Bright Green Environmentalism

Bright green environmentalism is characterized by an emphasis on design, technological innovation, entrepreneurialism, and consumption practices. Bright green ideology stands in contrast to the long-held antimodernist and anti-industrial underpinnings of mainstream environmentalism. Bright green environmentalism advances the idea that economic prosperity and growth are not antithetical to environmental sustainability; the proper consumption practices and well-designed products and systems are compatible with and can generate sustainable practices.

The term bright green is attributed to journalist Alex Steffen, a cofounder and editor of the media organization, Worldchanging. Worldchanging is an online forum, idea clearinghouse, and think tank for “bright green” ideas, ventures, and discussion. Since its inception in 2003, Worldchanging has gathered a sizable following, garnered critical praise and achieved a fair amount of public notoriety. According to ...