Environmentalism Co-Existing with Capitalism: Recycling to Gift Wrap

The integration of capitalism and environmentalism is a complex process, which can not be accomplished in a short period of time. Going green has recently been touted as a desirable characteristic within capitalistic endeavors, but many advocated steps are just that - mere steps to a more environmentally-friendly world in a society entrenched in capitalism. Although the dawn of the internet age seemed like a process that was highly integrated into modern culture overnight, the integration of environmental ideals can not occur so expeditiously in the current cultural landscape.

The Internet Age

While much of the internet age's instant success can be attributed to immediately recognized benefits or conveniences, such as speeding up processes, facilitating communication and disseminating information expeditiously, the environmental movement must overcome apparent drawbacks for advantages that are not readily discernible in the near term. Being environmentally-friendly tends to encompass activities that are more time-consuming, less capitalistic and, at least initially, cost more.

Recycling

Recycling is a simple example of a form of environmentalism that most everyone seems to be aware of. Although only slightly more time-consuming than throwing away recyclables, this was not always the case. In the United States, recycling has become as common as trash removal, however, this was not always the case. In the past, recycling required separate trips to a recycling center, which expended time and money - in the form of gasoline. Only once recycling became convenient did it become so prevalent.

Producing Less Waste

However, some die-hard environmentalists look down upon recycling, citing the fact that waste is still being created, even if it is being re-used. After all, it takes energy for your recyclables to be transported from your living quarters to the processing plant and to be re-manufactured into new products. Die-hard environmentalists see this process as fraught with waste. Rather, they aim to produce less waste.

A die-hard environmentalist with a garden might re-use glass bottles as a lining, similar to a rock lining, outlining the garden. In addition to saving the energy used to recycle the materials, the glass bottles can create warmth for the garden by trapping the sun's light. Then again, such an activity would probably be looked down upon by home owner's associations in many of America's suburban neighborhoods. Of course, the easiest method to produce less waste is to use less waste. In other words, be mindful and always think green.

Second Nature Not Green

However, the American capitalist society is not geared toward a green method of living. Many activities we engage in on a daily basis are, inherently, not green and engaged in without even a thought about the consequences, as they are like second nature. Such activities include leaving lights or appliances on when not necessary or taking part in traditions merely because they are traditions or systemic in nature.

Traditions and Systemic Activities

The use of gift wrap is one of the most obviously non-green, extravagant traditions, which is rooted in capitalism. Ironically, there is a simple, readily available alternative - newspaper. Additionally, if amusement is desired, then use the comics section. Of course, eliminating the entire gift wrap industry would agitate some capitalists who make a business of the non-environmentally-friendly business. Then, there's the question, "Who can do without a little pink bow?" to which one must retort, "Who can do without a big green Earth?"

Equally rooted in tradition and capitalism is the gift card industry. In an idyllic, environmentally friendly, super-green world, the physical gift card industry would be nonexistent. The internet age gave birth to the ability to replace physical gift cards with non-physical e-cards. Furthermore, e-cards are convenient and expeditious - characteristics which may be keys to integrating environmentalism into a fast-paced, capitalistic culture.