I've had numerous run-ins with the deniers-of-everything who say, "Well if you're an environmentalist you should go live in a cave." Such a brilliant retort. I don't live in a cave, and there's no need to. If we changed certain things about our activities on earth we could solve the problems we face without the need to eat baked cricket casserole and riding go back to horses. But it would take worldwide cooperation, and the chances of that happening are slim. The Selfish Gene functions at national levels as well as the individual. My wife and I travel extensively, and firmly believe travel and cultural exchange do far more good than harm. The worst thing that could happen to the world in terms of both peace and environmental protection is isolationism.
At home we genuinely try to mitigate our impacts. Our house in Tucson produces more electricity in a year than it uses. I put significantly more miles on my bicycle each year than on my FJ40. In the end, all I try to do is end each day with a clear conscience.