what you are doing is called "Individualization of Responsibility" and it is a successfull tactic used by fossil-fuel-lobbies to shift blame away from themselves.

https://medium.com/@mitpress/individualization-plant-a-tree-buy-a-bike-save-the-world-ecb916df95e4

edit: don't get me wrong. I don't think you are doing this intentionally. But I do think, that by accident you are being useful to fossil-fuel companies

[–] [email protected] 4 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Not the person above, but Corporations are built around the idea of selling something. The biggest way to reduce your environmental impact is to not buy shit. Doesn't matter if the shit is eco friendly, more shit means more emissions.

Corporations don't pollute for shits and giggles. They pollute because they want to make stuff for us to buy. Shell doesn't just make pollution, they pollute on the way to producing gas.

If we cut back on how much gas we use, Shell pollutes less because they have less gas to sell.

That doesn't absolve Shell of their role in chasing profits over environmental protection, and there's plenty of space for demanding better and holding them accountable, but acting like these corps pollute just cuz is disingenuous. They pollute because we want shit.

[–] LemmysMum 6 points 10 months ago (1 children)

So I need food, but it's all sold in plastic, should I starve? Or should I blame those who produce food?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

You should blame them and still choose options with less plastic where possible? I don't see where this idea of black and white, one or the other comes from

Where it's feasible given your financial and geographical means, avoid food wrapped in plastics, foods shipped from far away, and meats. Not every single item in the store comes in plastic. It will require adjusting your habits, for sure.

No need to demonize anyone for not being able to if it doesn't work, but every time you choose something better, it's an incremental step forward.

At the same time, send an email or phone call to the grocery store manager. Write to your local politician and push for laws regarding stricter use of plastics, more comprehensive recycling programs, or funding and grants for local farmers.

Simply being angry online and not changing your own habits or lobbying for change isn't actually improving anything.

[–] LemmysMum 5 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Can't buy what isn't sold.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Really? Every single item is wrapped in plastic at your grocery store? No loose apples, cucumbers, potatoes, or leafy greens?

If those are all wrapped in plastic, then look for what options have less plastic. Avoid double wrapped items, for example, or anything marketed as single servings.

I feel like none of this is that hard to come up with. It's unfortunate you don't seem interested in an actual conversation. Hope you have a better rest of your day.

[–] LemmysMum 5 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (1 children)

Can't buy milk, can't buy bulk beverages, can't buy frozen vegetables, can't buy cheese, can't buy premix salad, can't buy bread, can't buy cookies, can't buy coffee, can't buy dried ingredients, can't buy meat.

Don't be disingenuous because you want to be blind to reality and it's effects.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 10 months ago (1 children)

"I can't do it perfectly, so I better don't do anything at all"

[–] LemmysMum 2 points 10 months ago

If that's what you read that's a you problem.

[–] HappycamperNZ 2 points 10 months ago

I disagree - they are acknowledging that it is a joint effort. They pollute huge amounts to make things we choose to buy under ethics we as as a society accept.

Not also saying there is also individual responsibility is hypocrisy.