And so, what solution might you suggest for this global
problem? That we all start a naked colony living up in some
mountains growing our own crops fertilised with our own manure,
being totally Green and carbon-friendly?

nope.. start knowing what you use..
knowledge is the first thing you arm yourself with..
start using less..
stop buying so much..
start avoiding the worst offenders...
most of all, google is your friend.. go find out what goes into
your daily routine.. where that packet of tissues came from, where
that shirt came from, where that blouse came from, how were they
made.. stuff like that..
just like starbucks... just avoid (well it's not a problem in
melbourne) because they were using their powers to screw the
ethiopians out of a fair price for their excellent coffee
beans...
stuff like that 