Page 3 | AIBU: Elderly parents do not care about their impact on the environment

Scientistathome · 2023-08-27T07:07:58+00:00

My elderly parents acknowledge (in passing) that the human impact on the planet is destructive and that their family's future could be jeopardized. However, they refuse to do anything about it. They burn gas and electricity in summer to keep warm (extra jumper? Nooo!), Will not Install solar panels (they can afford it), take unnecessary flights, ... the list goes on. They flaty refuse to change any habits despite that they know they should and could. I get quite mad with them! AIBU? I know it is their choice, not mine but it affects all of us (their grandchildren are quite disgusted with them). Are other people's parents like this? (I know that some parents cannot afford eco-friendly choices like solar panels)

sweeneytoddsrazor · 27/08/2023 08:38

Depending on their age, ask your kids how all their mates dispose of their vapes

fedupnow2 · 27/08/2023 08:38

Scientistathome · 27/08/2023 08:36

Thanks everyone for your messages; on average, it seems that I am living in an 'eco-bubble' and not in step with Mumsnet users. And I am being unreasonable!

For the record, we did install solar panels, we try to reduce footprint (lower thermostat, less plastic use, take public transport, only 1 car, etc)

Personally, I expect less from younger generations as they have less money to pay for lifestyle changes (DS has had same phone for many years!). I feel that the burden of change should fall on older generations (including myself) as they often have more resources with which to do it.

So you think your solar panels excuses you from still running 1 car or even having children?

user1492757084 · 27/08/2023 08:38

The paper plates versus the power and water for washing up - hmm??? I would not be surprised if the paper plates were better - particularly if they were storing carbon or being properly composted.
Plastic plates - well that is another thing.

Willmafrockfit · 27/08/2023 08:39

i thought you were gong to say they had a wood burner

Fizbosshoes · 27/08/2023 08:39

Wbeezer · 27/08/2023 08:38

My parents aren't too bad in the greater scheme of things ( they are thrifty types) but my Dad outright says he doesn't care about climate change because he'll be dead before it gets really bad.I find this a bit callous when he has five grandchildren!

I was more annoyed with my Dad that he gave the same answer about Brexit!
(He was very eco though - way before it was fashionable)

fedupnow2 · 27/08/2023 08:40

And why do you think your kids are excused? Have you told them you will be disgusted by them having children themselves?

ohfook · 27/08/2023 08:40

Scientistathome · 27/08/2023 08:36

Thanks everyone for your messages; on average, it seems that I am living in an 'eco-bubble' and not in step with Mumsnet users. And I am being unreasonable!

For the record, we did install solar panels, we try to reduce footprint (lower thermostat, less plastic use, take public transport, only 1 car, etc)

Personally, I expect less from younger generations as they have less money to pay for lifestyle changes (DS has had same phone for many years!). I feel that the burden of change should fall on older generations (including myself) as they often have more resources with which to do it.

But older people had years of not using plastic bags, shopping locally, buying milk and juice in glass bottles, not having two cars per family, holidaying in the U.K., not changing their phone every two years, not changing their car every time a lease comes to an end, not having a tumble dryer, not having a tv in every bedroom. They've done their bit, let's not wish them a pointlessly miserable and uncomfortable final years.

TLDRfuckers · 27/08/2023 08:40

Things that never happened…

Mrsjayy · 27/08/2023 08:41

So you have a car op I mean you see that a necessary item yet your parents want to stay warm and they are killing the planet ?

Missingmyusername · 27/08/2023 08:41

LauraNorda · 27/08/2023 08:11

The best thing they could have done for the environment was not have any children.

This^

loislovesstewie · 27/08/2023 08:42

You do realise that solar panels, due to the way they are produced etc might not be as eco friendly as you think?

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 27/08/2023 08:42

If my kids went on at me like this I’d disinherit them!

But they don’t. They are chilled easy going people. Each to their own. Leave them alone.

Mrsjayy · 27/08/2023 08:42

ohfook · 27/08/2023 08:40

But older people had years of not using plastic bags, shopping locally, buying milk and juice in glass bottles, not having two cars per family, holidaying in the U.K., not changing their phone every two years, not changing their car every time a lease comes to an end, not having a tumble dryer, not having a tv in every bedroom. They've done their bit, let's not wish them a pointlessly miserable and uncomfortable final years.

Show quote history

Yeah this.

IAmAnIdiot123 · 27/08/2023 08:42

DS has had same phone for many years!

We thank him for his sacrifice.

bellac11 · 27/08/2023 08:43

Lol

Are your children facebook 'discusted' with them?

WhatHaveIDoneNo3 · 27/08/2023 08:43

If your parents are elderly just enjoy the time you have left with them rather than lecturing them…

I’d personally be happy that my elderly parents are still fit enough to fly and are enjoying themselves!

ClairDeLaLune · 27/08/2023 08:44

OP did you write this on some sort of electronic device? Do you have any idea how bad those are for the environment???

Aside from that, the first two posters nailed it.

MarshyMcMarshFace · 27/08/2023 08:44

How elderly are they OP? How old?

Mrsjayy · 27/08/2023 08:44

IAmAnIdiot123 · 27/08/2023 08:42

DS has had same phone for many years!

We thank him for his sacrifice.

HA 😂

Willmafrockfit · 27/08/2023 08:44

their grandchildren should look at their own consumerism

User60327 · 27/08/2023 08:44

I'd be both ashamed and amused if my children were disgusted at their grandparents because they didn't want solar panels.

You've got a car and phones and the internet. Your children could ease their disgust by living without these things to ease the carbon footprint created by the grandparents that disgust them.

aSofaNearYou · 27/08/2023 08:46

Thanks everyone for your messages; on average, it seems that I am living in an 'eco-bubble' and not in step with Mumsnet users. And I am being unreasonable!

I do think this is the case. I don't actually know anybody that takes the environment very seriously, just people getting on with their lives as usual without mentioning it. I'm not saying they're right to do so - but I do think it's probably important for you to know that the culture you're living in is probably not one where the majority of people are concerned about this by default. It doesn't sound like your parents are doing anything unusual.

CoffeePlease1 · 27/08/2023 08:46

Scientistathome · 27/08/2023 08:36

Thanks everyone for your messages; on average, it seems that I am living in an 'eco-bubble' and not in step with Mumsnet users. And I am being unreasonable!

For the record, we did install solar panels, we try to reduce footprint (lower thermostat, less plastic use, take public transport, only 1 car, etc)

Personally, I expect less from younger generations as they have less money to pay for lifestyle changes (DS has had same phone for many years!). I feel that the burden of change should fall on older generations (including myself) as they often have more resources with which to do it.

You still have a car, use plastic, and heat your home so you're a hypocrite.

Notlongnow01 · 27/08/2023 08:46

Do you use flights to take your family abroad op? I’d be surprised if you didn’t as everybody else I know does.

Taxbreaks · 27/08/2023 08:46

Gowlett · 27/08/2023 08:28

My mum absolutely despises Greta Thunberg.

As does every truancy officer worldwide.