[ssnistfajen]

The amount of emissions reduced by these acts, multiplied by the tiny portion of the society that actually bothers to do these, is so insignificant compared to overall carbon emissions that it may as well be a rounding error. I use to believe doing my part helps the planet -- I still try to be as environmentally-conscious as possible, but I no longer believe it has an effect on the fate of our society. What one/dozen/thousands of people do is absolutely insignificant as long as these people aren't the decision-makers.

[agumonkey]

rounding errors accumulate

unlike zeros

I know very well that people consumption aren't the main polluting factor but we.. are the people, we can divert part of the cycle

[maximente]

you're right, it will do something, it just won't do very much. it's sort of like voting - important to do, just doesn't matter very much statistically speaking.

people aren't willing to talk about the heavy stuff... yet. we'll get there, but until people start talking about painful solutions - technology running daylight hours only, order of magnitude reduction in oceanic shipping, etc. - it's just feel good type stuff.

[ssnistfajen]

Campaigning and voting in elections are several orders of magnitudes more effective than paper straws or reusable shopping bags.