Buying Our Way Out

As the “green” movement gains popularity more and more products are entering the market for green consumers. Although there are more organic options (yeah!), I am left wondering if consumers will be able to really understand the concept of environmental responsibility and sustainability. There are several key problems that leave me questioning my purchases and ultimately making judgment calls that leave me feeling conflicted about items that are organic and/or local, and consumerism in general.

An apple may be organic, so many buyers, including myself, believe we are making a responsible choice in promoting the market for organic food options. However, in most cases there is no label identifying where the apple came from, or how it was transported. In light of the principles of sustainability, one way to alleviate this conflict is to think about the three common elements that are often associated with sustainability. Organic is environmentally more sound, local helps my community and economically both organic and local make the most sense. Often local farmers are not financially able to be USDA certified even though they may practice very environmentally sound production methods. Plus the non-local organic option isn’t as environmentally sound if one thinks about the emissions and other externalities resulting from long distance travel.

It may seem like a lot to think about just for an apple, but follow me in this thought process for anything we purchase. Topping this conflict of purchasing the best more affordable product, is the 500 pound gorilla in the room: good-old-fashioned-American-mass-unchecked-consumerism (dare I say, greed). America’s consumption patterns although filthy delicious fun, are at the core of the problems that have led us to our current situation with climate change, social inequity and economic stimulus checks.

It’s great there is a large market for “green” and organic, but for me, my community produce and other goods and services are more important and in my humble opinion more sustainable, even if they don’t have the all hailed “USDA Certified Organic” labeling or other green (often misleading) designations. I think by building a stronger community of local producers, we can be more independent of the impending oil crisis, reduce our ecological footprint and lead the way to a more sustainable future. So as we are bombarded with the mega-market pushing us all to “go green,” (ie buy because it’s green…not necessarily because we need it) let’s remember some of the basic tenents that will help sustain our community as well as our well-being AND keep our consumerist appetites in check.

– Steph

Editors Note: For more information on responsible purchasing, visit the Center for Sustainability “Living Green in Lawrence” guide.