perifrog’s Recent Comments

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  to rephrase my point, more nicely

  The orginal writer of this thread was asking the question of whether self-branding of organic foods led to moral superiority and economic elitism.  jdlhax you are to be commended, you are buying organic food or locally grown food for the RIGHT reasons.  I on the other hand do not buy organic food for economic reasons and availability reasons and packaging reasons and downright laziness reasons.  I am not to be commended.  However my point is that the tone of your comment is morally superior (personally, I haven't bought non-organic produce since the mid 70s) in my humble opionion.  I have myself been equally morally superior to my friends "what you buy bottled water???"  Environmentalists do often carry this morally superior tone as do many who feel that they have been led to the "light"  I NEVER meant to be disparaging of anyone who bought organic or local (i envy but do not yet copy), just to point out that people can tend to be morally superior when they do so.  (which I guess could be taken as disparaging)  And that slight tone of moral superiority does nothing to convince those who don't have as high of morals!!! Anyways, its been fun folks, I've enjoyed the ego boost of espousing my own opinions and comments for anyone on the web to see, but I've come to find (in the past few days) that I (like many) am a bit OCD (obsessive compulsive) when it comes to blogging and am signing off for now as a blogger!!!  If you see further commentary from me, please call me out!On Organic snobbery posted 4 years, 4 months ago 15 Responses

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  to answer the question

  You guys should check out the commentary on we are the chumpians.  There are several people that are eco brand users that were very hurt that the satire of the article bruised their moral superiority.  There was something on grist a while back commenting on how environmentalists need to try to rid themselves of the "holier than thou" approach to convincing others to join the movement.  I'm as guilty as any (and don't have much to be holier than though about).  When you put branding and capitalism into the mix, its hard to avoid.  We're hardwired by the continual flow of advertising and consumerism to have moral superiority.   I highly suggest the book Ecopsychology (not done yet).
  On Organic snobbery posted 4 years, 4 months ago 15 Responses

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  I can't believe the reaction

  I really can't believe all the anger that came from that article.  Those who make eco purchases are very laudable, those who try to reduce all purchases (and use vinegar, etc) are even more laudable, those who poke fun at the ironic twist that capitalism plays in eco products (the author) are laudable as well.  Those of us who read gristmill are for the most part the choir...readers shop in eco friendly stores and buy eco friendly products.  Don't forget joe schmo consumer out there who prizes his money and feels a little cheated when buying some wonderful organic earth friendly cereal, which has the same amount of packaging and half the cereal as the regular brand but costs double.  As for big corporations providing eco alternatives...its a touchy subject...I highly suggest the movies Supersize me and even more The Corporation.  Even when corporations are "being good" they aren't necessarily truly good.  Its not a cut and dry issue, as most environmental issues aren't.  Walmart, Doritos, and McDonalds have a long way to go, and perhaps can never be completely environmentally friendly.  Remember folks satire or not, that author is more environmentally minded that at least 90% of the population of the US.  On When it comes to green products, who's zoomin' who? posted 4 years, 4 months ago 14 Responses

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  some you buy, some you buy used, some you check ou

  I don't read Harry Potter, but its a phenomenon book, large numbers of people want to read the book at the same time, so they buy it.  Some can wait, so they borrow these recycled books later, some (a guy at work) is signed up on the library list.  The publisher gets some money, and yet does a good deed as well.  Hard core enviros will choose the second two options.  E books, my prediction is they will never make it...I can already find almost all of Organic Style online or Martha Stewart Living (because their costs are paid by advertisers) but I never read it online, because its just not as fun as occassionally splurging on a ridiculously priced ad filled magazine so I can curl up on the couch or take it in the car or to the beach!!  Dura books should only be made in limited qualities if at all, some books don't deserve to endure for that long!!!On Is the popular Potter author a 'Luddite fool'? posted 4 years, 4 months ago 5 Responses

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  I am unclear

  Perhaps Lisa B is confused by the humor like I was.  My reading comprehension is not superb, but I think Penrose was suggesting that as ridiculous as some of the prices and gimmicks to sell eco wares are... In our capitalist society, when we act as ecochumps we may actually be acting as ecochamps because we're rewarding them by giving them our bucks and it may encourage them to make even more eco friendly products.  

  I find this a very interesting article.  I'm a penny-pincher, and unfortunately I often let economics win over the environment.  I've been reading a interesting book, though somewhat dated, called Ecopsychology.  The articles by Alan Durning, Allen Kanner, and Mary Gomes discuss consumerism in general and what role capitilism and psychology behind the advertising have played with our outrageous consumerism.  Patagonias pants are super cool and organic and all, but wouldn't that pair of pants in the thrift store serve just as well, is sort of their point.  As a new homeowner, this is all very interesting to me...with the amount of shopping I've been doing.  Maybe I should be saving my money from all the knick nacks for new appliances.  Ironically, I shop at Food Lion because its on the way home and wastes less gas, but all the organic produce (whether local or not) is wrapped in styrofoam and plastic because wouldn't it be terrible for it to come in contact with a chemical.  I'm not preaching, just sharing thoughts, my eco soul has a long way to go, but I'm getting there.On When it comes to green products, who's zoomin' who? posted 4 years, 4 months ago 14 Responses