The psychology of eco-choices 3

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   namaste_vayo Posted 2:27 pm
   23 Apr 2009

   While going "green" is certainly in vogue, there are a group of seriously devout individuals and organizations whose dedication and commitment to sustainability are genuine. Whether guided by conscience or a deep rooted connection to nature (or both), the effort to live in harmony with their surroundings comes naturally from the spirit within. Personally, I am inspired by Native American Indian traditions as well as other indigenous cultures that lived as one with mother earth. A profound kinship to that which we are apart does not need ego validation through reward or acceptance. The yearning to tread lightly making as little an impact as possible on our planet and resources comes from a solitary place of reverence and responsibility.~Fredric Schwartz, Founder, www.vayuwear.com

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   karlaltra Posted 1:03 pm
   26 Apr 2009

   Unfortunately, green alternatives have a heavier price-tag. Many people struggle with finances, even more so in the current financial climate. I've been one of them all my life! I have always striven to be as green as possible and have tried to instil this ethos into my daughter.I am just about to move house and will have a fair amount of spare cash, some of which I intend to invest in a heat pump to provide heating and hot water. I will also have to install wall and roof insulation and probably underfloor heating (hopefully just downstairs). Even with the government grants available for these works, it will still be very expensive. But I am determined to spend in this way as I believe that it is a financial sacrifice worth making. Believe me, there were a few other projects I had in mind, none of which were particularly green and all of which were entirely selfish!I am not motivated by money, to me it is only a tool to be used, but many people are. It would be great if our governments stopped chasing oil and invested our money into sustainable technologies that left us less reliant on fossil fuels, but that day is some way off as yet. In the meantime, the more people that invest in sustainable technology, the more accessible it will become and the more broadspread it will be.Is my desire to have a heat pump purely altruistic? Probably not; I'll benefit from reduced fuel bills and I'll be able to show off my installation to friends and neighbours, boosting my green cred on the way. But probably the biggest reward will be the knowledge that, even if all hope is lost, at least I tried for the future of our planet.

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   Eco1973 Posted 4:49 am
   28 Apr 2009

   As a biologist and a teacher it is not surprising at all that behaviors spread when an advantage to engaging in that behavior is offered. Mr. Swartz touches on something important. For our species to survive, we must make the leap from external reward for green choices to the more profound and satisfying internal reward. While sustainable choices often cost a little more up front, don't forget that when calculating costs to take into account life cycle costs including cost of operating and disposing. When those aspects are included, purchasing a $4 CFL over a $.79 incandescent bulb can save you many times the purchase price of the CFL.

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