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On an individual level, of course. But wishing that people would "just get it", or letting it affect you emotionally in any way, is a losing battle since the bi
by tw1010 9y ago
On an individual level, of course. But wishing that people would "just get it", or letting it affect you emotionally in any way, is a losing battle since the bigger picture social behaviour won't change unless the incentives are in place. Again, that doesn't necessarily mean monetary incentives. It could mean introducing carrots and sticks in the form of new social norms and dynamics.
- spodek 9y agoIs anyone suggesting only working on an individual level, just wishing, or getting down emotionally? As for me, I'm inspired by past leaders who have led change and movements on this scale before. Unless I misunderstand you, "People won't change unless the incentive structure (monetary or in the shape of social pressure) is in place to make them want to do it." seems inconsistent with history. My podcast, Leadership and the Environment http://joshuaspodek.com/podcast http://joshuaspodek.com/podcast, is an initial step I'm taking, but just a start.
- tw1010 9y agoI think we're actually in agreement. You seem to be doing something about it, with your podcast, and that's great! My point was mostly aimed towards the first poster, whose stance seemed to be to mostly complain and wish that people would "just get" that recycling is the key to the problem. I'm not saying recycling isn't the solution. I'm saying the strategy of waiting or wishing for people to start recycling won't work unless incentives change, such as introducing new social norms, or changing our culture or relationship towards recycling. Bringing the subject into public discussion, like what you're doing, is a great strategy to make that happen, I think, so props to you!
- KozmoNau7 9y agoMy complaint is that it should be self evident that we're over using the planet's resources, and that we should take steps to reduce that. But people don't care, or are even actively working against it. Because it doesn't inconvenience them right here, right now. When it does, it'll be too late.
- tw1010 9y agoWhen something "should" be true, but isn't, a better course of action than to wish things were not the way they are, is to take it upon ourselves to fix the thing, to educate those we're in touch with who don't get it, in as patient and pedagogical and understanding a way as possible. If we don't do this, then we have no right to complain.
- KozmoNau7 9y agoI am certainly trying to do that, and trying to set a good example. Unfortunately, "not buying new stuff all the time" isn't really something that resonates with most people.