Criticism for Easy Actions

Wow, the article, “Going Green? Easy Doesn’t Do It,” changes my mind completely. It critically views that taking easy actions to slow the global environmental issues is not enough. I am impressed that Michael Maniates makes a good connection between Thanksgiving and the global environmental issues. I like his point because it presents a strong message about how we think about the environment.

Before reading the article, I agree with an idea that everyone should take easy actions, such as reusing scrap paper and taking shorter shower as mentioned in the article, because it is good for the environment and people can prevent serious issues, such as global warming. I totally agree with an opinion, “if we all do our little bit to recycle and conserve -- the simple things, mind you, because that's all we'll need (translation: that's all they think we'll go for) -- we can together rescue the world for our children and grandchildren,” especially the translation. It is true that more people will act environmentally friendly when actions are easy and cost-effective because we are lazy enough to save the planet.

However, this article suggests that “the time for easy is over,” and criticizes that easy actions are not helpful to encourage people to be true environmentalists. The main argument is that people should consider the global environmental issues critically and take more difficult and serious actions to prevent further issues. I am convinced because it may be possible to slow down the environmental damages through easy actions but it does not mean it will stop them. To put it another way, the environmental issues will continue slowly and steadily despite of easy efforts. I am sure that a goal of the environmentalists is to completely stop further environmental problems. In sum, it is time to change lifestyles and put more serious efforts to save our habitat.