Does Living Green Really Matter?

With the world’s attention focused on Copenhagen, the emphasis among people concerned about climate change right now is a worldwide political answer to the global crisis. And that makes sense – political action is likely key to solving the problem.

But that focus has made some question whether living green is really all that important. A recent op-ed in the Washington Post argues that we should all take a break from being green this month and focus on political solutions.

But the fact is, no matter how much political action is needed, our personal decisions do matter, finds an article in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Since the U.S. accounts for much of the world’s carbon emissions, even small changes in our behavior can make a major difference. Plus, people who make lifestyle changes are more likely to get involved politically.

You can find lots of simple ways to cut your carbon footprint here on the Green Life, as well as on the Sierra Club’s Climate Crossroads.

--Kyle Boelte