Reader Q&A: Why So Green?

The utterly fabulous Alexa sent us some interview questions for an English assignment. I'm reposting my answers here, and I'll do the same with Claire's in a bit. Click here to help Alexa with a survey she's conducting.

Alexa: Why is it important TO YOU to be green??
GG: First of all, I think people often forget that TREES ARE PEOPLE TOO. And begonias, and flamingos, and endangered animals, like Hawaiian monk seals. All are people too and ought to be treated accordingly.
Okay, okay, seriously, here's my answer. I am extremely dedicated to environmentalism because, paradoxically, I'm not a huge "nature person." I don't go camping, I like electricity and running water, and I think civilization is pretty awesome. Many hardcore environmentalists get very possessive about being eco-friendly; they act like they're on a holy crusade and treat the rest of us like ignorant, insensitive tree-killers. This exclusive attitude is totally counterproductive -- it makes people less likely to cooperate, learn, or help the planet. I don't think green should be a secret society. I'm eco-friendly to prove that regular people can make a difference, too.
A: Why is it important for Hopkins to be green and have a green club??
GG: A club isn't worth much until it gets people thinking, caring, and doing. GOAT is meant to provide that inspiration. And Hopkins, where tons of bright, passionate, and privileged teens can share ideas and work with one another, is the kind of place where inspiration can turn into action. We can do great things.
A:Why should teenagers be green, and to what extent is it reasonable for teenagers to be green??
GG: Why should teens be green? Out of selfishness, really. You wouldn't let your dog chew your favorite shoes, because they're yours and you'll want them later on. The same goes for the earth. Plus, as teens, we are a powerful consumer demographic. For example, whether the car market of the next 10 years tends toward the Hummer or the hybrid is totally in our hands.
There's really no excuse for us not to be as eco-friendly as possible. We're young, strong, and educated. And besides, there are absolutely no personal costs to going green. You don't have to be living in a mud hut and spearing rats for dinner to be helping the earth.
A: Why do you think being green is NOT important to everyone??
GG: I think it is important to everyone. Again, it doesn't require a lot of sacrifice to make a little difference. And a little difference is better than no difference at all. There's no "why bother?" in going green.
A: What are some easy ways to be green?
GG: I can't stress enough that going green is not a life-changing commitment. It doesn't take a lot of work to throw your Vitamin Water bottle into the blue bin instead of the black one.
It's so easy to be green. Use both sides of your notebook paper. Unplug your electrical devices when they're not in use. Buy local produce, or grow a garden at home. For more ways to make your day-to-day life a wee bit greener, check out http://www.goddessandguru.blogspot.com/. [Editor's note: Aah, I love me some shameless self-promotion.]