Environmentalists around the world, are you actually anti capitalism, or just anti consumerism?

Question

I hear ALL THE TIME that environmentalists are all anti capitalist leftist wackos. I know I'm not, and I'm assuming alot of you aren't either.

My guess is that on the whole, environmentalists are not against capitalism, but are against consumerism. While there may be anti capitalist environmentalists, it is not an inhearant component of the environmentally concerned person.

Answer 1

Actually, I think the best way to make positive changes for a better environment is through capitalism. Our society is driven more by money than by the government and I believe that each dollar you have is like a little vote, and when you spend it on a certain company you are handing them a little more power. That's why I think that the best way to improve the environment is to support companies that are making positive differences. This is why veganism makes such a positive impact; when you boycott all animal products you are saying that you will not vote for these factory farms that pollute the earth. People need to think before they buy and exercise educated consumerism - quality over quantity. Sure, you can walk into a store and buy cheap things made in China; you can get Banquet dinners and store-brand cleaning products full of phosphates and really fill your cart. Or you can do some thinking before you go to the store, research companies that are promoting a better earth and make a list. Buying American is also important since we have better environmental practices here than in China, where all our factories are being shipped off to. You may spend a bit more, but think of the real payoffs, for the environment and your own well being.

I think we are beginning to see a revolution in the things we buy as people become more aware of environmental issues. I see more and more organic companies and their products are getting cheaper and more readily available. Technology is getting more efficient too, with LCD screens and hybrid cars. People have started to demand these things and it's showing - capitalism at its best.

Answer 2

How on earth do you separate the two? One drives the other. If somebody is making money from it then there is usually something to consume. Overconsumption is the problem which is why environmentalists are against consumerism. How do we promote truly sustainable products?

We have 'imperfect choice' in a capitalistic society such as ours. You either 'buy' into capitalism, or move elsewhere, but where, there is no perfect avenue of exit either?

It does not mean that you for or against, capitalism it just means it is the dominant system.

The key is to work within the dominant system, so give green issues the status they need to have value. For example, if trees produce a yield they are given the real status and value in money terms they deserve. Trees then become seen as investments. People are actively encouraged to plant food forests and mixed native woodlands instead of selling off their land to developers to concrete over them.

Buy bits of paper, shares/carbon credits that somebody else takes a massive chunk of for your pension?

Or Enrich the Environment, help sequester CO2, provide wildlife habitat, help prevent flooding by run off, build compost, encourage root associates to promote other flora and have an investment for your pension, children and grandchildren.

If it must be capitalism, then I know what sort of capitalism I would prefer.

Answer 3

I am not against Capitalism per se. I just am in favor of somebody looking over what the big businesses are doing. In the late 1800's, working conditions were terrible. They needed Congress to step in to break up monopolies and establish 40 hour work weeks, minimum wage hours, etc. If you look at places like Enron, they were able to lie, and eventually it made a lot of people unemployed. The basic ideas of Capitalism I believe are correct. People do act out of greed and self interest, so why go against this human nature. However, I feel that unwatched Capitalism can lead to a lot of problems as well. Basically, I am happy with the mixed-economy system that we have set up in America.

Answer 4

I'm more of a liberal type. Money, to me, is a tool that should be used correctly, and for good. Mass consumerism of worthless things we don't really need, is bad. We should teach our children, that quality, is better than quantity. I never gave my son everything he pointed at as a child, no matter how big a fit he threw. Now at fifteen he knows the difference between things of value versus, just useless stuff. He has a really nice computer, and all kinds of other high tech gadgets, that challenges his mind , and helps him grow intellectually. The reason he has these things, is because he was willing to sacrifice those numerous plastic toys made in China. For Christmas, he's getting a pickup truck, so he can work. He doesn't eat junk food, processed food, hard candy, or drink pop. He has in his fifteen years never been sick.

I've come to realize that our environment is the most important thing we have. And all too many people don't have their priorities right.
However, it seems to me that most republicans are pretty ignorant, careless, and constantly looking for excuses for continuing to not give a ****.
They must consider themselves quite special, as whatever problems there are out there, is the guy's problem, not theirs.
I see most of them as uneducated jerks.
It seems I can always spot a republican just by his action and attitude. It isn't hard.
But, if people can make money doing something that's good for the environment, and all of the people, more power to them

Answer 5

None of the above.

Consumerism comes in many shapes and forms. As an environmentalist, I try to support sustainable use of our natural resources to protect the habitat, provide open space for people to enjoy, and to provide jobs in the decades to come. In these matters, there is no black and white. There are too many shades of gray as well as full on color. At any rate, generalizations and labels are great for headlines and soundbites, but they don't do much to promote a healthy dialogue, good questions in Yahoo excepted, of course.

Answer 6

Actually most of the environmentalists that I know seem to be using it as a new form of snobbery.

If you are not up on the latest environmental fad then they tell everybody you know that you are a stupid redneck.

I live out in the woods, but I work in Silicon Valley, the ground zero for environmental snobbery.

I find it interesting that the same people who think that they do not contribute to Global Warming because they recycle a little bit every now and then, think nothing of driving hundreds of miles to go camping or backpacking somewhere.

How much carbon dioxide are they adding to our atmosphere as they drive off to their favorite camping or backpacking spots?

They way I see it environmentalists are not anti-capitalist or anti-caonsumerism, they are merly playing the one upmanship game.

So I guess that I will call them one-upmanists.

Answer 7

For a good understanding of your question, read Thom Hartmann's book, "The Last Hours of Ancient Sunlight".
It's one of the most enlightening books I've ever read!

Answer 8

I'm not a big fan of capitalism. I think it's got an inherent flaw in that it relies on greed, and thus tends to bring out the worst in people. However, it's certainly a stable system.

I'm against excessive consumerism, of course.

Answer 9

anti consumerism

I still make money off oil stocks, I just try not to buy the stuff myself. I'll make money off the alternatives, too.

Answer 10

Actually, most are neo-Luddites.