Green Consumerism Essay

In the past few decades, people have developed a heightened sense of awareness in regard to their carbon footprint. Consumers have sought to help solve major environmental problems through their everyday purchases by opting for sustainably-sourced, organic, and minimally processed goods. This trend, called “green consumerism,” has been growing rapidly and is touted as the best method to combat wanton ecological degradation. But is it truly effective? Michael Maniates, a professor in environmental studies, doesn’t think so. In his paper Individualization: Plant a Tree, Buy a Bike, Save the World?, Maniates details the shortcomings of green consumerism and why using it as a primary method to shape positive environmental progress is not a good idea; instead, a multifaceted approach including individual action, community organization, and institutional change is needed for considerable and adequate environmental progress.. His argument is validated in part by businesses such as Whole Foods, reputed to be environmentally friendly and health-conscious, misleading customers on the “green” merits

Since the start of the new millennium, consumers have become more curious and concerned about their food choices. With the rapid introduction of genetically modified foods and rising awareness of insidious food additives, consumers have tried to make smart choices on the products they purchase. This has proven to be much more difficult than it seems. Companies, wanting to allure buyers to their products, often commit acts of greenwashing in which they embellish, often severely, the merits of their products. Health and environmental claims are made liberally and there is often little to no regulatory oversight ensuring transparency. A recent case highlighting the problem of greenwashing involves Whole Foods and its embroilment in a class-action