Are We Suffering Eco-Burnout?

With the huge amount of conflicting messages, contradictory opinions, and an overabundance of information, it seems that we as a society are experiencing what many are calling eco-burnout. This phenomenon is the result of consumers losing interest when it comes to making daily life choices on eco-friendly consumer products.

Staying informed about the latest studies has become a daily ritual. With new information constantly bombarding us, it requires a lot of effort and patience to sort out what is relevant. Many of us are left to their own accord and find that we are second guessing ourselves. We are also finding that most families are dealing with economic pressures. We are always striving to find ways to trim our household budgets. Those financial demands on a family can have it eliminating organic or recycled products from their shopping list.

Add to all this the way our society is fad conscious. Our culture is constantly endorsing one fad over another. The change in those fads happens at a speed that only Superman would appreciate. The rapid rise of the eco-conscious lifestyle is not unlike the rise of the latest clothing fad. However, unlike whether skinny jeans are in or out, taking a stand on protecting our planet is something that will not be out of style.

As a whole, we are a people who want to do the right thing. The problem lies in the flood of messages and information we are assailed with daily. Life gets in the way, and the old habits and the convenient ways become easier. We tend to throw up our hands when we are overwhelmed. Nevertheless, that does not mean that we should not strive to do better and to make whatever small efforts we can.

There are a few ways you can avoid going through eco-burnout. You can find ways to rejuvenate your excitement for environmental sustainability. Join a group that volunteers to clean up an area, be it the highways, the beach, or some local wetlands. Take the family to the local farmers market and soak up the atmosphere. Find websites and blogs that have good eco-friendly advice and participate in them by commenting in their forums. As a family, seek out the green changes you can afford to make.

It is important that in these times of hard economic times that we give ourselves credit for even the small victories. However, it is important to remember that we must keep motivated. Every effort will be a step in the right direction in our battle to keep our planet more sustainable. Sometimes it is the voice at the end of the day that says, "I will try again tomorrow."