As a prideful lover of all things
leafy, floral, and natural, I am pleased to share this article about Vine.com,
Amazon’s newest website that promotes green products. Because the term “green” has been applied and
misapplied by many, the website offers its own definition. Items on this shopping website “must be
designed to remove toxins, energy-efficient, natural, organic, powered by
renewable energy, reusable, made of sustainable materials, or water-efficient.” The website also offers “fair trade products
and products made within 100 miles of a shopper’s home.” From bamboo cutting boards to low-flow shower
heads to locally crafted jewelry, an array of appealing and relatively
earth-friendly items adorn the Vine.com website.
Naturally, criticism followed
Amazon’s announcement. Indeed,
individuals reminded the corporation of the wasteful packing materials that
will accompany these green products.
Naysayers also expressed disgust that Amazon would, through the
acquisition of this website, suggest concern for the planet, as the
corporation’s daily operations (e.g. its endless e-sludge (see WWW: Wasteful Wireless Ways post), disposable/
imported items, and generally useless commercialized rubbish) oppose the
earth’s vitality. However, the unruffled
site leader responded with the statement, “This is a site that is not
necessarily about saving the planet.
Personally, I am befuddled by the
responses of critics. They oppose the
packaging of the items? Does no one
understand that it is not the packaging that menaces us, but rather the simple
and persistent trend of consumerism? We
buy, we receive, we swap old for new, we dispose. Just think of the reusable water bottle
situation. If everyone purchased only
one of these, perhaps the trend would be nifty and environmentally responsible. But we buy so many more than one per
person! Now, we have an abundance of
bottles composed of far sturdier materials than plastic and we toss those into
the bins instead! Hello people, the
packaging is not the problem.
Anyway, my general response to
the article is positive. Indeed, as one
who periodically searches for green products, I will feel that the “green
content” or the “green function” of items featured on this site are somewhat
legitimized by Vine.com’s staff. I will
know that, as far as online products go, these are relatively reputable. Also, I am confident that, by presenting
green products on one comprehensive and popular website, Vine.com will
encourage consumers to seek ecological options when they shop online.
Cheers, Amazon. This tree hugger is delighted you branched
out with Vine.com.
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