Mankind are a strange lot. It seems such a quirk of fate that we can be both the makers and breakers of civilization itself as we take to the world’s stage playing the various and conflicting roles of the guardians, inventors and exploiters of it. Man has long prided himself to be the superior beings of God’s green earth. We are:
- the inventors of man-made breakthroughs and mesmerising wonders (think technology, medicine, landscaping etc)
- The guardians of all other living creature great and small that shares our world (self-proclaimed/assumed role?)
- The exploiters of everything – good, noble or innocent, none are spared in our quest for self-gain.
So how does this all relate to sustainable living? Trust me it does. You see man has a nature of being selfish and consumed by greed (hoarders of materials). Whist we may start our roles and play them out well as the great keepers of and tenders to Mother Nature’s garden, slowly our inventive side emerges we find ourselves advanced from a buffalo plough to a tractor and horse drawn carriages to a car.
Now if only the evolution stopped there, then I suppose the impact of our initiatives would be containable. But let’s be honest with ourselves and face the facts. Look around you, how many people do you see actually driving ‘modest’ and ‘economical’ cars? And do you really think just any old tractor will do at a farm these days? To fit the bill, the tractors have to be monstrously huge and state of the art! Never mind that 8 out of 10 of its possible functions will never be used because everyone wants the value for their money (VFM) and just that extra bit more.
I suppose it makes sense when you think about seeking value for money (VFM), but why should we buy/consume more than we need or want? I appreciate that these days it could be the market’s push that drives us to it because it is not surprising to learn of how models (technology) are so competitively priced that one with lesser functions would cost the same if not just a few dollars different from a higher spec one, but sometimes it really is just about pride and greed.
Translate the upgrades into environmental impacts and you’ll find that it isn’t quite value for money anymore. The impact of driving a giant hummer when your entire family is made up of just you and your wife is more than just a financial burden; it is an irreversible environmental one.
Don’t get us wrong, we’re not saying it is wrong to want and own nice things, after all if you could afford it; it’s likely you worked hard to be able to do so. We’re not going to argue against a man who worked hard for a living spending his spoils, it’s his well earned right. All we’re saying is, have your fun, go ahead and fulfil your heart’s desire but save a little consideration and some respect for the environment. If you will a fancy car or you find VFM dictates your business buys heavier duty machinery then go the extra mile and find creative if not already available solutions (eg: there’s a green hummer with the capability of running on E85 ethanol, invest in the use of Bio Hydraulic Fluids).
We appreciate that’s not a perfect solution but at least it’s a step towards sustainability.
