Is there a sensible, happy, medium?

Question

The problem I have, when I am trying to research, or get advice on "green" products for my lifestyle, is no middle ground. Whenever one visits a site or forum where "green" products are discussed, you get ambushed by people, who in my opinion are operating on, or are at least preaching, the extreme end of the "green" spectrum. If I want to find out about a closed loop solar water heater, or CFL light bulbs, I don't want to hear political rants from the Vegans or PETA zealots, and those who are trying to save Darfur. I am sure there are plenty of places where those issues are discussed, and should be, but I just want the bulbs. I think more people would make smart energy, and environmental choices, and visit sites that discuss those issues, if they were left alone, and recieve the facts, not someones political opinion or be chastised for eating eggs and beef. Does a place like that exist?

Answer 1

You might try craigslist.com. It is hardly free of zealots but they do tend to stick to the subject at hand. The science and math forum is somewhat less political than the ecology forum but both are useful. S&M forum also tends to attract the professionals and well-educated amateurs more than the eco forum does.

Answer 2

I'm sorry but I fail to understand where you are coming from.

How can there be a happy medium between right and wrong?  It is right to protect the environment for future generations; it is wrong to damage the environment wilfully or even thoughtlessly.

Where I agree with you is in suggesting that hectoring is bad tactics.  Those who urge us to try harder are not wrong or pursuing a party political agenda; they are right but getting their tactics wrong.  Instead they should consider setting a good example of a simple less damaging lifestyle and should then demonstrate that it is more fun than trying to keep up with the wasteful spending habits of their neighbours.

I am glad that you are making efforts to reduce your impact on the environment.  You have made some sensible choices.  Please do not be put off by those who hector for greater efforts.  How about setting them a more effective example?

Best wishes