
Shouln’t environmental organizations, be mulling over these numbers? Personal psychology plays such a huge role in the current climate crisis. I am reminded of my days as an advertising woman, when part of my job was to figure out “The Consumer”. We went to such great lengths to understand the motivations behind consumers’ attitudes and behaviors. Great advertising stories all start with this basic effort of getting into the consumers’ minds. Something to learn here.
La Marguerite 
it took al gore a very very long time to share his message via the film inconvenient truth – way before the video he was beating on doors – one power point at a time – in one year since it’s release we now have a new word to our public and “jones” vocabulary. Embracing what it means to each of us will take time ( if we embrace it all), major reality checks and education will play a huge role — what is cool if you haven’t noticed is the way the next generation feels about it – their enthusiasm – there commitments and their actions are all part of the altering of our planet – i feel bad at what were giving them to work with
i thought i was green until I met you my dear, you have opened my eyes more than you know
Mother Earth
http://www.bestwellnessconsultant.com
Hi, came across your blog after AIT2 comment on excorazzi. You’ve got a very “clean” blog going on here hehe. Nicely done.
And i can understand what those people mean when they try hard to be green and then fail. I’m not saying that I am but I think it boils down to how people actually want to be responsible for their green actions.
In away its a scary thing to embark on, cause just like Christianity, you open to a lot more criticisms, when we make claims, like this is not right or this is wrong. It becomes in my opinion harder to maintain. But of course its also up to the individual to keep their chin up and fight on.
Here what like the 11th hour talks about is changing the minds and culture of their normal convenient and conservative selves into a being that care. Ideology is never easily changed. So half the time, we need alternatives.
Like if we can’t change what people think, then why not bring it to their level. Make them buy eco-friendly products. They need to buy stuff anyways, so why not just shift to eco ones. I don’t know how far that will help, but it’s just a thought.
Sorry for the lonnnnggg ramble. lol.
[…] guilt from being asked to make life changes that are impossible to achieve, given present solutions […]