Final Paper (Part II)

Okay, so I'm back!!! I have gotten a lot of my paper done so far.. about four pages already, so that's a relief.  I just want to brain storm some more ideas on here that I may or may not include in the rest of my paper. While the green movement has definitely, without a doubt, picked up some momentum during the last few years, you have to question some of the motives behind some of these large companies. When you think about it, it just doesn't seem financially beneficial for many of the companies to encourage a green movement. Yeah, many companies have converted to using wind powered electricity where possible, others have installed solar power panels, and others have done small things like cut down on paper towel use and water waste by installing hand dryers and automatic faucets and toilets. But, in the interest of creating business and profits, smart companies will continue to promote the principals of what Giles Slade calls "obsolescence of desirability" and "conspicuous consumption".  Advertisers will continue to promote the fabricated dissatisfaction that many consumers somehow are hypnotized to believe about a product that they've had for a number of months or years. Companies may say that they are on a path to greener business practices but the truth is, it is not a practice that particularly benefits major corporations. Another large reason why America is not ready to become a leader in green technology and green practices is the fact that our government has failed to pass legislation that would eliminate e-waste and the contamination of our fresh water supply by manufacturers.  Our country is a fine example of what a great leader should be in many ways but the way we handle our waste problem is not one of them.  Until we create stricter laws and are tougher about enforcing them, America will have a hard time putting their over consumptive ways to rest. I know I sound very pessimistic, but I just don't see how we're going to break a vicious cycle that we've been headed towards since the past one hundred years.