Discussion question uno

In light of what Mackenzie mentioned, I would like to assert that what most Americans and “Westerners” consider to be a healthy day’s worth of meals is approximately five times (I have heard estimates say 10x as well) what the human body needs to sustain itself. This leads me to my point of our most pressing challenge: overconsumption; the massive spectrum of wealth that exists today is the primary cause of this phenomenon. The concept of the American Dream has misguided many of us here in the United States; instead of using the gained wealth responsibly, the majority simply binges. Big houses, big cars and the Big Mac are among trademark “American” icons. So while people elsewhere in the third world are wondering what they are going to eat for dinner, we (yes, we; everyone is guilty) are wondering what we should have for our third course at dinner.
With the West leading the advancement in living standards, more and more people (namely in China and India with their booming populations) who are rising to similar levels of wealth are seeking the same amenities. One can only imagine if a third of the worlds population lived at the same level as most Americans. I like to consider myself somewhat responsible in my everyday actions; but even my eco-footprint is huge relative to the rest of the world. We need to come to terms with the fact that if the ratio of car drivers to population was the same in China as it is in America, we would be screwed. If anything is going to be done, we need to come to the realization that we will not survive with our current practices for much longer. Some have already had the realization; however, for the majority, owning a Suburban is still the norm. Our history has instilled in us a craving for more; political candidates have to promise more of everything to even have a chance of getting elected. I may be a bit pessimistic, but currently the American Dream is an express lane to environmental hell


Stanley Fish brings up some interesting points; his editorial brings to light the wasting capabilities that we all have. Today, there are many “tiers” of environmental consciousness; from the completely self-sufficient, nearly carbon neutral, environmentalist to the family who makes conscious decisions to recycle, buy eco-friendly lights, energy star products, and buy local when available. I believe that as long as people are making conscious choices, it is a step in the right direction (however small or large it may be). Fish’s predicaments show how hard it is to become completely eco-friendly; few people think to separate the cellophane from the envelope when they recycle it. Even the most basic actions have environmental ramifications; simple disposal is the easy way out; and its still the choice that many choose to make.