Permaculture: How do you know if you are 'Green'? What would be your minimum criteria?
Answer:
how much is enough?
a sliding scale with grays in between the black and white might be a fairer way to illustrate your question. some people live their lives in a manner that conserves resources, respects man and nature, and reduces waste. others might only do one or two of those same things, but in THEIR minds, they're being 'green' as well. people can do better, and slide a bit further on that sliding scale i spoke of: no one is all the way there, because we can ALL do more. if changing their behaviors makes them more green in their eyes, i will not begrudge them that title. in fact, once the process begins, it may lead to FURTHER changes!
we all do seem to have a need to know where we fit on a scale or with respect to everybody else, however. your question recognizes that. for the sake of answering, and realizing that some of us are in better shape to do more 'green' activities than others, (although EVERYONE can do SOMETHING) i'd say a way to tell if you are 'green' is to look for...
1- knowledge, of what our behavior is capable of. we can implement changes in our environment, both good and bad. being green involves learning more about HOW this happens and choosing appropriate courses of action.
2- changing our behaviors, to consciously affect the environment positively. personal actions, like cutting power and water consumption, less use of automobiles, more recycling, favoring earth-friendly products and retailers... ALSO seeking out and supporting environmentally friendly initiatives and candidates. your vote counts.
3- influence and educate others. if you're in a position to do so, share the news and show how to be an example. again, everyone can do SOMEthing. whether it's teaching your children (well), speaking in front of groups or organizing meetings and earth day events, share the ideas and ideals that you feel make for being 'green'.
if you do even some of these things, i would feel comfortable in labelling you as 'green'. but it doesn't matter what "I" feel. it's what you believe.
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Two things come to mind. Check your ecological footprint. Many taking the test require more than 1 planet to sustain their lifestyle.
And generally, permaculture is a lifestyle. The car you drive. Growing your own food. Working locally. It is an effort, across the board, at living well by living sustainably and adopting a set of earth ethics more in tune with nature.
To be totally green you have too be sustainable. Defined as creating more energy than you need without hurting the environment. I make cob houses, that are 100% green,and last 1,000 years if designed correctly. I use materials that don't have to be shipped , that are using fuel, unless it's shipped by a horse. Large and small companies claim to be green just to sell a product when they are really yellow.
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