The Green

The world is in flux: this truth we hold to be self-evident; whether the polarised  ‘right-wing nut job’ or ‘liberal wiener’ of jib-jab fame.

Indeed, the debate goes far beyond the limited left – right of the political spectrum - Young – Old, Rich – Poor, Educated – Ignorant, Open – Guarded – all are spectrums which impinge on a discussion that dictates our very future.

The Green Panel Drink touched on each.  After a spirited speech by Paul Janmaat, former director of the SSO – the room was electrified.
Frank discussion erupted; camps were formed; interruptions were made and Marco Tieleman fielded questions, points and arguments from the floor towards Paul and the other members of the panel.

What is the scope of socially responsible enterprise?

Is it a model we should all follow or learn from?

Can the beginning of the Third Millennium be described as a time of decadence?

Are we willing to embrace the less-is-more?

Each of these topics brought divergent input from the floor and the panel.  It became clear that there was a wide concert of beliefs and views on building a sustainable future.  Corine and Edgar made a vigorous defence of their positions against Paul.  The public weighed in. The panel sweated, whether through the questions or the warm weather is unclear. The formal meeting was declared over, yet the attendees sipped on their water and brought the dialogue into the cooler garden.

Some two hours later it was difficult to  define a true agreed direction.  With so many entrepreneurs looking to change as an opportunity, and so many director of large enterprises reluctant to embrace change to successful formulas – there was more of an understanding than an agreement.

Id est, we must embrace the impending changes in the availability of resources, accept their limitations and innovate so that we can enjoy a standard of living we can become used to. If the future is the undiscovered country, we must become explorers. Otherwise we shall appear the Amish over the average American.  A far-fledged analogy?  Probably not.

The next meeting of the green will look to present and discuss opportunities to become more sustainable and consume less for greater reward. Another dichotomy?  Come along on and find out!