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It’s Not Easy Being Green

Jan 29, 2020
by Caroline Miller
a green economy, consumerism and a green environment, Donald Trump, Elizabeth Warren
4 Comments

Courtesy of wikipedia.com

Standing in the mail room of the retirement center, I noticed my cubby hole sported no green dot like that of my neighbor’s.  Curious, I asked a woman who was passing what the dot meant.  She seemed surprised by my question but answered politely.  “The green dot  indicates the resident prefers electronic messages rather than paper memos.

That made sense, I reasoned. Some days I get enough memos stuffed into my cubby to make me feel like a board member of Goldman Saks.

“It’s meant to save the environment,” the woman added.  I nodded my approval of the idea, but for some reason a mischief overtook me.  “I thought paper could be recycled.”

“Oh no.” The woman’s eyes grew large. “Not all types of paper can be recycled and those that can become trash afterwards.”

Again, I paused, taking in the information. “Okay.  But what about those electronic devices that transmit emails? Don’t they use chemicals that are toxic to the environment? And don’t they end up in landfills?”

“That’s true,” the woman agreed as she  prepared to leave. “But it’s also true that not all paper can be recycled.”

Feeling guilty, I stared at my cubby minus its dot as the woman departed.

To be honest, I’m confused by these inchoate plans to turn the planet green.  Elizabeth Warren promises we can have green goals and a good economy at the same time. I hope she’s right. But I’m also aware her proposals require massive government intervention: a revamping of  the infrastructure and environmental laws, not to mention the loss of jobs in some fields. The last time we tried that sort of restructuring, we shipped our auto industry to Mexico and threw lots of people’s lives into chaos. One reason the 2016 election went to Donald Trump may well be because of that disruption. People in the hardest hit parts of the country lost faith in government.  

Don’t get me wrong.  I side with Mother Nature. But here’s the puzzle. At some point in our history, the country shifted from a manufacturing economy to one that depends on consumerism. (“The Green New Deal Meets Green Republicanism,” by Win McCormack, The New Republic, Oct. 2019, pg. 68.)  If consumers drive our economy, how does that dependence comport with green objectives where less means more?  Can we survive the economic turbulence that might follow from having green objectives? Can Warren, and politicians who share her vision, really put the environment first and still honor their other promise? Free college tuition? Free healthcare for all? Decent affordable housing for those who need it?

Yes, I know. Scandinavians have achieved these objectives.  But the U. S. A. is a big ship. Turn it around too quickly and observe how the waves thrash and threaten a tsunami.  Frankly, I’m dubious  a 2 cent tax on the super wealthy is going to protect us from the pain that lies ahead as we shift directions.  Let us not kid ourselves.  Turning green won’t be easy, dot or no dot.   

 

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4 Comments
  1. Brad Mersereau January 29, 2020 at 11:58 am Reply
    Love your questions! Without them, how can the pros and cons of unintended consequences be considered so that larger ships can navigate effectively in any ocean?
    • Caroline Miller January 29, 2020 at 12:57 pm Reply
      Having been a politician, I confess, the breed doesn't like to bring bad news to constituents. But,going green will take a wartime will because it is a kind of war. We mustn't be lulled into thinking it will be comfortable or easy. Thank you for your comment.
      • Brad Mersereau January 29, 2020 at 3:40 pm Reply
        I feel that complacency is also not a viable option in my mission advocacy work honoring Laura’s memory with addiction prevention and recovery resources. (aka “inner climate change”) Every Sobriety Pledge and Anniversary represents the potential of a day-by-day victory for some courageous champion who is navigating successfully in another ocean. Before being an effective change agent politician, I am grateful that you were my English teacher.
        • Caroline Miller January 30, 2020 at 8:06 am Reply
          I am both moved and proud by the work you have been doing to help people overcome their addictions. I am grateful to know you.

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Contact Caroline at

carolinemiller11@yahoo.com

Portland, Oregon author Caroline Miller had distinguished careers as an educator, union president, elected official and artist/advocate.

Her play, Woman on the Scarlet Beast, was performed at the Post5 Theatre, Portland, OR, January/February 2015

Caroline published a serialized novelette, Marie Eau-Claire, on the website, The Colored Lens.  She also published the story Gustav Pavel,  a parable about ordinary lives, choice and alternate potential, on the website Fixional.co.

Caroline has published four novels

  • Ballet Noir
  • Trompe l’Oeil
  • Gothic Spring
  • Heart Land

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