So the question is... Is ERSG an environmentalist?
Someone who really cares about climate change? Carbon footprint? Etc?
I think for me, the real answer isn't so simple as a yes or no...
In truth, I don't think so much about climate change or carbon footprint.
I think about this from 2 points of view.
1) Saving money.
2) Wastage of resources.
But somehow it results in a situation where it appears or sounds that I am very interested in climate change.
The actual end goal of reducing climate change, truthfully, I don't look so far.
So what do I mean by my 2 points?
1) Saving money...
This is very simple. The less you consume, the more money you save. It's good for the pocket. It's good for retirement. But, why I consume less isn't cos I really want to save the environment. It's cos I want to save money.
Example,
-Taking public transport instead of Uber is cheaper, but it also has a lower carbon footprint on the environment.
-Free food is free, better for the wallet. It also reduces food waste so that it doesn't go to the incinerator and landfill, ALSO, it doesn't contribute to demand. So producers hopefully will produce less which requite less resources, which is better for the environment.
-Not buying STUFF. Obviously, it's good for your pocket. Many people buy stuff and just leave it around the house. By NOT buying stuff, you also reduce demand, which... hopefully producers produce less and blah blah bah.
-Not buying much meat. Even though I don't get much free meat, I still choose not to buy meat from the supermarkets. This reduces demand and blah blah blah, and from my last post, demanding less meat and reducing production of meat has a large impact on the environment.
And the list goes on. I consume less cos it's better for the wallet. Saving the environment is just a side effect. And that's how I rationalize it. It has to give me an immediate benefit. Cos to me, I don't think the world is going to change course any time soon. So personally, I'm not going to give up my conveniences since 95% of the world doesn't really care.
2) Wastage of resources.
This is somewhat similar to the above, but on a bigger scale.
It's when I raise my eyebrows and go... HUHHHH???? Why would anyone want to do that?
I grumble/mutter under my breath when I see wastage. Not cos I'm looking at it from an environmental point of view, but rather the thought that... why would anyone logically want to waste things?
Example,
-So even though I don't save money when I see clothes companies throw away clothes, hangers, etc... I raise my eyebrows and just grumble about it. Cos... it's just SO wasteful.
-Or when I see people change their phones regularly... Huh? The old one still can use what?
-Or when I see buildings that's left vacant. I wonder why someone built it and just left it idle like that.
Since young, I was taught not to waste, cos waste usually means wasted money as well. And maybe now, I look outward and see wastage all around me. And it's hard to understand it. Yes, it doesn't affect me financially, but the whole idea/concept of waste annoys me.
I look at it, and I think... it's irrational, it's stupid.
And so, I think, if/when I write about it, I may look as though as I'm looking at this from an environmental point of view... but it isn't really that way.
Yes... eventually, it results in the same thing. Less wastage also helps the environment. But that's really not my underlying intent.
But hey, the end justifies the means right? Environmental issues ARE a real concern. If not now, it will be in the future. And whatever way I look at it, if it helps me and the environment along with it, then why not?
And even if you don't care too much about the environment, I'm sure you care about your pocket right?
It's a nice win-win situation.
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