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By Niraj Chandra
The fight against global warming is a full-scale war, with two strong armies poised for battle on either side. There are minor skirmishes and engagements, attacks and counter-attacks, strategies and counter-strategies, deceptions, victories and defeats. But above all, there is the fog of war – a cloud of disinformation that helps both the armies.
On one side, there is a growing number of scientists, engineers and climatologists. They are supported by some media, many celebrities, some politicians, laypersons and, surprisingly, quite a few civil servants. The latest and most powerful recruit is none other than the new US president, Barrack Obama.
Opposing them are the oil producers, automakers, processing industries, and other big businesses that want to preserve the status quo for as long as they can, to maintain their profitability. For simplicity, let us call this group the global warmers. They have the money, power and some political influence. But right now, the global warmers are on the run, facing a major onslaught from the environmental groups, and their tactics are getting increasingly defensive.
Their first line of defence is to deny the very fact of global warming. Generously funded “think tanks” produce reports that question the very accuracy of the statistical data that supports the notion of global warming. However, this position is getting less defensible as signs of global warming are now unmistakable- the break-up of the polar ice caps, the melting of glaciers and the drying up of lakes and rivers throughout the world.
The second line of defence is to deny that human beings are responsible for global warming. This again is done in reports that question the science behind the climate change models. They point out that different computer models produce different results and there is no absolute proof that human activity causes global warming. But this argument, too, is wearing thin, as more people realize that environmental pollution cannot possibly be good for the planet – it will definitely have harmful effects, most probably in the form of global warming.
The next defence -indeed a very successful one – is to steal the thunder from the opposition, by using their terminology. This gives the appearance of action when there is none, or very little. Thus every business uses words like energy efficiency, or sustainability. Any new product or service that comes out is “green”. We have green power, green politics, green communities, and green meetings.
Yet another tactic is simple diversion- moving the focus away from the issues that matter to others that have a lesser impact. Most of the environmental damage today is caused by air and water pollution from industrial sources, industrial wastes, emissions from commercial vehicles, burning of fossil fuels, depletion of natural resources, and energy consumption in large buildings. But public attention is, instead, directed towards voluntary energy savings, mostly at the individual level. We are encouraged to re-cycle more, use energy efficient light bulbs, use renewable energy, and generally reduce our environmental footprint. All these things are important but it is doubtful how much impact they will have in the absence of any real enforcement. Much more needs to be done — tightening up of regulations, more commuter trains, less buses, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. In addition, we need stronger incentive programs to induce people to make better environmental choices.
By Amelia Yap
Pre-consumer waste is the constant reintroduction of most all manufacturing scraps into the manufacturing process. Such a process is mainly used by large industries, but most of the companies using this process are not genuinely recycling. Post-consumer waste, on the other hand, is our garbage. You can reduce your post consumer waste by choosing recyclable items. This is the best way of insuring your purchases will be recycled. The more recyclable products you purchase, the more serious industries will have to reconsider their not-so-green production processes.
It is your turn to support the current recycling efforts. Purchasing products that contain post-consumer waste is a great way to start saving the environment. Doing so, will curb the constant waste of natural resources. By utilizing your purchase power for green products, you help protect virgin and natural resources which would be wasted by purchasing from a non-green company. Resources are scarce and should be treated as that. Going green should be your way of saying you don’t want to waste any resources any more.
While doing your shopping in your normal routine, make an effort to purchase products that are using recycled materials. The use of such recycled material has no effect on product itself. All it takes is the awareness of such recycled materials. When buying your groceries, check the labels to find out if the material is recyclable or not. Consider looking for the latest techniques and green gadgets in order to make sure you will be provided with recyclable materials. Search local centers that deal with the recycling process. Taking the time will help you become more aware of such products and materials. Efforts to seperate recyclable materials is always a great way to help in reusing materials. The best way to reduce your contribution to post consumer waste is by making sure no natural resources have been used in as many of the products you purchase as possible.
Becoming more aware of your ability to grow as a green shopper is the best way to reduce your carbon footprint immediately. Such purchases are cost effective as well as environmentally friendly. Going green has never been so easy and it is time you and your family become green consumers. Instilling such shopping qualities in our younger generation will help ensure our quality of life on this planet for as long as possible. Preserving our planet by avoiding post consumer waste is an easier process than it sounds. Check the labels the next time you go out, and recycle your used materials. The more resources we have in the recyclable circulation the better. Such efforts can be contagious. Certain states have incentives established to encourage recycling. Find a local recycling center near you. Make some money and go green at the same time.
By Wendy Pan
With the energy crunch impacting virtually everyone worldwide today, the timing for a green building environment is just right. People have begun their own efforts to become environmentally and earth friendly, with reuse, recycle, and renew projects in the communities and on their own. It is only natural that these efforts are being extended to basics, such as building and construction activities.
Most people are familiar with green products, safe, non-toxic, recycled items such as cleaners, plastic park benches, and other conservation efforts. In buildings, you can find the green building environment at work when you see solar rooftop panels, or water barrels catching rainwater runoff for reuse in yards and gardens. Some buildings use hard packed gravel for parking lots, which will allow water absorption, instead of solid blacktop or concrete.
Some large buildings are now taking advantage of rooftop gardens and green roofs, that are planted with highly water retaining materials like moss. Or, the roofs are designed to minimize rainwater runoff. Materials for construction can be green if they include rapidly renewable plants like straw, bamboo, certified sustainable forests, recycled stone and metal. Other products used are non-toxic, or renewable or recyclable. These would include materials made from sheep wool, recycled plastic or papers, adobe brick, clay, cork, coconut or other woody fibers, sandstone, and so on. There is an effort to save on shipping and gasoline use by purchasing materials locally when possible, or nearby to the building locations.
The green building environment is seen in the manner in which buildings are constructed, as they are designed to make full use of renewable energy sources including solar and wind power. Buildings are planned for directional use of natural light and heat sources so that passive solar energy can be utilized. They are built with roofs designed to hold solar panels, with enough space facing the sunward side so that adequate amounts of panels can be installed effectively and with maximum sunlight absorption capability. Added attention is given to insulation use and special sun control on windows, as well as placement and size of windows to take advantage of passive solar heat energy.
Combinations of solar, wind and hydrogen power systems are used to get maximum benefit from naturally occurring, free, energy generating resources. Interior lighting and appliances are super efficient, using Energy Star appliances, and CFL and LED lighting, combined with automation systems. Solar heat panels for hot water can reduce water heating costs. Some buildings use solar roof tiles, to provide maximum collection of sunlight energy for generators. Indoors, the use of special filtering and air cleaners, non-smoking rules, and plants helps keep air fresher, cleaner, and less toxic.
The final component of the green building environment is to consider disposal of waste products in an environmentally friendly manner. Reduction of waste, recycling of waste, and separation facilities for reusable waste completes this earth friendly effort. With demand increasing, and prices coming down with that increased demand, this technology is a natural to spread worldwide.
Posted by Janet Schlarbaum