Unlike some members of the Bush administration, I have always felt that it is possible to learn from the European history and experience. This may prove even more possible than even I supposed.
An article in the current Sierra magazine lists a number of laws being passed by the European Union to assure a greener future for its citizens. Examples include “As of July 2002, automakers are responsible for the recycling and recovery of all new vehicles they put on the market,” and “In the summer of 2003, labeling, traceability and environmental safety guidelines for genetically modified crops was adopted.” Also, “By August 2004 EU member states will require European electronics companies to pay for the collection and recycling of their products.” By 2006 all electronics makers selling to Europe must stop using such notorious toxic substances as lead, cadmium, mercury, PDBE and PBB. The EU also will require more rigorous testing for 10,000 other chemicals.
This major effort to clean up the environment makes President Bush’s determination to lower our environmental standards look really bush league. The only real progressive efforts in the United States, the article points out, are being led by a few states that have seen the light. Straws in the wind for a better tomorrow, but wouldn’t it be nice to have the federal government on our side?
The article points out that the difference in attitudes toward government and business is part of the explanation. Europeans recognize that corporations are not always benevolent. After the recent corporate scandals, we should be catching on to that one. Europeans also see government as a countervailing force against the ravages of corporations run amok – a belief that once lived in the United States, as well.
Whatever the reasons, we could well copy the green concerns of our Atlantic neighbors.
Lake Stevens
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