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Despite the havoc it has caused around the world, the economic crisis has, at least in some ways, helped environmentalism. Spending is down, meaning reduced waste from consumer products and fewer emissions from now-inactive factories. With personal budgets tight, people are driving less and staying in their neighborhood during vacations instead of flying around the world. The challenge we now face is finding a way to maintain these environmentally-friendly consequences while reviving the economy.
Accomplishing this will not be easy. Traditionally, economic recovery has relied on programs that encourage indiscriminate consumer spending and government investments in large public infrastructure improvements like new airports and roads. There are "green" alternatives to these strategies but, as David Owen points out, they are not perfect. Still, there are things we can do that will promote economic recovery and even expand environmental responsibility.
Encourage Responsible Consumerism
Convincing people to buy more stuff is one of the classic methods of stimulating an economy. Of course, this kind of consumerism generates waste and uses lots of energy and resources. "Buy less," in fact, is a common refrain among environmentalists. That said there is room for consumers to buy green by selecting environmentally-responsible products.
Through responsible shopping, green consumers can do their part to stimulate the economy, without sacrificing their eco-principles.
Advocate for Green Infrastructure
It's true that building new airports and roads is an easy way to stimulate the economy and create jobs. Unfortunately, these forms of infrastructure are the last thing, environmentally speaking, we need. A better way to make this investment turn green would be to invest in building the renewable energy infrastructure and national public-transport services like high-speed rail lines.
It's been pointed out that satisfying the entire nation's energy needs from renewable sources will be a challenge. Help solve this problem by going green with your electricity, and saving energy wherever you can. Then, let your elected officials and local media know your feelings by writing a letter to your representatives and local news editors.
Get a Green-Collar Job or Make Your Workplace Green
We've all been eying the new green-collar jobs springing up around the country with envy and excitement but for these new industries to play an important roll in reviving the economy, the jobs should go to the currently unemployed. If you are out of work, consider making your job search green. If you still have a job, go green at work.
Economic recovering will take more than a single person's efforts but that doesn't mean we shouldn't do our part to help and keep things green.
Have an opinion? Let us hear it on Twitter @planetgreen.
Read more about economics:
Planet Green's eco-nomics
View and Vote - Obama Green Stimulus Projects
Green Investing with Microloans
Meet Change Maker Tracey Turner of MicroPlace
Get Help with Green Investing
Focus on Focus Earth: The Green New Deal
Green Glossary: Green Bailout
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