In his article "Inconspicuous consumption", David S. Reay suggests that "we can each be part of the solution" to climate change if we drink fewer lattes, wash our clothes less often, and buy different lavatory paper (28 November, p 43). This is dangerous tokenism. While it is true that making small sacrifices can cut carbon emissions, the problem is much bigger.
The unpalatable reality is that to reduce our energy use far enough and fast enough to make a difference, everyone in the developed world needs to make large, rapid and uncomfortable cuts in their standard of living.
No politician will ever be elected with a manifesto of banning most long-haul flights, car journeys and out-of-season food, so the only energy-saving measures they mention in their speeches are at worst mildly inconvenient.
From Ben Haller
Dave S. Reay's assessment of lesser-known ways we can reduce our carbon footprints was ...
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