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One problem is that people can still *choose* to do the things that are bad for their health, the environment, etc.
CFL lightbulbs use less electricity -- but each bulb costs more and the stores are *full* of cheap traditional lightbulbs. If we as a society decide that the environment is important, we should impose taxes or penalties on the non-environmental products so that people can see "what's in it for me". When it's cheaper or at least a break-even to make a good choice, you'll see more people doing it.
Recycling prevents materials winding up in landfills, but many communities or businesses have abandoned their recycling programs because there's no one out there to take the recyclable material at a cost less than just plowing it into the landfill. (Let's just overlook the fact that one can't *give* away recyclables, much less sell them.)
I don't know how to promote a willingness to do something that's good for *everyone* if you can't show how it benefits the individual.
Speaking of thermostats -- I resent having to carry a sweater in my car in the summer time just so I don't freeze to death in a restaurant. Seems like the staff turns the temp down because they're bustling around and in and out of the kitchen. Us customers just wind up chilled. Public places should adopt reasonable temperature ranges!
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