Young people and 'Green issues'

The Independent interviewed some younger people, in regards to environmental or 'green' issues.

"Environmental issues aren't given prominence. You have to go out of your way to be environmental. In comparison to other European countries we are really far behind. We should be encouraged to be environmental and punished or fined if we are not."

Maybe this is because the average Joe cares more for his job, home, family, etc. than saving the environment. Making sure his children are well educated or his mortgage is paid is of greater immediate concern than protecting the ozone layer or ensuring a species of animal doesn't become extinct.

I am still relatively young (25) and I don't really care about 'green' issues. This is largely due to the reasons cited in the above paragraph. I generally care more for issues of liberty. Environmental issues should be solved through strong property rights anyhow.

I don't see why I should pay an income tax. Or why people aren't free to ingest what they choose.