I mentioned in last Sunday’s post that a number of ideas for articles arise while editing other writers’ pieces. This one was an offshoot from an email thread between co-founder Justin Manger and me. We constantly ask ourselves what this site is. We often have friends and outsiders ask the same question. In a way we never have a definitive answer, as the site is evolving and only part of our plan. We aim for a balanced approach, though some writers tend toward one end of the spectrum versus the other. Without a doubt we firmly believe that society needs to shift toward a more sustainable way of life. As a result, we tend to write about topics that will help make that shift a reality. In doing so we sometimes have rose-colored glasses. A number of articles and writers take the view that runs slightly counter (i.e. more pessimistic positions). On the whole, I would like to think we’re pragmatic. While we get extremely excited about Tesla releasing its Model S sedan, we realize electrified transport is not going to trump internal combustion anytime soon (if at all).
While I like the balanced approach, we cannot be all things to all people, nor should we try. There’s a reason Fox News on one side and MSNBC on the other has such high viewership; they appeal to their “constituents.” What are our constituents? Who are we trying/going to reach? I like to think everyone, as I firmly believe in the need to move toward a more sustainable society. Otherwise, we are in trouble regarding resource consumption in the coming generations. In all honesty, I think “my” generation will be okay. I don’t know if the drop off is a precipitous one, or just a gradual decline. I don’t think it matters. What I am concerned with is the unsustainable patterns we’ve developed. The west, where most of our readership lies, is particularly “to blame” with patterns of unsustainable consumption.
Given the western diet (and I use that term in a broad sense and with the intended pun) I feel 2nd Green Revolution fills a gap in the information (diet) that is out there. We are not comprehensive by any stretch of the imagination. We represent one (perhaps a few) perspectives in a sea of them. Other sites have more environmental news. Some are more completely dedicated to green building or green living. In the guise of honesty, but not hubris, I still think we play an important role.
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