Have you ever told a little "green" lie?

According to a recent story in The Times Online:

The pressure to be seen to be green is so strong that nine out of ten people admit telling “little green lies” to avoid being labeled an eco-vandal, a poll has found.

According to Dr Peter Marsh, co-director of the Social Issues Research Council:

People have to demonstrate to others that they are in one way or another good people. It now expresses itself in environmental concerns. Before, it might have involved peace campaigning or women’s rights. Green is the flavour of the new millennium. That’s not to say that people aren’t genuine; they do believe in what they say.

The survey report is titled Be Good Guilt and, among other things, points out that:

• 20% of the 1,500 respondents didn't know how to make their lifestyles greener
• 53% say they will not change their lifestyles because of a combination of confusion, lack of time, or refusal to be told what to do
• 56% said they consider unethical living as much of a social taboo as drunk driving
• 76% say conversations at the school gates and dinner parties are now being taken over by ethical oneupmanship, while nine in ten say they feel compelled to live more ethically

What a fascinating study in human behavior–with findings that I don't find all that disturbing. After all, isn't the first step to concrete action(s) getting folks to be conscious of the choices and engaging them in conversation? As long as folks are talking about being green, I believe, we can help them learn how.

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