MONTREAL - These days, Mylene Gamache-Tremblay spends her evenings and weekends taking orders for solar eclipse glasses, and packing and shipping them around the eastern part of the country.
FWIW given the downvotes, I think your points are valid, although I think things are more complex and need a more nuanced response. (For example, I see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I don’t want to blind myself as a result of enjoying–weather willing.)
It alarms me when I see people react angrily or defensively by mere exposure to the idea that we as a society need to consume less if we want to ‘flatten the curve,’ so to speak, of climate change. These are really important conversations that we need to be having. And there is a lot of corporate and ultra-wealth interest in us not having these conversations and not taking action (sooner versus later). I think they may have a hand in disseminating the idea that any such cut-backs we make will greatly reduce our quality of living and “how dare they!” kind of thing that is really black-and-white and denial-based. But it can play into the human psyche and fend off critical thinking and a willingness to examine one’s own role in things pretty effectively
It would be nice to get to a doughnut economy where we can build a strong social foundation within the ecological boundaries of the planet, but of all things, worrying about recyclable, reusable, and rarely consumed eclipse glasses shouldn’t be our first priority
The most obvious problem with their comment is the dismissive, holier-than-thou tone.
They could have made their point by suggesting non-disposable alternatives: finding a local viewing party with shared equipment, preferring reusable glasses, or safe alternative ways of viewing like pinhole cameras or projection techniques.
But no. It’s much easier to sneer on an anonymous forum while stoking that sense of superiority instead of actually offering something constructive.
Their points aren’t valid, though. The glasses are predominantly paper, and they’re reusable. And the eclipse is a significant natural and cultural event that is also dangerous.
Their argument boils down to “buying anything is bad”, and that is an empty, cynical stance that is fueled entirely by smug self-satisfaction, not concern for the environment.
They can do more to help by unplugging their shit and reducing the global electrical usage.
FWIW given the downvotes, I think your points are valid, although I think things are more complex and need a more nuanced response. (For example, I see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I don’t want to blind myself as a result of enjoying–weather willing.)
It alarms me when I see people react angrily or defensively by mere exposure to the idea that we as a society need to consume less if we want to ‘flatten the curve,’ so to speak, of climate change. These are really important conversations that we need to be having. And there is a lot of corporate and ultra-wealth interest in us not having these conversations and not taking action (sooner versus later). I think they may have a hand in disseminating the idea that any such cut-backs we make will greatly reduce our quality of living and “how dare they!” kind of thing that is really black-and-white and denial-based. But it can play into the human psyche and fend off critical thinking and a willingness to examine one’s own role in things pretty effectively
It would be nice to get to a doughnut economy where we can build a strong social foundation within the ecological boundaries of the planet, but of all things, worrying about recyclable, reusable, and rarely consumed eclipse glasses shouldn’t be our first priority
The most obvious problem with their comment is the dismissive, holier-than-thou tone.
They could have made their point by suggesting non-disposable alternatives: finding a local viewing party with shared equipment, preferring reusable glasses, or safe alternative ways of viewing like pinhole cameras or projection techniques.
But no. It’s much easier to sneer on an anonymous forum while stoking that sense of superiority instead of actually offering something constructive.
Their points aren’t valid, though. The glasses are predominantly paper, and they’re reusable. And the eclipse is a significant natural and cultural event that is also dangerous.
Their argument boils down to “buying anything is bad”, and that is an empty, cynical stance that is fueled entirely by smug self-satisfaction, not concern for the environment.
They can do more to help by unplugging their shit and reducing the global electrical usage.