The Economy and Environment

A movement slowly gaining speed in our current economic climate says that the economy and the environment impact each other, both negatively and positively.  The movement contends that the recession will positively impact the environment, that the current economic situation we find ourselves in is simply a recalibration of our society.  Consumerist excess gives way to economic concern.

People are more concerned with value now.  Value is inherently intertwined with environmental friendliness.  Instead of buying artificial chemical cleaners, people are buying, for example, vinegar.  The average person could buy a gallon of vinegar for less than the price of a small can of commercial cleaner.  Vinegar is natural and safe for the environment.  Major purchases especially are effected by this new value-conscious consumer.  Most people would rather buy a mid-sized car that gets 35 miles to the gallon than an SUV that gets 12 miles to the gallon.  In an effort to save money, people are helping to save our planet, whether they realize it, or even mean to, or not.

Gardening is an easy way to save money and lessen one's carbon footprint.  Instead of getting in the car and going to the store to buy food that was shipped to the store in a semi, one can walk out to the garden and pick food fresh that they raised from seed.  Fresh food has more available nutrients and is better for eating than food that is already two weeks old by the time it is consumed.

Does the economy effect the environment?  It is this author's contention that yes, the environment is effected by the economy.