society

A recent study suggests that people are more likely to buy ‘green’ or eco-friendly products to foster a personal image of superiority or prestige, rather than because they actually care about the environment. That’s not a ridiculous notion, considering what else humans will do for kudos (think Balloon Boy’s father).

The rise of equality and the increase in invincible and overly-capable technology has created an animal (Homo sapiens) desperate for individuality and recognition. Anything from food, (no longer just an essential accessory to survival!), to reality television is grasped by those in need with the steely grip of exhibitionism. And the latest necessary label is Green.

This produces an ironic concept. ‘The environment’ really does need attention. Unfortunately, a large proportion of the population aren’t genuinely understanding or concerned about it. Yet it seems many of these people ARE concerned about what others think of them. So, with a bit of emotional blackmail, this demographic is convinced that their prestige will increase if they take on a label they don’t fully understand or care about. And thus ‘the environment’ benefits.

What does this imply about a) environmental awareness and b) human behaviour??

She awoke from her dream into a pure freshness, still virgin to human eyes. The air was clean and the sun shone bright, as if it had just smiled for the first time. She breathed softly at first, loathe to shatter the sparkling silence. Stars hung lucid and trembling, just out of reach of her touch. Golden zephyrs caressed her skin and rippled the reflections, making the starlight dance across the water. She could feel the enormity of such beauty in her veins, under her skin.

After some time, she began to feel lonely. She wanted others to share the beauty of life with. She sewed a backdrop of greenery – climbing, creeping, tall and short. She released velvet insects and gossamer-winged dragonflies into the silence of her sanctuary. Giant fairytale trees grew tall above the carnival of flowers dancing across the ground. The air began to swell and grow richer, the waterfalls danced and sparkled with joy and the sun shone brighter. Shimmering fish leapt in the creeks and huge leviathans patrolled the deeper water.

She revealed prowling cats with majestic coats, gentle grazers, swinging primates of all sizes and tiny creatures with soft eyes. Diminutive birds with tinkling voices left sparkling trails through the trees, while lords of the air patrolled above them on graceful wings. Continue reading →

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