As we discussed in our small discussion groups this past Friday, can the government just simply enact policy that will be the driver of social change? The San Francisco example that Britney brought up about how the City government made plastic bags illegal sounded like an "easy" way to make sure that we do what we can for the environment; However, do we need the government telling us rather then showing or explaining the best way to effectively help the environment. I realize this isn't the main point of the article but I thought it was an appropriate comment that ties in with the article.

Maniates proposes that these "Three assertions permeate the pages: (1) We should look for easy, cost-effective things to do in our private lives as consumers, since that's where we have the most power and control; these are the best things to do because (2) if we all do them the cumulative effect of these individual choices will be a safe planet; which is fortunate indeed because (3) we, by nature, aren't terribly interested in doing anything that isn't private, individualistic, cost-effective and, above all, easy." He contends that the easy solutions offered to us are to reduce consumption here or there and if everyone does it then we will make massive social change are not wrong but ineffective. He asks that instead of keeping this potentially cataclysmic environmental change which will be subdued and eased by small changes in our diet and consumer life style be explained with honesty in that we need drastic measures. He wants the experts and the government to stop hiding the true, ominous secrets. His final statements revolve around the fact that we are grown ups, we can handle it.

He is right. While we should continue to use eco-friendly products, the facts and figures disseminated by the supposed experts say that we will see dramatic shifts in our environment in a matter of years. Making small changes now will help in the far future, however, we need change NOW. The difficulty of this position is that what do we do? How can we make such drastic shifts in our habits? Maniates proposes, "We need to be looking at fundamental change in our energy, transportation and agricultural systems rather than technological tweaking on the margins, and this means changes and costs that our current and would-be leaders seem afraid to discuss." And that is absolutely correct. We need to focus on what is our source of energy. I think that will reduce emissions and pollutants emitted from vehicles (cars, planes, buses, etc.) as well as other technologies that require production (such as in factories). If we can change to Nuclear that is a first step. If we can cut our dependence on oil and use what makes America what it is, INNOVATION, to acquire a new set of technologies that is good for the environment then we can see high volumes of change. The only issue is can we make this new energy source affordable? To developing nations? If they need energy they will use coal and oil. Two products, especially if the US cuts its dependence will be drastically reduced in price. This is one point of contention, however, the US is one of the biggest polluters so if we can reduce our emissions then so can everyone else but we all do need to work together to achieve such a goal.