The article by Christine Matheson emphasizes the importance of consumers being environmental conscious in their purchasing patterns. Specifically, the author highlights the need for consumers to adjust their buying behaviors by refusing to support firms and businesses whose operations contribute to environmental pollution.
For example, she opens the article by noting that her writing is “…a bunch of ideas to help you become a greener fashionista “(Matheson 116). Therefore, the author outlines the need of consumers to employ green shopping strategies. Such an adjustment will contribute towards elimination or minimization of the opportunity cost incurred in the process of undertaking waste management.
The author asserts that it is imperative for various industries to adjust their production processes. Some industries that contribute to environmental pollution according to the author include the fashion industry and the transport industry. The author calls for consumers and producers to appreciate the importance of recycling in lowering the rate of environmental pollution.
Additionally, she underscores the importance of industries in diverse economic sectors embracing sustainable technology and adopting renewable energy in their production processes. For example, car and vehicle manufacturers should adopt hybrid technology.
Additionally, the author is of the opinion that limiting the high rate of environmental pollution, which is currently being experienced, requires collaboration of individual and government efforts. This assertion arises from the fact that the government will be required to institute laws, institutions, and infrastructure to enhance reduction in the current rate of environmental pollution.
Summary of concepts/ideas by Collin Beavan
Similar to Christine Matheson, Collin Beavan emphasizes the importance of protecting the environment. Collin identifies consumers as the most effective agents of change. The author asserts that it is fundamental for consumers to adjust their consumption behaviors. He alludes to the importance of consumers establishing an ecological balance in their consumption processes.
For example, he asserts that consumers should design, implement, and adhere to environmental friendly rules that guide their consumption processes. Rather than focusing on the incorporation of systems that contribute to minimal or no environmental pollution such as adoption of sustainable technology and use of renewable energy, the author is of the opinion that social change is the only missing ingredient.
He posits that he believes, “…in rising to the challenge rather than shrinking from the obstacles” (Beavan 61). Therefore, to achieve this goal, consumers should develop a comprehensive understanding of what they need in life, which should form the basis of developing the necessary technical and social systems. Thus, consumption should be based on socio-technical design.
Despite the contribution of the government and other institutions in limiting climate change, Collin Beavan is of a different view. The author cites change of culture as the most effective avenue of countering environmental pollution and climate change. The author appreciates the fact that cultural change can have a significant effect compared to instituting legislations and systems to deal with the same.
The author further opines that despite the perception that individual effort is minimal in tackling an enormous challenge such as climate change, individuals’ input can lead to the development of a positive culture towards climate change within society. Consequently, individuals, as opposed to systems, are the agents of change “because it is upon the definition of a good life that our socio-technical designs must be used” (Beavan 62).
Conclusion
In a recap, the two authors try to illustrate the role of consumers in limiting the high rate of climate change. Adjustment of consumption behavior has been highlighted as one of the most effective ways through which consumers can aid in countering the high rate of climate change. However, to be effective, it is necessary to develop effective systems.
Works Cited
Beavan, Colin. “The Year without Toilet Paper.” The New York Times, 22 March 2007: 61-62. Print.
Matheson, Christie. Green Chick: Saving the earth in style, Illinois: Sourcebooks, 2008. Print.