We've read mixed reviews of the Chicago Architecture Foundation's new exhibit, Green With Desire. It's packed with information about how overconsumption damages the environment, but some reviewers have complained that the show doesn't offer many alternatives. Although it's true that the exhibit focuses a lot on the causes of environmental damage, we ultimately came away with a pretty clear message: If you really want to go green, cut down on consumption...
True, it's not the most original message, but the exhibit makes it clear that consuming less is the most effective thing you can do to minimize your negative impact on the environment.
The demand to consume less is hard to swallow for many people, including us. Although Apartment Therapy promotes reuse and thoughtful consumption, we definitely post a lot of products as well.
The implicit question in this exhibit asks, "What would happen if you forgot about keeping up with the latest trends and consumed only what you needed?" It's a good question and one that already has us thinking about ways to cut down on consumption in our own lives.
Green With Desire is free to the public, on exhibit in the lobby of the historic Santa Fe building (at Michigan and Jackson) from June 24 through September 5. For more information, click here. For a few other reviews, click here, here, and here.
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'It's packed with information about how overconsumption damages the environment, but some reviewers have complained that the show doesn't offer many alternatives.'
It looks like it offers one, very obvious alternative. I suspect these reviewers just didn't like it
view Hollie's profile
Hollie, I agree. This is a very timely exhibit, given all the greenwashing that's become so prevalent. For the most part it's not green to buy more stuff, but to use what you've got. Environmentalism has been completely hi-jacked by the commercial sector.
view whytephoenix's profile