Comments on: Lessons from The Lorax: Why Nagging Doesn’t Work

By: Alex Day, a Youtuber I admire, doesn't use soap and somehow this makes me want to believe in humanity again. - Project Pura Vida

Sat, 11 Aug 2012 02:38:46 +0000

[...] the majority of the friends, and relatives and strangers and furries and bots I encounter, much in the manner of the Lorax, about my environmental and health concerns. Most of which are depressing as hell. People [...]

By: JessicaCRB

JessicaCRB — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:36:16 +0000

I personally always love sharing your story. When people come to my apartment they are always admiring my decorative glassware and I say “oh its all from thrift stores” and they’re always amazed but then I get the opportunity to explain to them that I not only have a beautiful space but I was able to create beauty without creating waste by purchasing new things that were re-manufactured, etc. So I think that just writing this blog and sharing your story is changing people’s lives!

By: Angela N

Angela N — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:46:41 +0000

Love your site, Beth! I linked to it in my last post as I… eek… bought plastic bags for the first time in months. I started a new, busy job and that’s what happened. Have you written about how to be plastic-free AND busy? I’d like to read about that :)

I think the environmental message has to start with kids. Teach kids about plastic, about the environment, about HOW to life with less… kids love hands on things, so lots of interactive lessons would be great. Have them brainstorm about how to life environmentally. And talk to them over and over and over and over again. And talk some more!

By: Kirsty@BowerbirdBlue

Kirsty@BowerbirdBlue — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 10:27:15 +0000

Oh I just love him, I don’t aspire to be him, but those grumpy greenies that shout it’s wrong and sneer at the fools have their place. Sometimes it’s good to have someone just point out your stupidity so you can put a quick stop to your silly habits (of which I have plenty). It will take all types to change people’s ways.

I am so impressed with your plastic freeness.

By: Marci Villanueva

Marci Villanueva — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 03:05:59 +0000

Setting the best example possible is really the best way to influence others.

By: Chris

Chris — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:47:36 +0000

Nice article… I find that instead of wagging the finger – offering solutions or the opportunity to partner can turn foes into friends :-)

By: Amy

Amy — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 00:12:55 +0000

As a Mom, I greatly appreciate the work that Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood does. Of course they have something to say on this topic! They also have a pledge you can sign to not support the hypocritical merchandising of the Lorax:

http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/621/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=9676

And here is something from Common Dreams:

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2012/02/28-6

By: Jennifer Taggart, TheSmartMama

Jennifer Taggart, TheSmartMama — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:14:01 +0000

Beth – I love your post. Lately, well, really, the last 2 years, I’ve been pondering the narratives we tend to use to motivate and advocate for environmental change. From an adult perspective, the Lorax in the book really comes off as a doom and gloom naysayer – and I don’t think that the tragedy narrative is effective. I don’t think it changes behavior. It may result in donations to a cause because of the tragedy – habit loss or species extinction. But I don’t think it results in long term behavioral change.

What other narratives can we use? I think the rags to riches stories are particularly compelling for urban renewal and repurposing, but those don’t compel change. Rebirth? Quest? Redemption?

I’ve got an engineering degree not an english degree so I’m not sure I’m the most qualified to discuss narratives. But I do think that for the story of The Lorax, the message of hope may be much more palatable and more likely to compel change than the tragedy. Just my thoughts.

By: Gail

Gail — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 16:45:29 +0000

I find the best way to change people’s mind, on an individual level (which is where i concentrate my efforts), is through example. When they come to my house and see the many ways I endevour to be more environmentally friendly in my everyday life, they often go away energized and determine to try one of them. Ripples in a pond, that’s my method. :) I know for a fact I’ve changed the habits of at least several households this way, and who knows who they have influenced!

By: Good Girl Gone Green

Good Girl Gone Green — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 13:13:05 +0000

I love your post and I can’t believe people are nit-picking about what you wrote! You clearly care about the environment and will not go out and actually pollute!