That's just in Central Europe, where people can afford to care. Go a little further out and you'll see really discouraging scenes. There are many countries where people drive the cars that failed the emissions test in Germany, with the German decals still on them. Recycling does not exist there. You can find towns by the plumes of smoke coming from their burning trash.

With more and more people gaining access to a certain living standard, I feel like it's a lost battle. There will be more cars, more consumption. Combine that with the other economical ills of this world, and I really doubt any vanguard efforts will see a reward.

Individually we can only be examples for people to copy.

Maybe it takes too long, but at least it's something besides just individually doing the right thing.

It's not like they're flying and consuming more because of you. They're consuming as they would regardless of you. It's still a net reduction overall, and your contribution is still there.