Easy solutions can be start for change

In the face of such a monumental environmental challenge, it is hard to believe that taking small steps is the only or best way to effect change. By reducing the current environmental problem to “lazy” solutions, our leaders are doing much more than just treating Americans like children. Essentially they are diminishing the severity of the problem to something that can be remedied by quick fixes. As Maniates says, these “economic, simple, even stylish” solutions are not enough to halt the environmental damage. They would, at best, slow the current rate of environmental harm. By downgrading the challenge that we face in tackling the environmental issue, Americans are given an excuse to be unrealistic about what they need to do to help solve it.

However, despite the fact that small is not enough, some action is always better than nothing. It is certainly true that many individuals are looking for more complex ways to address the environmental problem, but this is not true of everyone. By starting the dialogue at easy, market-based solutions it is possible to mobilize a greater number of people who may look for more challenging solutions in the future. The numerous consumer decisions that are now at our fingertips are a manageable way for Americans to at least feel like they are making a difference. This is, at the very least, a good way to get started in being a part of meaningful change in regards to environmental issues. It can be a starting point for consumers to demand larger-scale action. At the very least, individuals should engage in these quick fixes, but we should also be engaging our leaders to challenge us with more complex and effective solutions.