Everywhere you turn these days something is "green." Shoes are "green," vacation packages are "green," some cars are "green" (or "greener" then others). Magazines, websites, newspaper features, and advertisements all discuss "10 simple steps to green your life," or how to be "the greenest you can be." But, what does it all mean? What's with this "green" business? How does greenwashing affect life in the Pioneer Valley?
For the uses of The Green Idea, the distinction of "green" implies that the product or process was made with a nod towards sustainable practices: the people, animals or materials involved weren't (hopefully) exploited; as far as we know, the chemicals used are kind (or "kinder") to the natural and built environments; and as opposed to transferring it worldwide, the money involved is used to strengthen the native economy. By these criteria, not a whole lot is "green," but that doesn't stop the companies involved from adopting that moniker.
The point of the The Green Idea is not to debunk greenwashing or to advocate for environmental claims. No, instead we intend to focus on analyzing what really makes a product, process, or economy sustainable and applying that knowledge to right here in the Pioneer Valley. Just like exercise and eating less is better for our individual health, perhaps sustainable consumption and production practices will be better for our communal health.
That's where The Green Idea comes in. You can't act in your best interest, if you don't know what your best interest is. We want to help you determine that by covering big issues like population growth, food production and security, transportation, and energy sources with an eye to what works for this region. We hope to demonstrate what sustainable practices are, how they're already being implemented, and where they can be strengthened here in the Pioneer Valley.