The Washington Policy Center labels itself as a non-partisan think tank. It's a mischaractization to say the least but that is their bread and butter. Based in Seattle, with a director in Spokane, the WPC's mission is to "promote free-market solutions through research and education." It makes sense they have an environmental director in the form of Todd Myers who has a new book called "Eco-Fads: How The Rise Of Trendy Environmentalism Is Harming The Environment." You know, since polar bears love to swim.

 

From the WPC's newsletter:

Wherever we turn, politicians, businesses and activists are promoting the latest fashionable "green" policy or product. Green buildings, biofuels, electric cars, compact fluorescent lightbulbs and a variety of other technologies are touted as the next key step in protecting the environment and promoting a sustainable future. Increasingly, however, scientific and economic information regarding environmental problems takes a back seat to the social and personal value of being seen and perceived as "green."

As environmental consciousness has become socially popular, eco-fads supplant objective data. Politicians pick the latest environmental agenda in the same way we choose the fall fashions – looking for what will yield the largest benefit with our public and social circles.

Eco-Fads exposes the pressures that cause politicians, businesses, the media and even scientists to fall for trendy environmental fads. It examines why we fall for such fads, even when we should know better. The desire to "be green" can cloud our judgment, causing us to place things that make us appear green ahead of actions that may be socially invisible yet environmentally responsible.

By recognizing the range of forces that have taken us in the wrong direction, Eco-Fads shows how we can begin to get back on track, creating a prosperous and sustainable legacy for our planet’s future. Order Eco-Fads today for $26.95 (tax and shipping included).

This is what the newsletter doesn't tell you about Todd Myers.
 

Myers has spoken at the Heartland Institute's International Conference on Climate Change. In case you didn't know, the Heartland Institute has received significant funding from ExxonMobil, Phillip Morris and numerous other corporations and conservative foundations with vested interest in the so-called debate around climate change. That conference was co-sponsored by numerous prominent climate change denier groups, think tanks and lobby groups, almost all of which have received money from the oil industry. 

Why not just call it the Washington Fallacy Center? For a litte more background, including ties back to the Koch Brothers, go HERE. In fact, Jack Kemp calls it "The Heritage Foundation of the Northwest."

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