"Why Bother"

              This article by Michael Pollan addresses the "why bother" mentality, a mindset indubitably shared by many in our society, and its significance in regards to regulating climate change. In a society that does not expect individuals to make changes unless directed to by some sort of governing body, Pollan describes this state of mind as being inherently pessimistic toward the progress of environmental regulation. He gives a hypothetical example in which an individual has decidedly "gone green" and "turned his life upside down" in an effort to reduce his carbon footprint; Pollan then poses the question, "what would be the point when I know full well halfway around the world, my Chinese doppelganger...is itching to replace every last pound of CO2 I am struggling to no longer emit." Pollan believes this is the sort of mentality that discourages people from making any significant life changes or personal sacrifices in the name of environmental regulation, for fear that they may be "lowering" their standard of living for nothing. Pollan then goes on to describe the potential positive effects of taking individual action and caring for the environment on a personal level. Pollan describes how doing something as simple as planting a garden may encourage others to do the same, causing a "chain reaction of behavioral change" that may lead to significant impact on a societal level. More than this, however, Pollan discusses how planting a garden may eventually result in a change in the way we inherently think about the environment, a mentality that may catch on with those close to you and be ultimately beneficial to the health of the planet.
                I thought this article was extremely interesting because it seemed to eloquently put into words what I have always thought to be the biggest hindrance to significant progress in stopping climate change. Because of this "why bother" mentality, I had always thought that legislative action that essentially forces change is the only realistic way to have a drastic impact on climate change. After reading this article, however, I noticed some great points that Pollan brought up that really made me think. For one thing, there is the simple fact that change must start somewhere, with someone. The best way to help others around gradually change their lifestyles to better the environment, is to actually show them how they can do it on a perpetual, "way of life" basis. Another point that Pollan brought up that rang with me was his mention of victory gardens during World War II and how they supplied nearly 40% of the total produce Americans ate. That example specifically shows how individuals can band together and have a real impact when they are united in a common, "universally good" goal. In that case, it was defeating Nazi Germany and saving the world; in our case, it is defeating climate change and saving the world.