The jargon of "scuppie" is unbearably lame! Isn't part of the point of environmental education to get people with all different values to make as many lifestyle changes as possible to start moving towards a healthier environment?

"Scuppie" just sounds to me like another way to create in-and-out social groups surrounding socially conscious issues (regardless if one abhors a scuppie, or strives to be one). Marginalizing and labeling isn't the way to raise consciousness across the board.

I fit into a lot of this criteria, I shop at Nau, read the Wallstreet Journal and admire successful, but responsible, companies like Stonyfield Farms. But why the name calling?

We should just call people who want to find innovative and responsible ways to live well...smart.

Good god, I could do a better job than this. The artwork is atrocious, the fashion and hair out-dated by about 20 years (and not even in a cool retro-way), the website and font as well...looks like something from 1986, and they didn't even Have websites back then.

Unless they're really trying hard to reference the aesthetic from the original Preppie handbook....this really fails and is totally repulsive.

Ugh, Comic Sans.

I fail to see how dividing environmentalism into an us versus them mindset is going to help anything. Meh. I don't think this will catch on. Besides, if one doesn't purchase the earrings made from recycled computer chips, then how is that starving artist supposed to purchase their organic granola?

I agree with Anne and BWJ, do we really need more labels in our society? We have so many different things that we use to differentiate ourselves from one another, which isn't bad when your trying to express your individuality, but the problem comes in when a group of people pick a group of traits to differentiate themselves. Then we start creating all kinds of issues that really don't have a place in a mature and smart society.

While I find the name "Scuppie" mildly amusing, I hope that is where it's use stops.

This is supposed to attract people to become environmentally and socially conscious? Yikes.

My sense of humor must be broken today. Is this supposed to be funny? Is it snarky and I am just missing it?

These pictures are bad in a way that reminds me of my coloring books growing up in the early 80's.

This seems to both be poorly drawn and miss many of the humor opportunities available. Also it clearly lacks in real originality as the author just tried to create a term that rhymed with yuppie. This is weak.

Since this is a family-friendly website, I'll restrict myself to "ick".

People...people...people...

Where’s the love?

Where the sense of fun?

Look…if you truly want the ‘green business’ / ‘green consumer’ movement to grow, you need to drop the ‘greener than thou’ attitude.

The problem I’ve noticed with the green movement is that there’s a lot of ‘preaching to the choir’ going on. For example...as I was doing research for The Scuppie Handbook: A Practical Guide to Living Well while Doing Good, I found that *all* the books in Borders & Barnes & Noble containing fun & easy tips for greener living were in the *environmental* section.

Does anyone see a problem with this?

If I’m browsing the *environmental* section...I’m probably already quite environmentally aware – thus preaching to the choir. How about a book in the humor / pop culture section that satires while raising awareness with groups other than the granola / anti-deodorant crowd? Not everyone wants to chain themselves to a redwood tree. If yuppie converts start directing their massive disposable income toward greener alternatives – I say great! If *you* want to do *more* than that – even better!!!

What I’m looking to do with Scuppie is bring in some levity...have some fun with the idea...and...if some additional awareness is raised, then, fantastic.

At the end of the day...I’m not trying to make people convert to Scuppiedom. I’m simply saying that there are clearly *already* millions of Scuppies that roam among us – they’re in front of us in line at Whole Foods, they’re online buying ridiculously expensive green goods and they’re cruising down the highway with self satisfied airs in their hybrid SUVs.

So...relax...recycle...and enjoy...

Peace,

Chuck ‘The Scuppie Guy’ Failla

way to just copy off of the whole BOBO thing from david brooks
coming up with a pun does not make you smart

I have a feeling, based on the drawings, that this term is targeted towards more WASP-y (or just white) people.

And why does the woman have to hold the baby?

I'm just being judgmental. But I do agree with one of the above comments in the aesthetics of this whole operation. They are quite dated and if I were to be called this term, I would probably be offended.

Couldn't we just call 'these people' "responsible"? It's really a lot easier and we don't have to add more jargon to Webster's.

"f I’m browsing the *environmental* section...I’m probably already quite environmentally aware – thus preaching to the choir. "

That does not follow at all. You could (and more likely would) be browsing the enviro section because you don't know anything about "green" living and want to learn.

And forbidding any preaching to the choir assumes that we are all equally aware and informed, which is certainly not the case.

I should say "One," not, "You."

That said, maybe a better word for environmentalists who still drive any kind of fing cars is HYPOCRITE.

Hey let's stop with all the negativity, that's not going to get anyone anywhere positive. I say whatever works for someone let it be! I don't necessarily fall into this criteria, however if somebody else does and it makes them happy...let it be! Atleast they are being concious of their actions and how it affects our earth. I praise anybody that is enironmentally aware for their efforts.

I would not regard legitimising consumerist/capitalist behaviours as a good idea. These are one of the root causes of the environmental issues we are now facing.

To me the whole point of any green commitment is to, where possible, move away from the consumerist paradigm and make a choice not to buy the plasma screen or the new shiny SUV, even a “green” one that runs on bio fuel.

I'm not fully convinced if Mr Fallia has really taken the issues on board fully.

Rickie's description for this type of individual is probably more appropriate, either that or “deluded”.

Was I the only one who read the post a few days ago but green snobbery? Most of the people here are being excellent examples of this. Judging people with a "greener than thou" attitude is not going to do any good. I am extremely dissapointed and disgusted at how egotistical and judgemental you all can be. I thought this site was full like minded friendly people. Maybe it is because you yourself are not like the person depicted in this cartoon that you feel the need to find something wrong with that person. shame on all of you! Where is the love?? If we all keep spreading these negative thoughts negative things will manifest themselves. Think positive and postivity will manifest. On that note.

Much Love to all of you!

Well…by and large I have to say that this site has some real anger management issues.

I truly believe this type of negativity does *nothing* to promote the green agenda you all seem to be for.

I do, of course, appreciate the kind words from Miss Pickles and hope those who were spewing the negativity will take a moment to reflect on her responses and consider why *they* feel compelled to be so down on the idea of consumers who are making efforts to consume greener.

Let me break this down for everyone as I would be curious to hear from anyone that can possibly argue against any of the following core points:

1. There is a significant demographic group in our country made of individuals who are Upwardly-mobile and have Socially Conscious Leanings.

2. People, in general, enjoy “ppie” acronyms: Hippie, Preppie, Yuppie. If you disagree with that…please explain why *millions* of Preppie & Yuppie Handbooks were sold.

3. “Scuppie” perfectly encapsulates the demographic group of those Socially Conscious Upwardly-mobile people and is the logical successor in the hippie, preppie, yuppie progression.

4. It is better for consumers to consume “green goods” than “non-green goods”.

5. I am not trying to convert people to Scuppiedom – I’m simply stating the fact that the demographic group exists. If you don’t see that, then, you truly must be disconnected from the real world.

Let me also point out some responses that I feel are particularly “off”:

Towlm says:

“I would not regard legitimizing consumerist/capitalist behaviors as a good idea. These are one of the root causes of the environmental issues we are now facing.”

Towlm…There’s no need to justify consumerist / capitalist behavior because there’s nothing wrong with consumption and making money – we all do it. More importantly…it is unrealistic to think that consumption or making money will stop, so, it would be better to consume and make money in greener ways. The Scuppies around the world are, in fact, driving business to produce greener goods (not to mention greener energy sources). Because green goods and energy are being demanded…those companies who meet the green demands of Scuppies will make money. It’s a wonderful thing!

Rickie says:

“That does not follow at all. You could (and more likely would) be browsing the environmental section because you don't know anything about "green" living and want to learn.”

Rickie…you are clearly missing the point of “preaching to the choir”. If I wanted to learn about green living and make my way to the environmental section…I’m in the choir already. I’m saying that a satirical book in the humor / pop culture section that’s light, fun, and contains easy / fun tips for being green will go after those consumers *who are not making it* to the environmental section. This will bring the green movement further into the mainstream -- can’t you get that???

Rickie goes on to say:

“That said, maybe a better word for environmentalists who still drive any kind of fing cars is HYPOCRITE.”

Rickie…If you are proposing that we all give up our cars then you are clearly too far removed from reality to offer any constructive suggestions that can actually work to move toward a greener society. As someone who spends the majority of my time in the “real world” I say that there will always be a demand for cars and those cars should be as green and fantastic as possible. When I sell my millionth Scuppie Handbook I’m running out and buying me a Tesla Roadster (www.teslamotors.com).

To be sure…I have been enjoying reading these comments (both positive and negative) as it’s very telling of the current make-up of the “green community”. As you read these comments I hope you take away this central theme:

You can be light sometimes and have some fun with green ideas…all this “greener than thou” attitude, in my opinion, is *counter productive* to the green movement. If you want more people to be green, then, you should be much more accepting of anyone’s efforts to promote green living.

Peace,

Chuck Failla

Don't confuse "snobbery" with a passion for doing the right thing. It's more than just thinking about doing the right thing, people have to act. Being conscious about an issue and yet taking no action is worse than inaction through ignorance.

Towlm said:

"Don't confuse "snobbery" with a passion for doing the right thing. It's more than just thinking about doing the right thing, people have to act. Being conscious about an issue and yet taking no action is worse than inaction through ignorance."

Towlm...I’m afraid you’re still missing the point.

Scuppies *are* doing something.

By focusing their consumption on greener goods they are the driving force behind big business making greener goods. The more greener goods, the better...right?

I will concede that you will not find Scuppies chained to redwood trees or buzzing oil supertankers in zodiacs. You will, however, find them in Whole Foods supporting organic farmers -- and paying a *significant premium* to do so. Can you honestly tell me that’s doing nothing...or...ever worse...can you possibly think that’s a bad thing???

Peace,

Chuck Failla

Hi Chuck,

I agree that making a choice to select greener goods over standard ones is a good thing and sends a message out to the manufacturers.

But I believe that deciding to consume less is an even better decision.

The choice is yours...

Towlm,

I couldn’t agree more...

How about that...we can all get along :-)

Peace,

Chuck Failla

I don't think giving up cars is unrealistic. The status quo and people doing easy things got us into this mess. Nothing less will get us out.

Wait, well, I think the ability to get rid of [most of] our cars is realistic. The expectation that people might actually do it -- I might agree with you there. It is a weird adjustment, going totally car-free. I don't think it's going to get universal or anything any time soon. If it did, I would lose the cache' I imagine I possess amongst my friends:)

Johnny,

I’m going to pretty much agree with all you’ve said. Do we have the ability to get rid of all cars...sure...will people really do that...of course not.

How about this as a starting point:

More metropolitan areas should follow the lead of New York’s Mayor Bloomberg who’s setting ‘green’ standards for the cabs and car services -- see Business Week link:

http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8V2ST1O0.htm

Past this...I would love to see a real movement to completely eliminate cars from all high density areas like New York. That would be a great move for the environment, and, would ultimately be ever better for the residents of these areas since metro areas are extremely well suited for public transportation.

This reinforces the idea that compromise is necessary to make anything happen on a *macro* scale. If the ‘green’ movement adopts an “all or nothing” position, then, I’m afraid we’ll get closer to nothing. If, however, we take a more accepting position, then, I’d feel more confident that real change will really happen.

Peace,

Chuck Failla

Even the total elimination of cars overnight won't solve all our problems:)

I've been watching NYC with envy since ditching my car, but my hometown is finally coming around and putting up a nice bike infrastructure. (Let me emphasize the FINALLY, LOL.) There are myriad parts to getting people out of their cars and helping the planet other than just riding bikes, I keep trying to remember. Even if they are probably the most fun (!) alternative to cars, they don't work for everyone and won't fix everything:)

Anyway, I think you're very right about the "all or nothing" thing. If we tell people not to bother recycling or conserving water just because they have a car or big house, they might stop doing everything they do to help the planet, which helps no one. Worse, it alienates people and makes the "movement" look like a bunch of judgmental hippies who are more interested in what their neighbors are doing than actually making the situation better.

Not that I have anything against hippies:)

Amen! :-)

Chuck Failla

Chuck,

I just saw you on our local news, you were bragging about buying a shirt from Walmart.
Socially concious and Walmart do not belong in the same thought. Please do your home work on Walmart before you promote it in your hand book.

Phyllis,

Phyllis,

I must tell you that your ‘greener than thou’ attitude does nothing to further the cause. As I see it...any company (including Wal-Mart) that takes steps to provide greener choices for us consumers should be applauded.

Peace,

Chuck

Chuck,

Do your clients know you spend you afternoons responding to messages on treehugger.com when you're supposedly managing their money? Let it go - let people think what they like, and get back to work!

Nadia,

To be fair...I do try to limit my time spent on this site by responding only to those posts I believe are particularly *ridiculous* or particularly *positive*.

Peace,

Chuck