It’s official: going “green” is not simply a passing trend. Nor is it even a market niche, it has become a concept ubiquitous within our consumer culture. The use of the internet and various other sources of digital media have largely helped to facilitate this ‘green-splosion;’ the consumer can simply Google the green product or service of their choice and they are met with thousands of options only a mouse-click away. It’s never been so easy to be kind to our planet.
These readily available goods, services and references are not available to promote a new breed of conspicuous consumption. Rather, they offer thoughtful alternatives and valuable resources that help us lead more sustainable lives, should we so choose. The guiding principle of going green is to help reduce the amount of resources that must be used both in terms of production and transit and in a phrase, to ‘tread lightly’ upon our fragile earth.
Perhaps one of the easiest and most simple ways to take advantage of the digital green movement is the purchase of carbon offsets. Websites such as CarbonFund and TerraPass allow for you to calculate your carbon footprint based on the frequency of certain activities such as driving, flying, or things you do around your home. From there, you can purchase these offset credits that will act to reduce your impact on the earth. It’s a pretty cool way to do your part to fight global warming.
Aside from carbon offsets, a whole host of sites geared toward green living have gone mainstream. Sites such as Green-Living and thegreenguide offer insightful ways to achieve a lower-impact way of life. These sites cover a variety of different aspects of life; everything from selecting the perfect organic dog food, to the hottest eco-conscious eye liner of the season. Any aspect of your life you want to ‘green’ can be done by simply using Google to search for ways to do so.
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The marriage of technology and sustainable products and services has never made it easier to live a socially and environmentally responsible life. When reducing global warming is potentially as easy as clicking your computer mouse, one has no reason not to do their share. The internet serves as an invaluable tool in our green day and age. Green technology, such as carbon offsets and the availability of green products provide the everyday person with an outlet and a sense of ease that they have the power to positively impact the planet we all share.
