Our society must learn to appreciate eco-conscious individuals more than economically sound ones ...
This recent news about Starbucks' new CEO flying a private jet 1600 kilometers between his home and headquarters three times a week initially amused me. Not because I'm a fan of the CEO or the company, but because of the global reaction it sparked. People, especially in the West, criticized him for his excessive carbon footprint. Even some Starbucks employees voiced their concerns.
This positive backlash made me realize that there's still a significant portion of society, especially in the West, that values environmental conservation. It's heartening to see that a generation is emerging that prioritizes the planet over personal convenience. The fact that the world media gave as much coverage to the CEO's private jet usage as to the subsequent backlash against it is a testament to the growing awareness of environmental issues.
Contrast this with the reality of many cities like London and Washington, where executives and even blue-collar workers use public transportation. The CEO's actions seem almost criminal in such a context.
This news also prompted me to reflect on our own society. We haven't yet cultivated a culture that prioritizes ecological well-being. Our youth seem more interested in superficial trends than in understanding their roots, let alone the roots of the trees they depend on. The fact that we still struggle to make cloth bags fashionable, and continue to consume plastic and paper bags, highlights our disconnect with environmental concerns.
In India, we've often equated public transportation with a lower socioeconomic status. This mindset has discouraged people from using public transport, even when it's more environmentally friendly. We need to shift this perspective and recognize that being eco-conscious is not just a trend but a necessity.
Ultimately, a society will only prioritize the environment when its citizens do. The government can implement policies, but if the public opinion remains indifferent, lasting change will be difficult. Therefore, it's crucial for us to foster a culture of environmental consciousness.