CATEGORIES OF HOPE

Linda Starke, who sees signs of hope for a sustainable future bubbling up all around the world, summarizes them in three major categories:

* “The most obvious sign is the emergence of ‘green’ consumers. They are just beginning to flex their muscles in the United States, where 89% of buyers say they are concerned about the environmental impact of what they buy, but they are very evident in Europe. Even in Canada, the Safeway supermarkets offer recycling bins and hand out brochures labeled Environmental Options. “

* “The most concrete sign is at the international level, where governments are negotiating unprecedented global treaties on various issues including phasing out of ozone-depleting chemicals, disposal of hazardous waste and an international ban on the sale of ivory.”

* “The most encouraging sign is the explosion of public-interest groups . . . taking action at the local level. Whether it is working on housing issues or starting recycling programs, they are springing up all over the world. The Tree People in Los Angeles have their counterpart in the Green Belt Movement in Kenya.”