After polishing off the huge cookie I got for free from Java Green as part of my membership to Live Green, a new membership organization providing support to green businesses, I find myself thinking how far our city has come in the three years I’ve lived here.
Whereas in ‘05, examples of “green” D.C. commerce were few and far between, now the “scene” seems almost widespread. Whereas green living used to be exorbitant and elitist, it is, more than ever, accessible and – dare I say – mainstream. Whereas many may have once scoffed at the idea of a green economy, businesses – acknowledging that we are consumers – are feeding the demand with a steady supply of green goods. Small, simple opportunities to “green” our lives and choices abound.
Live Green, launched on June 18 at Local 16, aims to make eco-friendly living in D.C. more affordable, accessible, and easy. For a $13 annual membership, members get discounts at participating businesses, called “Live Green spots.” These include: Organic food, eco-friendly cleaning supplies, green health and wellness products and services and renewable energy. You’ll also get an informative newsletter keeping you up-to-date on green D.C. happenings/news.
Among the participating businesses: Java Green, Derma Hair Care (which, by the way, just introduced a full moon facial, which is … yes … exactly what it sounds like!!!!), Pangea, ZipCar, City Living Source, MOM’s and more!
A very special and amazing green business that is dear to my heart, Flow Yoga Center (also voted Best Yoga Studio by City Paper), is a Live Green spot … members can take any class for $5 and get 7% of a class pass! Watch this video (from NBC 4!) to learn more about how Flow is green. You may also spot someone you know practicing yoga — or saying something silly on the news 
While I certainly frequent green businesses and prefer to put my money toward green products and services, I’m curious to know people’s views on “consuming green” — are green businesses and products just feeding our addiction to stuff and to buying? Or is consumption inevitable and at the core of our being?
Namaste!
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August 14, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Cristina
The idea that “going green” is becoming mainstream may not be completely true. Maybe access is gradually growing, but what about people who live in low-income communities? Many people living in these communities may not be receiving the proper education on environmental issues (especially the young generation in inner city schools). How can environmental issues be important to these communities when they have so many other things to worry about like poverty, unemployment, etc.?
Perhaps “going green” is becoming cheaper, but how can people who are at a disadvantage in their local environment learn more about environmental issues? More initiatives should be developed to reach out to these–sometimes forgotten–communities.
As for your question, it is possible that Corporate America has discovered another way to make more money, but it may be beneficial for consumers who are interested in preserving the environment.
Consumption is definitely at the core of human beings, but sometimes I wonder if it is America at the core of consumption.
August 14, 2008 at 7:02 pm
drcorner
I’m in the same boat as you, I see the change in weather happening all around and know that global warming is gaining faster than scientists can predict. I agree with these new green trends, we can’t keep pumping out dirt into the air or other things bad for the environment and not expect it to change.
It’s great to see more green choices out there.
I wrote about a couple of new green choices out there, please check it out and comment with your ideas as well. I look forward to hear from you. Thanks.
http://drcorner.wordpress.com/category/health-environment/