I posted something on this the other day regarding my concern when green becomes too popular or too political.

On the other hand, it there really any bad publicity as they say.  I hope that people will continue to care and make changes that will ultimately help.  I think it is us to people like us and sites like LIME to keep the movement alive and thriving. 

I't about time magazines got on the band wagon regarding green living. Compared to pass mention in "Hey don't forgot April 20th Earth Day" go recycle something or watch the discovery channel" usually a small half inch section someone hidden in articles. I very pleased to see Magazines like Domino's, BHG Series, Country Living, Country Home, and many great other. I appalled them for dedicating all articles on not onlt green living, decor, clothing, cleaning products, remodeling materials, recycling, and organic produce within the magazines. What a difference to final have TV, magazines, Newspapers, internet, and even govt grants to build a affordable, zero energy homes in different parts of the U.S. The message is getting thru!!!!!

Is not the concept of "green" sports cars a contradiction in terms? What about bicycles, public transport, walking, or simply not choosing to use any vehicle to go out and consume? The real meaning of Earth Day could be that we could cut down on most of the consumption that is tinged with luxury.   carolinagarciaw

Maybe I am cynical, but I see the rush to capitalize on green living as just another gimmick to encourage people to consume. Reminds me of "less fat, more flavor".  A heartfelt green inhabitant of the planet would frequent second-hand stores where "nearly new" merchandise is available, whether we are speaking of clothing, furniture, or many other consumable goods.  There is no need to don a hair shirt. Just pursue avenues other than purchasing new merchandise to accomodate the occasional desire for something new. Try it with your friends! yesinia

 

The entire concept of being eco- friendly for one day.. the earth day doesnt make any sense. Like yesinia says, I too see it as a gimmick to encourage consumerism.. Why should one purchase something green/ advertising green to promote the concept.. We should instead make wise choices when we actually need stuff and buy them. And if the magazines are committed to this cause, they should highlight environmental news/ issues throughout the year and not just for earth day. The problem is in seeing it as another concept in vogue and not getting down to the real issue... We should get past this glitz and concentrate on more serious things.

Unfortunately, we live in a world that is consumer based.  I think that we have to look at the entire picture and that is that people are starting to view the world greener.  Instead of looking through rose colored glasses, they are seeing things green.

It has to start somewhere, and if having an entire day dedicated to the earth helps, so be it! 

It's true that the culture hubs in magazines would be out of the loop if they did not feature material around the eco-lifestyle. Many of them offer articles that speak to whatever topic is on the general public's heart and mind, while still covering their usual themes that sell their magazines. As long as there are parents who are becoming more aware of the things that seriously threaten their children's future, like global warming...and as long as their are growing numbers of individuals and organizations waking up to the, already obvious, degregation of our eco-system...there is going to be heart and soul, muscle and might, in turning those environmental threats around. I'm holding the vision for the passion to continue, and awareness to blossom to a level of global partnership in an eco-conscious and sustainable world.

As Vicki R said, it is up to us to keep the movement alive and thriving. I'll continue to appreciate the good that can happen when mainstream magazines reach out to their readers with information that supports the environment...and say "more please." I'll applaud the Academy Awards for highlighting hybrid cars, organic food, and environmental talk on their program...and say "with attention given to those things, I'll keep watching."  And, I'll continue to use my consumer power where it best supports my environmental values. Four years ago I created a column called "Joyful Earth Partnership" which focuses on our envrionmental stewardship, which  is published in the Indigo Sun Magazine. I felt like an island back then. Now, with more awareness growing, and more people joining together to become a voice that can no longer be ignored, I feel like all the other islands have come together, and we're a continent. Call me an optimist but I feel that these voices are only going to grow, changes are going to kick in like never before, and there's going to be no turning back...that said, fad or no fad, I believe that eco-topics are here to stay, because there's enough heart in it to carry it on.               

You are an optimist, and I'm glad that you have a postive outlook for the future.  I can't help but feel that we are coming together as a community, whether it be locally or globally.  You were ahead of your time and you must be happy to see people embracing what you knew all along.

As Vicki points out, we are a consumer culture. For the mainstream US to even begin thinking green we can’t demand that they give up all the comforts they (we) enjoy. Like it or not, I think the only way it can work on a large scale is to encourage environmentalism to be cool, easy and fashionable. Environmental consciousness will circle out again, and circle back, but there will be more and more people who “get it” each time the cycle goes around. If it takes celebrities, sports cars, greenzines, if a few people catch each time that's great. When the kids get on board we’ve got a whole new generation that cares. It “stuck” with me in the 70’s when that wave of reduce-reuse-recycle came into vogue. The mainstream doesn’t want to join an elitist club of ascetics, people want a way to have while still giving. It’s a slow process, but I think we’re heading in the right direction!

I too am a little torn.  However, hopefully the trend won't hurt the environment and those who make a change for a day, a week, or a month might realize that it's a lifestyle choice and not a trend and stick with it.  As you can see, I'm trying to be optimistic.