But ethical consumers, especially American ones, can really start spreading the wealth around and do it responsibly.

So, in that case is it so bad to be concerned about the effect we have upon the planet. I don't shop any differently than I camp, which is to say I try and leave each campsite in better shape than I found it, and tread as lightly upon the environment as I can while I'm there. I find the same philosophy works just as well at home.