Do some people make themselves a slave to trying to reduce their Carbon Footprint?

Some people do. But that is their choice.

I try to cut down on electricity since what I previously thought was untrue. Turns out 30% of our electricity comes from coal. I thought it was pretty much all hydro and wind. I was wrong. I don’t have and never really want them. But my sister has three kids and I will turn off the light-bulb if that means they can breathe cleaner air.

Are you asking if living ethically makes you a slave? Only if we completely redefine the word “slave”.

Using reusable containers and bags seems makes me as much a slave as not shitting in my neighbor’s yard does.

I just consider them forward thinkers even visionaries. They know more about the truth of what we are facing as a world who is now enslaved to technology and all things cheap and efficient. They know the realities behind cheap oil, gas, food, electricity and clean fresh water and the realities of cleaner alternatives all of which so far come with a higher price and carbon footprint to boot. So these same people know that alternatives are not the answer but reducing our need for these precious resources. Californians are already feeling the pinch of their fresh water resource and being forced to use less and less water.

I don’t feel enslaved when I make healthier dietary choices. I want my body to be healthy. The extra time or money is an investment that I am willing to make.

I also want our planet to be healthy. It’s really not that big of a deal, and often it is less taxing and costly compared to environmentally-damaging alternatives.

I admire people like. that. I admire their dedication. I think more people should be so dedicated (myself included).

Of course not. What lifestyle is more efficient than one which keeps the planet healthy?

Many people find meaning in their life through a “cause” – whether rational or not, that’s how they identify their lives.

Fanaticism – even for a ‘good cause’ is still fanaticism, and ultimately unhealthy for them. A good strong feeling of support is useful and great, but become a “slave” is somewhat unbalanced.

Most likely. But everyone would have to enslave themselves to solve the problem, and that ain’t gonna happen!

@hominid Are you asking if living ethically makes you a slave?
First I would have to determine if it were ethical, unethical or something else. Since there is no supreme person in this planet to say if it is or not, that is not the question I am asking.