Peppered throughout this blog, I will be writing about certain reducing, reusing and recycling efforts as seen abroad, particularly in the third world. I call these 'unintentional conservation' efforts not because the people of developing nations aren't conscientious of environmental concerns, but because these particular practices tend to be borne of another factor: necessity due to lack of money or replaceable resources.
This is somewhat similar to "Lessons from Abroad", another theme running through my blog (see "Lessons from Abroad: Water Usage"). However, the 'Lessons' blogs are meant to focus on more intentional conservation including societal constructs implemented by governments and large organizations. This series will showcase more unusual and creative ideas borne of the necessity of the masses; ideas which also happen to be green.
For the reality is, devoting time and energy to being green is not only a choice we have, but also a luxury. Many people world-wide are concerned with feeding and clothing their family, meeting their basic needs, and thought for the environment is lower down their proverbial totem pole, if it registers at all. Yet, even in necessity these people manage to limit their harm on the earth. Why can't we, with the incredible resources we have at our disposal, follow suit?
The prevailing American consumer attitude (which corporations spend millions of dollars fostering) is that everything can be replaced. If it's broken, buy new. If it's old and worn, buy new. If it's out of date or fashion, buy new (there seems to be a trend here...). As it is relatively easy and affordable for us to follow this consumerist attitude, we seem to have lost the art of repairing broken items or finding new uses for old things.
Getting back to the basics, as illustrated by those who don't have any other option, might just be what Mother Nature ordered - both for the environment and our current economic woes.

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