this post was submitted on 19 Sep 2023
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Showerthoughts

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A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.

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[–] Cabrio 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

And in the same turn, consumers can't buy a product that doesn't exist. Until more environmentally friendly products are on the market made by the producers, consumers don't have a real choice, abstention is not a viable choice.

I still need food, I require the ability to move those groceries from the shop to my car to my house, but if no one produces an environmentally friendly way to do so then I'm at the mercy of the plastic bags, bottles, containers, and wrapping I've been provided.

Just like we couldn't use unleaded gasoline until they started making unleaded gasoline.

Just like we can't start using renuable energy until they start making renuable energy.

Just like we can't recycle our waste because we don't have the infrastructure to recycle our waste.

Just like we can't take mass transport that hasn't been built, or use green energy infrastructure that doesn't exist, or buy products without plastic that don't exist.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

The idea that there is only two options: do nothing or do 100 %, is a comfort zone. People who argue for personal responsibility argue that everyone should do as much as they can.

[–] Cabrio 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

And those that argue for corporate and government responsibility do too, with the addition that they are smart enough to recognise personal responsibility isn't enough and isn't possible at scale without systemic change.

It's not that you're wrong, it's that you're wasting your breath preaching to a choir that has additional comprehension.