How can someone who is not will to sacrifice much be "greener"?

Question

I am not willing to give up my cars, daily driver is a car with a supercharged V8 engine, the other vehicle is a V8 full sized SUV that is mainly used to tow stuff)

I am not willing to install low-flow fixtures. I like a powerful commode and a shower head that will drench you in 3 seconds flat.

I will not change my diet. Humans did not work themselves up to the top of the food chain to eat salad.

I will not sacrifice capability of any product (appliances, cleaning solutions, electronics, etc.) in exchange for eco-friendliness.

I will not live in a smaller house or apartment, I like having a lawn, a garage, and an in-ground pool.

I am unwilling to change the thermostat in my house. It stays at 70 degrees year-round.

Answer 1

Let's be honest here, if the person is unwilling to change much, who's to think they would do anything at all.  People like this only change if they are forced to.  Sorry for not giving you "go green" answers, but let's be real about the situation.

Answer 2

If you do heavy duty towing you probably can't give up the SUV, if you get around to replacing it you could look at a diesel for lower CO2 emissions (and they tend to be better for towing anyway) although they also have higher particulate emissions.  Though a supercharged V8 really isn't needed (or even of any actual benefit) for most driving tasks (unless you're a hoon) although it's probably only worth replacing if you were going to replace it anyway.

Avoiding so called 'organic' foods is good for the planet since they are grown in such a way that they use too much land along with requiring excessive soil tilling (no-till farming with GMOs looks to be the way of the future and is probably where conventional agriculture will head).

Most mainstream energy efficient products are designed to get their energy efficiency without compromising the product (at least most of the time).

Though a thermostat set that high is pretty amazing, how do you survive such high temperatures?

Some will suggest carbon offsetting which are also known as modern day indulgences but that won't actually help since most carbon offsetting schemes give the money for things that would have been done anyway (and therefore aren't helping), or at least whatever they haven't taken for themselves as profit.  Carbon offsetting that actually would help tends to be too expensive to compete with the frauds (at least until we get around to banning the frauds) and probably too expensive for anyone to be interested in it.

Answer 3

Use fabric grocery bags, install solar panels on your roof, turn off lights and unplug electronics when you go away for a while, insulate your house better so that you can keep it at 70 for cheaper and while saving energy.  etc, etc, etc.  there are literally millions of ways to go green without sacrificing any of the things you mention

Answer 4

Hybrid! Its $$ to buy at first, but it saves loads and loads of money in the long run, and is extremely good for out environment!

Answer 5

Why change, Al Global Warming Gore hasn't. Until he and all the Hollywood elletes do they can bite my coservative a s s. I see them change I might think about it. Untill then they can take their hypocracy and bite my A S S.

Answer 6

well you can do just ONE THING, that is: CONVINCE YOURSELF PAL. theres' too much for you to realize.

JUST THINK OF THESE:

think of the what cost it to make your cars, the metals used, energy, transport just to bring you to a nearby supermarket.

think of the people who suffer from air pollution caused by the smoke in your car

think of how many people die because their natural source of food was destoryed

think of how your children will think of you when they realized that yo really don;t want to help the planet

WHAT I MEAN IS YOU CAN DO MORE THAN WHAT YOU THINK. REALLY, I MEAN IT.

Answer 7

Good for you.  If you  work hard and pay for all that, then more power to you! This global warming fraud has to stop.

Here's one for you. Trade your SUV gas for a deisel and use veg oil.

http://www.greasecar.com/

Answer 8

I consider myself pretty green and I don't think I have sacraficed anything. You can get a powerful and big SUV that can have lower emissions and better fuel efficinecy. My husband has a highlander hybrid and with a v6 and 2 electric motors it has great power, it has a 3500 # towing capacity, seats 7 and still gets 25mpg, nav system, leather seats and has low emissions.

I have an amazing low flow shower head that feels great, I have a dual flush commode that has a power assist, so it uses .8 gal or 1.6 gal and no need to double flush. How much water do you need to rinse your toothbrush? I have flow restrictors on all my faucets.

I am an omnivore, I do get my beef, pork and poultry from a local organic ranch. I shop at a local organic farmers market and get better quality and fresher, healthier produce than you can get at a grocery store.

I use natural cleaners and I've never had a stain or mess that took any more work or got any less clean than using conventional cleaners. The only difference I see, is I spend less money and I'm not inhaling lung damaging fumes or filling my home with pesticides, hormone mimicers, or endocrine inhibitors. I made this change for my own health, it is a bonus that it is also healthier for the planet. I have energy star appliances and they all work better, quieter and use less water, electricity and detergent than the old models.

I have a lawn, although I'm pulling areas out and putting raised beds that will use a drip water system where I'll plant fresh herbs and a cutting garden, so I can have fresh flowers in my home all year. I live in a newer 2000 sf home, and I have no intention on moving. I have however made my home more energy efficient without compromising style. I have a in ground pool, I chose a salt system because it is easier on my hair and skin and it just so happens better for the environment, I heat it with a solar system which can't be seen on the roof. I also have an electric PV system which dramatically reduces my energy bill.

It is unhealthy to live in a refrigerator, I have my thermostat set at 80 in the summer and I use a pellet stove in the winter and I've found I get sick less often, I have an easier time not overheating when I'm outside. It is amazing how having a fan moving the air can make you feel cooler.

So, it none of these areas can be modified, perhaps the reduce area of going green will appeal to you, When you buy high quality items that are classics, they will last for years and reduce the need to replace them. If you buy only what you need you will waste less. Use food before it expires, organize your home so you don't buy things you have but can't find. Consider the packaging on the items you purchase. Drive less, consolidate trips, ride share, keep your car in top condition and get the most out of your car.

These changes are on the horizon for all of us, we are using our resources at an unsustainable rate, so the sooner you start making changes the easier it will be.