When we were young, we cared less about how much we consumed.  As I grow more mature, I start to think about whether I need an item for the long term.  One very good test is mobile phone.  I know people have been changing their mobile phones every few months.  If we can stop these people from their habits, we can actually save the environment and consume less resource.  The old phones will usually end up as a digital junk that goes to emerging markets.  Why people keep changing their phones?  Looking for new features?   Looking for convenience?   Following the trend?  If we can do a social campaign to advise people against it, I think we can save a lot of metal and chips. 

The other day I saw one person buying over 15 CDs and DVDs at a store.  I wonder if he can really finish watching and listening to those in one month. Is he a tourist that seldom has access to these products? It is good to see some companies selling songs and software on the net.  It is a good way to save those boxes and space at home. I find that business growth is always in conflict with saving the environment.  Apple wants us to buy more of their iPhones and iPads.  Samsung and some Japanese electronic companies want us to buy their 3D TVs.  If companies expand, they will buy a lot of new equipment.  There is no end to these electronic products.  The more the business expands, the more we consume.   The Green Peace really needs to talk the business leaders and ask them to abandon their earning target every year.  This is the most efficient way to slow down the consumption.  Whether the business leaders will listen is another issue. 

I used to think the European business people are more laid back and less aggressive than their US counterparts.  If you think that the European business people have contributed so much to saving the environment, you will actually have more respect for the European people.  We have to save the Earth, not your business, Mr. Leader.