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Going Green as a cover: The coming Crisis!

By
Real Estate Agent with Real Living Real Estate Solutions

I am not a psychic, but I have been blogging about this for over a year now. 

I have received some pretty outrageous comments letting me know that I am nothing but negative.  How dare I question anybody who says they are going green? 

Well, my friends, the facts are becoming quite clear:  consumers are not swayed by green labels anymore.  They certainly are not impressed by 'advocates' who preach the green lifestyle and drive Hummers to their McMansions.

It  took our economy going into the toilet for people to wake up on so many fronts.

It is a fact that when the economy is in trouble people will look for ways to save in all areas of their life.  What they will not put up with, however, is being guilted into saving money in order to be better stewards of planet earth.  That is a luxury that only works when people have money (and enough free time to feel guilty).

This is the time to show that we who care about the environment are not full of ourselves and that we want to be part of the solution.

Let's face it:  The Hammer of Green Guilt just broke.

Even the media is becoming more skeptical (as well they should).

Now is the time to step up and walk the walk.

Before 'going green' turns into a complete sham, let's have open, honest discussions about a problem that will not go away.

 

 

Comments (6)

Anonymous
Norman Hausbach

I am responding because I really was upset by your blog.  But now that I have had time to think about it I have had a change of heart.  I believe you are right that consumers are becoming tired of seeing green used in all types of venues of advertisement.  I recycle and buy products that are friendly to the environment.  After thinking about what you wrote I realized that I don't even look at the labels of the products I buy as long as it says that they are organic or 'green' on the cover.  I think you are on to something Douglas.

You got to educate yourself, then you can tell who is in it for the long haul.

Dec 08, 2008 03:37 AM
#1
Douglas Garbe
Real Living Real Estate Solutions - Orlando, FL
Real Living Real Estate Solutions

Norman- Thank your for the positive feedback.  You are the perfect example of a consumer who is waking up to the harsh reality of the advertisement world.  Just because it says it is good for you doesn't mean it is.

As I have writen in the past, not even the Government is sure about what guidelines to follow.  It is a mess.

But not hopeless.

Dec 08, 2008 05:16 AM
Deb Hurt
Realty Pro Albuquerque - Albuquerque, NM
ABR, e-Pro,Green, TRC

I have always believed that the simple fact is that "green" on many levels is an act of simplicity, not technology. The opportunity in the current crisis is to help people understand that actual green solutions can help them get through a difficult time with grace and comfort. We often forget that weatherstripping and caluking, sealing ductwork and using simple technologu like a timer for lights and programmable thermostats can save people a lot of money, make more efficient use of the energy they do consume and create a more comfortable living space.

I have long been an advocate of edible landscaping and this is a time when people will be much more open to planting fruit trees for double duty- as shade and as a food source. There are many beautiful herbs that make a wonderful border or groundcover. It may be a good time for the return of the grapevive and the berry patch as well! 

Baby steps such as these may well lead people to explore further options and to have a better understanding of the principles involved in real simple green. 

Dec 18, 2008 03:10 AM
Frances Sanderson
Bean Group / Franklin - Franklin, NH

Your point is well taken, Doug, however I do agree with Deb that the economic crisis, and the ensuing discussions about becoming more 'green', are the result of a subconscious drive to get back to a simpler lifestyle. Yes, we should question the motivation behind our purchases, and yes, we should question what we are being told by the 'experts', but we all see the signs, and hear that inner voice that tells us that we must tread more lightly on this good Earth. Would you at least agree with this last statement?

Frances Sanderson, Franklin NH REALTOR®, Certified EcoBroker®

Jan 22, 2009 06:07 AM
Douglas Garbe
Real Living Real Estate Solutions - Orlando, FL
Real Living Real Estate Solutions

Deb - Maybe I came across as a bit harsh.  I am European and people over there have already ironed out all the little details that seem to still get in the way over here.

Edible landscapes are a great way to go green and eat green and make the cycle complete.

Feb 11, 2009 06:22 AM
Douglas Garbe
Real Living Real Estate Solutions - Orlando, FL
Real Living Real Estate Solutions

Frances - Of course I agree with you.  You make sense.  My beef (ups) lies with people who think that by buying products that are labeled a certain way that they are part of the solution.  That's sad, but at least better than the people who buy green products because it is the fashionable thing to do.

There are a lot of con artitsts out there who are ready to sell just about anything in the name of it being green.

That prostitutes the market and leaves a bad taste for the people who really want to do the right thing.

Feb 11, 2009 06:26 AM