The Politics of Responsibility
Do my actions matter? If I claim to care about the environment, I should live a lifestyle that reflects that. Corporations who care about the environment should take meaningful action, rather than transferring blame.
Personal Experience
In sixth grade, I watched a documentary about the environmental harms of eating meat. I became vegetarian soon after. At the time, it was a straightforward decision: eating meat harms the environment, and I care about the environment, so I should stop eating meat.
Questioning Impact
As I grew older, I began to question the impact of my individual action. Was it worth sacrificing a food group? I've never been a "good" vegetarian, not because I eat meat, but because I want to.
I should therefore stop eating meat.
Author's summary: Personal actions matter in environmental responsibility.