Go Green

By: Leroy A. Binns Ph.D.

In an era of conservatism and social awareness the green revolution has become a global sensation as its message is reflected in deeds impacting every aspect of our daily lives. This phenomenon transcends age, race, class, religion and culture by engulfing human demeanor towards social advancement, wholeness and a cleaner environment.

Eco/wellness friendly debates encompass but are not restricted to healthy discussions on our most frequently used commodities electricity, water, gasoline and food. Unlike matters of religion the doctrine is consistent in its advocacy of responsible behavior and fitness and consequently encourages engagement towards utopia.

On a magnified scale a former professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology William Weihl was instrumental in proposing a 1.6-MW solar system for Google headquarters and redesigning the company’s data center that currently uses 50% less energy. Nonetheless the language is oftentimes simple. Home occupants are encouraged to consume less energy and are informed that the implementation of prescribed measures will in turn promote longevity of electrical appliances and yield financial savings. Some examples of recommendations are as follows:

Adjust thermostat

Turn lights off when not in use

Replace conventional light bulbs with fluorescent light bulbs

Reduce the use of dryers if possible by drying clothes outside

Purchase electronic equipment that is energy efficient

Save energy by installing a devise that prevents the return of power to the power grid while not in use

When warranted seal leaks and add insulation to avoid the loss of electricity

If financially feasible install solar panels to reduce the use of electricity

 

Preservation is also the theme applicable to the usage of water which if accurately observed will attain comparable monetary outcomes. Suggestions most commonly emphasized are:

Refrain from indulging in baths and long showers

Conserve on water while washing dishes

Utilize clothes and dish washing machines only when fully loaded

Fix water leaks

Wash automobiles at the car wash

Avoid excessive use of sprinklers or hose with regard to lawn maintenance

Whereas there is a consensus on fuel consumption in relation to cost and effect on the individual consumer and society, mode of transportation is subject to variance in application. A close to perfect demonstration highlights Vauban, a community of 5,000 residents in southwestern Germany that has refocused its attention on transportation. This town of generous green spaces and bicycle paths is also known for many streets void of vehicles as the inhabitants rely on a public regime of thrifty buses and trams or car pooling to venture long distances. In contrast other depictions reference the conversion of cooking oil to vegetable diesel fuel which does not emit sulfur oxides and half the particular matter of conventional diesel and car sharing as defined by zip and flex cars. The introduction of hybrid vehicles and its reception notably by the increased production of said automobiles worldwide is testament as well to a shift in consumer belief which now entertains fuel efficiency and a pollution free environment. The charge therefore entails the following as indispensable alternatives to offset fossil fuel prices, congestion taxes and parking cost.

When possible carpool, bike or resort to mass transit

Utilize car sharing options provided by the likes of zip and flex cars

If unavoidable purchase fuel efficacious automobiles

In a campaign to diminish health and environmental hazards Go Green extends its intrusiveness to dietary concerns. According to Dan Barber executive chef and co-owner of Blue Hill at Stone Barns, “Simply put people have to cook more. If we cook in our kitchen with fresh foods we end up opting out of where most of our food is coming from, which is to say a conventional food chain that makes profits off processing, off adding to what is raw material. If we just cook more, food becomes less processed by definition.” Moreover an admission that inexpensive food is partly dependent on an abundance of water and a consistent weather pattern fuels enthusiasm for an infrastructure that promotes local farming hence reducing elaborate distribution networks and costs. In essence the battle cry favors:

A switch to organic foods

Support for local producers

The production of seasonal foods which require less energy to produce than foods grown off season

Consumption of in house filtered water as opposed to bottled water to prevent expense and waste

Green continues to be the anticipated color of success as governments partner with business and private entities offering rebates and tax relief as encouragement for installation of weathering and/or energy efficient appliances. Nevertheless the sustenance of this endeavor over time hinges on a steadfast commitment amidst unforeseen challenges and access and availability to pertinent resources.