Well, and as one who is devoted to seeing as many sides of the argument as possible, I understand the need not to go jumping off any cliffs here. BUT ... by most measures, it seems population is a readily identifiable problem. And it seems as if consumers could be much, much more diligent about making sure the products they use are eco-friendly -- and letting the corporations know when they're being informally "boycotted" because of eco-unfriendliness.

I'm guilty of this myself. I try very hard not to buy any chinese goods because I am so pissed at the Chinese for a variety of reasons, begining with watching the horror of Tiannamen Square as it unfolded. BUT ... I really haven't written letters or done much (except write a column about it just recently) to let anyone know that I avoid shopping Chinese. So, really, what good do my puny efforts do, even on the level of personal integrity, if I don't tie that effort to some sort of organized response?

And, as fate would have it, there's an interview with Dennis Hayes, founder of Earth Day, in the new Eddie Bauer webzine. It's here: EddieBauer360

And, not to be too self-serving about it, check the "Post This" article in the "Style" department. Ahem. Vote early: vote often.

I don't agree with everything Hayes says in the article, but I certainly think it's a good starting point.

WW