Does it make you sad when people phrase environmentalism as "what would you give up"?

Question

I see people asking "what would you give up" when dealing with pollution, climate change, sustainability, etc. This seems like pretty negative thinking. Why aren't more people asking "what do we gain?"

To me, I think this is a much more realistic and positive way of looking at environmental issues. Looking at the rewards that we reap from living more sustainably.

So, what would you be willing to recieve from a culture and society that is more balanced and sustainable?

Answer 1

I love questions like these! It does make me sad though when they ask me what would i give up! But i try to think about what i could save and who i can help.

Answer 2

You're right. I wouldn't mind 'giving up' waste, an excessive use mindset, and blind subservience to a society focused solely on materialism.  I recently calculated my carbon footprint and discovered that we're doing quite well merely because we don't have a lot of money to throw away. 1.7 tons of CO2 per year for a family of 6? Even I was impressed.

Answer 3

No, it makes me reflect on society, on our values and our past decisions.

What I would give up [for the sake of the environment]

Working as hard, I don't need so much stuff

Synthetic pesticides, Food additives, Food air miles

Soil depletion, deforestation, global warming

The inequality of earnings between rich and poor

Exploitation of other people, sweat shops, unfair trade

Hunger, starvation in half the world and obesity in other

Exploitation of animals, using animals as food

Pollution of air, water, food, people

Unsustainable goods and services

Ill health and risks associated with synthetic chemicals/materials and cocktails of those

Large household bills

I could carry on typing for hours, but you get the picture.