Are You 'Sick' of 'Green?'

What does “going green” mean to you?

In its most basic definitions as a color, green is defined as “Of the color between blue and yellow in the spectrum” (wikipedia). From there, the word “green” takes on many definitions.  From feeling sickly as in “feeling a bit green around the gills” to a new employee who hasn’t learned the ropes yet to a feeling of being “green with envy,” this word is a is a word of many definitions.  I even found one definition relating it to sex!  That was a new one on me!  In all, I found over 40 different definitions for the word “green”.

So why, when we speak of being eco-friendly, do we use the term “going green?” In the environmental world, the term “going green” refers more to keeping our environment in its natural state – green grass, green trees, etc. Then again, you could say that as a race in general (the human race that is) we are new to this concept of saving the planet and therefore “green” as in still learning the ropes.

In 2009 there was a study done by the Lake Superior State University of the most miss-used and over-used words in the dictionary.  “Green” in terms of the environment was one of the tops on the list!  So why do we keep using this term?

Because it fits all around, that’s why. As annoying as it may be, these days when someone says “green” it conjures up a variety of feelings/reactions in people.  Green trees, a green earth with lots of clean natural resources come to mind when I hear the word “green.”   “Tree hugger” and “hippie” used to be negative comments returned when someone announced they were “going green.”

“You must be one of those Birkenstock, tree-hugging, hippies that want to save the world!” Hmm…I do own Birkenstock sandals and find them very comfortable but I have never actually hugged a tree nor do I consider myself a hippie (which is a whole different set of definitions – many misunderstood as well!) And as far as saving the world goes, doesn’t everyone want to ensure the planet is safe and secure for generations to come?

I can’t disagree; “Going Green” is definitely being overused in marketing displays everywhere around the world.  People are getting tired of the term “going green.” I think that we are finally getting the idea that something needs to be done in our world to protect it for future generations.  

Major companies are all on board with their “Go Green” campaigns.  The general public is slowly moving towards healthier lifestyles that in-turn promote the “greening” of the planet.   Even two of my companies have the word “green” in them! Why? Because it causes a reaction in people – good and bad but regardless, it makes us all stop and think.

I personally prefer to use the term “eco-friendly” and generally place the prefix “eco-” in front of my words when referring to these “green” words, feelings and actions so that people are clear where I stand. I mean, if it is “green” and by that I mean it is eco-friendly and good for the environment, that’s what I say.  Mean what you say and say what you mean and stop using other annoying descriptor words unless the specific crowd you are addressing responds favorably to those terms.  Kids, for instance, get the term “go green.” It’s easy for them to relate to and easy for us adults to create visuals with to promote learning how to be eco-friendly.

I am not looking to convince people that being eco-friendly (‘going green”) is the be all and end all but let’s face it; science has proved where we are and where we are headed without change.  We all know we need to be a bit more eco-resourceful and eco-minded on a regular basis – we get it.  But if we keep pushing “go green” on people, do you think people will start pushing back and stop paying attention just because they are sick of hearing about it? What do you think?