Actually, both extremes are a bit nutty. Yes, carbon is a normal part of the environment. Yet that does not mean that it does not play a role in the environment. Take global temperatures. If you do calculations based upon solar radiation and the Earth's albedo, the daytime highs would be around -20 C. Clearly that is not the case, because absorption and re-emission coupled with greenhouse gases (including carbon) drive the temperatures up. We can't even be certain that carbon equalizes external impacts, because we don't know whether the Earth's climate in stable equilibrium, quasi-stable equilibrium, or unstable.

You are advocating an absurd extremist view. A lot could be accomplished by using resources more efficiently. Maintain a comfortable temperature that is closer to seasonal norms. Dry your laundry outdoors when the weather permits, rather than always using a clothes drying. Mow your lawn less frequently and sure, use a manual mower. There are, of course, tonnes of things that people can do to get their energy usage under control. The trick is to ask which ones are worthwhile.