Monday, April 28, 2008
Our role in the environment
I came across this image while searching online for new topics on alternative energy and thought that it was a creative way of displaying what we, as individuals, can do to protect our environment. Many people feel that any actions they take to preserve our environment, will have no real or lasting effect. However, any small step towards living a more sustainable life, will have an impact in the long run. I feel that it is important to be educated with the knowledge of what effects our actions have on the environment and how to make the best use of our resources. This does not mean that we must live like the Amish, with no current technology, but that we should maintain a standard of living for all, where our economy can flourish without permanently damaging the environment and the resources it provides. Alternative energy is one way to do this. Since fossil fuels are non-renewable, it is necessary for our world to begin turning towards other options. It might seem unrealistic to most people at the moment, but it is definite that in the future, we will be forced to become a more "green" economy. To each individual, I believe that this means not to "splurge" on things that are not necessary and to conserve as much as possible. I understand that there are still going to be those people that don't believe in global warming and will continue to consume much more energy than is necessary and have no desire to help the environment, but the trend needs to start somewhere. This is the idea that the image depicts and if everyone does their part in helping preserve the environment, then it will have a lasting effect on future generations.
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3 comments:
I think that this is a great picture, it really shows what the power of one individual is in terms of helping the environment. This is something that people need to see, because everyone wants to know what they can do to see results by themselves basically. And most of these don't require people to make drastic changes in their lifestyles, or require them to give a lot of time or money to a cause/organization. But I don't see how eating less meat helps?!??! Won't there still be cows even if we don't eat them, and won't there be even more then???
Before I begin the substance of my post, I must comment about the cows as well. If everyone gripes about how cows produce methane, why eat less of them? Wouldn't you want to reduce methane in the air by eating more cows? I'm sure they have a reason though.
My original comment was going to be about that statement on banding together. I believe it is important for people to realize their impact on the Earth. This all falls under general human nature known as the tragedy of the commons. All people believe that someone else can do the conserving, that their actions will not have an impact. It is a matter of trying to convince people to alter their ways slightly. But with no visible effect of their habits, how can we help them change? Everyone must realize their own actions, govern them with logic and reason and press on into a bright new future.
This is complex, I agree. Eating meat means more cows because enough must be breed to provide the meat and these cows are replaced by newly breed cows, they don't simply dwindle as we eat them. My understanding of the main objection is this: Cows require grazing land, which leads to deforestation. Cows also require much more land for the amount of food they provide compared to plant-based protein sources.
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