Is green living only about energy reduction, and recycling?
There are more concepts out there than any single ad will show you, and we are mostly a population driven by ads and consumer ideas. Think of it as a phase “we” are going through, like Disco, or bell bottom pants. It will come and go, and mean more or less to different people.
The philosophy of living lightly on the earth has been around for quite a while. “Living Green” is just the latest marketing ploy. It really comes down to taking a further step than you mention and rid your home of many of the everyday consumable things we take for granted. It means buying things to last, and this is at times at odds with many greenies.
For example:
I am pleased that I found a local dairy that puts their milk into glass bottles, it costs a bit more, but the milk lasts longer, and tastes better. Not that adult humans need to drink much milk in their daily diets.
Plastic shoes, use petrochemicals and do not last. Cloth shoes are a little better, but not as long lived. Leather shoes will last a lifetime if cared for, but it means you need leather- a dilemma for vegans.
So, the philosophy is not concrete, nor does it fit everyone the same.
However, every thing that anyone does to lighten the load upon the earth is a help, and you should be ready to help educate, not chastise when viewpoints diverge. I know it can be frustrating, just stay the course.
Many times it is about economics and big business cleverly disguised by marketing. Educate yourself in the world, then gently work to educate others. The earth needs a peaceful revolution for a change.
I believe that green living can mean many things to everybody. It is not only a habit of recycling and saving energy, but it is a step away from too much consumerism and capitalism — and simply living life through simple, necessary means. Do we really need all these garbage we’re lured to buy each day? Think about it. Nice insights you’ve got here though.