A dose of green guilt

Check out this article in USA Today: The ‘Guilty Green’ (gasp!) don’t always recycle.

Basically, some of the more ecologically inclined among feel remorse when they stray from accepted green practices. Tossing a plastic bottle in the garbage rather than the recycling bin brings on a wave of guilt. Others are ashamed that they still drive a gas guzzling SUV.

I find it a bit comical, really. Don’t get me wrong, I’m probably more environmentally conscious than typical Americans. We’re big-time recyclers at my house. We’ve changed all the light bulbs to compact fluorescents. And for now, at least, I drive a compact car.

But there are certain things I’m just not willing to give up for the sake of the environment. Long, hot showers, for instance. Buckets of water and energy going down the drain for my own pleasure and comfort.

Don’t expect me to feel any pangs of guilt. I feel entitled to my scalding hot shower. I imagine my attitude is similar to that of other Americans. We’re accustomed to certain levels of luxury and convenience.

This attitude also applies to gardening. Most homeowners want to be eco-friendly, but there are just some things they’re not willing to sacrifice. Garden centers need to keep this in mind if they plan to beef up organic product sections.

Manufacturers of organic garden solutions tend to play up eco aspects of products. They’re important and definitely key selling points. But it’s not enough to clinch the deal. These goods have to be convenient to use and deliver results.

Consumers will give organic fertilizers and the like one chance, maybe two. But if they don’t see a greener lawn or more robust plants they’ll quickly go back to their old devices. Making things eco-easy is the only way to get people truly interested in organic gardening.

-- Sarah

Comments

[Jodie Bross]

I agree, Sarah! Sometimes it's actually harder now to sell organics than a few years ago because people who have already tried something didn't see immediate results and remember a greener lawn or whatever back when they were using chemicals. I also think that the really serious organic gardeners don't have much use for something in a bottle anyway. Most younger people though seem to look for 'organic' stuff first. We need to really change peoples expectations, (like a bit of clover in your lawn is a good thing), and that will take a long time. Though I will never give up! (Even on myself--as I told Carol yesterday, I still like to wear nail polish sometimes. :)