To me being “green’”, is about being aware of the energy costs associated with as many aspects as possible in my consumer behavior. Not the least of which is buying products made from renewable materials, made from recycled materials, using the most energy efficient and pollution reducing disposal options. I also like to understand what local sources of products I can use because that can represent a huge reduction in hidden energy costs for transport.

As a very busy person, with a job, family and life distractions I can’t do all of this in all areas all the time. I find social media cuts through the noise very quickly in raising my awareness of ‘green’ options when I’ve undertaken a bit of consumer research.

As an employee of Earth911.com, and a long time blogger and interactive media person, I’ve been watching social media grow and change since the 90′s. As a form of media I find social media is a bit obsessed with itself, “I use social media because social media tells me to”. So I wonder about how useful it is to people that are not as fascinated by it as I am. Despite this concern, I am optimistic about the long term relevance of “social media”. The ease with which people can share ideas, the focus on questioning sources / asking for attribution, the elevation of honest opinion to spark further sharing, and the casual brevity of the communication style I think are all critical elements that make “social media” valuable to a wide range of people.

Positive skepticism and a strong interest in detailed information is I think are the most important factors in growing “green” social media however. Everyone I know seems be trying to live cleaner and more sustainable lifestyles. Finding new better ways to do that makes it fun and interesting and social media is incredibly good at getting lots of people aware of ideas and sharing their experiences.

I write at punkrockpermaculture.com
@gaiapunk