Bright green environmentalism, as defined in Wikipedia:
- aims for a society that relies on new technology and improved design to achieve gains in ecological sustainability without reducing (indeed, increasing) the potential for economic growth. Its proponents tend to be particularly enthusiastic about green energy, W, efficient manufacturing systems and bio and nanotechnologies, are supportive of W.
The term "Viridian" is also used (signifying a shade of green that does not occure naturally) for example in the Viridian design movement. See Wikipedia:Bright green environmentalism#Currents.
Arguments of supporters and critics
Their ideas can be contrasted with what they consider traditional environmentalism: pessimistic, return-to-primitivism, unattractive, "dark green" ideas that depend on a reduction in human numbers or a relinquishment of technology to reduce humanity's impact on the Earth's ecosphere.
Others contrast "bright green" environmentalism with "light green" environmentalism, which they characterize as superficial moves to buy or use products which claim to be environmentally preferable, but in fact offer limited sustainability benefits. Many environmentalists of all stripes use "light" or "lite" green to describe products or practices they believe are greenwashing.
Critics of bright green environmentalism consider it to be an unrealistic way of reducing pollution and increasing sustainability. They view such bright greens as wanting to have all of their environmental goals without needing to reduce material prosperity and comfort. Many dark green movements take a moralistic approach of emphasizing catastrophe, suffering, and guilt, while framing environmental progress in terms of tremendous sacrifices, lowered standards of living, and renunciation of the benefits and possibilities of future technological growth. To them, bright green is a pointless attempt to conjure a win-win situation where these major sacrifices would not be required.
Organizations and websites
Organizations and websites with an explicit "bright green" philosophy include:
Of course the ideas are widely shared, whether or not the term "bright green" is used.