Competing to be Green

Will Duguid, Observer columnist mused about this question a fortnight ago: is it ethical to compete in a rat race?

"Don't get me wrong: I'm all for honouring those trying to create a more sustainable way of life. And no one, in my opinion, has done more to bring about a comprehensively lagged UK than Observer finalist, my colleague George Monbiot. But, George, George, since when was competition ethical?

"Isn't competition with others to blame for most of the ills that afflict this beleaguered planet? If we are to take forward the green agenda, what we need is less rivalry and personal ambition - and more collaboration, harmony and working together for the common good."

Although somewhat tongue-in-cheek, he does have a point. Competition, a la unbridled market economics, to drive down the price and increase the affordability of goods and services underlies many of our contemporary challenges. A paradigm of consumerism comes at the top of the list, where more is better, especially in relation to the Joneses, and 'more' usually involves the haphazard and breakneck depletion of our natural resources. Areas of special conservation are tossed aside and human rights are ignored because the big question, at the end of the day, is how much bang you can get for your buck.

Still, the proliferation of job opportunities in the charitable sector, in environmental and social justice work and the increased profile and attractiveness of work in the educational and health sectors offer a glimpse of life different to suits, corporatespeak and 24/7 Blackberry connectivity. Life can be meaningful, fulfilling and rewarding outside an addiction to wealth, fame and power. As another cohort of fellow students prepare to graduate and step into full-time employment, maintaining the idea that money isn't the only game in town is, however, a challenging one.