How can wealthy people claim they're environmentally friendly when they consume so much?

Question

It puzzles me how celebrities and wealthy people can claim they're environmentally friensdly simply by driving hybrids or wearing organic clothing, when they live in big houses which require energy to build and maintain them, take lots of flights, own lots of clothes they don't need, and own several cars instead of just one. Isn't being wealthy and conspicuous consumption inherantly environmentally unfriendly?

Answer 1

It is a publicity stunt: they hope that people won't think any deeper. They also serve as walking advertisements for their organic clothes manufacturers etc., who want to believe that one change to the public's wardrobe will change the world. Sorry companies, we are already screwed...the bandwagon began twenty years late, I'm afraid. It is the sales of things that have a good commercial factor that are putting people in a false sense of security about slowing global warming. Sure every little helps, but you need a bajillion little helps to counteract the big "don't-helps".

Answer 2

What makes U think that U can set in judgment of other. It is none of your business.  

Answer 3

Manufacturers convince us that buying "brand A" instead of "brand B" is the eco-friendly thing to do. We all jump on the bandwagon and buy as much of brand A as we can so no one will accuse us of not caring. For example, look at bottled water. It is a major trash problem, but more and more new brands leap off the shelves every day, each with a name that implies healthy living and green consciousness.

Answer 4

Lots of wealthy people support Green Peace and have solar hot water systems or live in a green house that uses less energy than you might think.  Even if they air condition their home, they might use special insulation so the a/c does not have to work as hard.  Homes with dimmers or florescent bulbs saves a lot of electricity.  Having more clothes or cars does not mean they are environmentally unfriendly.

Answer 5

They are counting on the facts that they have used the environmentally friendly appliance. However, they forget the amount of usage which make all the environmentally friendly appliance useless.

Answer 6

I must agree that for many of the Celebs it is more of a marketing ploy than a real lifestyle choice. However, there is an increasing number of people with money who are willing to really make a difference.

Larry Hagman, (from I dream of Jeannie and Dallas fame) has a very eco friendly home, he has a huge solar array which feeds enough back into the grid to supply energy for a couple other homes, he has worked it out with the utility company to give the extra to low income families.

That is just one example, many others are doing the right thing. I think we need to learn how to consume less energy and other resources without giving up our lifestyle. If a person becomes aware of how their spending impacts the environment they are more likely to reduce their impact by purchasing less and when they do buy, they will look for a sustainable solution. For those that are doing it for PR, who cares they were going to buy things any way, at least they are buying sustainable things this time.

Answer 7

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Answer 8

Well, honestly, I have no problem with rich people. I think they are fortunate that they are able to easily afford such things. I hold no animosity toward them, why should I? For instance, I really dislike the President's policies, but I admire his home in Crawford. It is eco friendly, uses geothermal heating and air, among other things. He stands as a great example of what we might all be able to do if we have the financial resources to do it. For me, being eco friendly is more a matter of personal choice rather than money saving, although that is certainly a consideration. While the initial monetary layout is large, the security it provides is priceless to me. I like the thought of being self reliant for energy, it saves so much hassle, time, and (eventually) money!

So, whatever celebrities reasonings are for being eco friendly, it is good that they are. Every little bit helps.

Answer 9

They are not environmentally friendly rather they are big enemy.They are faroff from realty and knowledge.

Answer 10

Driving hybrids and wearing some organic clothing are probably the least they can do ... Maybe. You can't ask the whole world to live like paupers to save the Earth.

Answer 11

extreme environmentalist are practicing a new religion.  Because they have done bad things in past against the environment (sinned), the feel they must give something back (pay a penitence or confession).  So they do things that make them feel better about themselves (do Church work).

Look at these movie star types, deep down they are hurting inside, divorces, gluttony, all the things that are bad (take religion out here, I'm not preaching, but somethings are just bad) and they want to make amends.

Answer 12

Right.

We should elect strong government's which will send swarms of armed men into our towns and cities and forcefully take away all our wealth, money, land, cars, homes, etc. and redistribute it to needy people.

It's only fair!