2 ms·
Has things changed or did market forces just adapt to the emerging profile of slightly guilty-feeling, upper-middle class Westerners? That now get to feel green
by avgcorrection 4y ago
Has things changed or did market forces just adapt to the emerging profile of slightly guilty-feeling, upper-middle class Westerners? That now get to feel green for buying overpriced chickpeas and investing in a charging station for their home and a solar panel roof (wow—I get to increase the value of my property, save on my electricity bill when amortized over twenty years, and save the planet at the same time??)
This isn’t really a rhetorical question. It looks one way to me, but it’s hard to know. You pretty much have to dedicate yourself to a mini research project in order to honestly answer that question. That’s how capitalism obfuscates things for us and alienates us from what was ostensibly our original task, namely to save the planet.
- issa 4y agoThat is a good question. I would answer by avoiding it completely and just pointing out that I used to have to say to people: "Hey, give up something you love to save the planet" and now I can say: "Hey, get solar panels and then you can blast your A/C this summer for free!"
- avgcorrection 4y agoIf BMW says that buying one of their EVs helps save the planet then that must be true. I was questioning whether these folks were really saving the planet. The retort to that is not “doesn’t matter because I can tell them/convince them that they are”.
- issa 4y agoCertainly buying a brand-new EV (from any company) isn't making a positive impact on the environment. But, writ large, switching from ICE to electric cars is a giant step in the right direction. So I think it's safe to call that one a wash. Most people buying a new EV would have been buying a new ICE car anyway, and it is much better to further the electrification of transportation. Even if taking public transportation--a sacrifice--would be more helpful.