Two Day Magazine

Green is the New Black

Type the phrase "David and Victoria Beckham Green" into a search engine, and you will likely get back a ton of hits referring to one of Posh Spice's numerous fashion violations.  Keep looking and you'll find a humorous anecdote about a pair of men's underwear thrown on stage during a Spice Girls show. Victoria promised to "recycle" them by giving them to hubby, David.

However, you won't find anything serious about the couple being eco-friendly.  Probably for one simple reason: they're not. Despite Victoria being a vegetarian, and despite David’s entire career being played out in lush green fields, this couple has the largest carbon footprint in history. 

Between owning homes in England, Spain, France, the United Arab Emirates and Los Angeles, and owning over 15 vehicles, most of which are SUVs (including at least one eco-disastrous Hummer), the Beckhams reportedly racked up over 163 tons of carbon emissions in a single year.

Doesn't this seem a bit excessive?  Not just the carbon emissions, but the lifestyle, as well?  While I understand that David's career involves plenty of travel, and that many celebrities spend time globetrotting, that still doesn't explain the insatiable craving for fifteen vehicles and four homes.  How does this translate to their relationship?  Are David and Victoria so hung up on objects because it is easier to relate to things than to each other?

It seems like that’s a problem with a lot of modern relationships.  We’re a consumerist culture, so why shouldn’t we be consumerist romantics, as well?  When giving gifts, we often forget the idea that the gift should be meaningful to both the giver and the receiver.  We are constantly confronted with a barrage of images telling us that spending is the way to a person’s heart.  Expensive gifts are impressive on occasion, but if the gift has no personal meaning, what’s the point?

More importantly, consider the amount of work that needs to be put in to afford these luxury items.  Where in your hectic schedule do you find time to spend with the person you love?  Heck, where do you find time in that schedule to enjoy the things you’ve worked for?  The memories you have of your friends and family are worth far more than several homes, multiple cars, and your own line of jeans.

Consider what your stance on environmental issues may or may not say about your own relationship.  Make a date with someone to plant a tree, head to the recycling center, or shop for organic products.  It's your choice in the end, but showing your love for the world around you may make that person you are with fall just a little more in love with you.