The case for environmental moderation (or why people who live in recycled bottles shouldn't throw stones)

Abstract

I am an environmentalist. I turn off the water while I brush my teeth, and I only buy beer in returnable bottles. I started a paper-recycling system in my department at the university. And, as soon as I can afford it, I'm going to trade my roomy, comfortable station wagon for a car that gets conscience-soothing gas mileage.

Perhaps, though, I'm not an environmentalist at all. Perhaps I'm just overly conscientious. I use my turn signals when no one is around to notice. I always flush in public toilets, and I contribute a dime every time I get coffee from the departmental pot (well, almost every time).