“Today we are in an environmental crisis.” It’s a phrase that is repeated constantly to bring awareness to a growing problem. But, what are we really doing about it? Environmentally conscious common folk would argue, that small changes being made within their lives are saving the planet. Others argue there is no problem at all. However, “environmentalists”, I feel are continually struggling. As Stanley Fish explains, there is a “push and pull” effect going on. Half of your mind is pushing towards being green, but the other half pulls away to the life you have always lived…to what you are comfortable with. I feel I have the same dilemma. I also feel this dilemma is the most pressing challenge facing the global environment today.

I play my part, as do many other aware citizens, by taking small steps: recycling, turning off the lights, unplugging electronics, and using some “green” products. However, through studying this field, I feel I have an upper hand. Most people think that by taking small steps they are really making a difference, and in some cases it is true. By turning off the lights you save electricity, yes. But, what people don’t realize, and what Fish often touched on is that people don’t understand where these products or energy sources are coming from. What is boils down to is awareness, or lack there of.

In today’s society there is an increasing pressure to go green or to decrease ones carbon footprint. Some think that just by decreasing your carbon footprint, all is well with the world. For example some people are not aware that decreasing one source of fossil fuel emissions gives way to others, such as coal driven electricity replacing oil or petrol. In a society that is so consumer based, that thrives on cheap alternatives, and is only concerned as Fish says with living “as comfortably as possible,” it is obvious why we as a global community are so unaware and present the biggest challenged to be solved.

If everyone could just take a step back and look at the bigger picture, this problem could have a simple solution. As a global community we are so indifferent to what we want, or what we strive for that modern day environmental friendliness seems to be enough. This environmental crisis is now bigger than us and only by gaining awareness through educational, political and societal means can it be solved. Realistically though, in a society that is so far removed from nature and a simple life, this is no easy task.