Going green sans government
By Eric Soble
Contributing Write
Last week, a federal judge struck down a New York City initiative mandating taxi companies to convert to hybrid vehicles. Republican Mayor Michael Bloomburg’s 2030 environmental plan was effectively stymied, much to the dismay of many New York Democrats.
These green initiatives have been widespread, from San Francisco’s banning of plastic bags to the University’s own Campus Greening Initiative by the Environmental Center. The aim is to reduce carbon footprints and spread awareness about the impact of waste on the environment.
Great message, right? The nation can rid the United States of pollution, stop global warming in its tracks and become a greener country. However, appealing as this may sound, these goals are accomplished rather brutally.
The New York City mandate would cost taxi companies thousands upon thousands of dollars. In order to stay afloat, these companies may have to fire many employees who may have no other occupational skills. Also, these new costs would inevitably lead to higher fees for the average taxi passenger.
With the economy on its deathbed, what are we to value: “going green” or being able to afford transportation? Should we waste billions of dollars on the Kyoto Protocol and reduce global temperatures by a 10th of a degree or work on ending AIDS, which kills two million people per year?
By enacting these “green” reforms, the government is ultimately saying people are not smart enough to make the right decisions about our environment. This is false because around 1,500 New York City cabs are already hybrid. People are willing to make these decisions to further the sustainability of our environment on their own, and any government coercion is excessive and unjustified.
When the market deems “green” products more of a necessity, consumers will value “going green” more than convenience. It’s already started: green toilet paper, hybrid cars, tray-less days at Bostwick Marketplace. The green movement has made us conscious about waste and pollution we are creating—and for that, the American people owe thanks. Let people make the right decisions about their own environment. Let them take the initiative, and move toward a sustainable planet. Don’t rely on government to make good decisions: They hardly ever do.
Through voluntary efforts, social activism and engaging in interest groups, the green movement can and will be effective. However, if green reformers begin pushing for coercive mandates, blowing up car dealerships offering Hummers, while maybe being a pain in everyone’s neck, they won’t get anywhere fast.
The greatest achievements of our capitalist system have been achieved without the help of government: Going green can be the next step. However, don’t shove this form of ecofascism down my throat along the way.
