10 Myths About Sustainability
Hello Eco-Reps!
Here is your first blog assignment. I would like each of you to pick one of the 10 Myths about Sustainability and write a brief explanation about why this is a Myth. Try to be creative in your thinking and act as if you are explaining this to one of your hall mates who has no idea what 'Sustainability' is all about. Have fun !!
Ky
10 Myths About Sustainability
1) Nobody knows what sustainability really means
2) Sustainability is all about the environment
3) Sustainable” is a synonym for “green
4) It’s all about recycling
5) Sustainability is too expensive
6) Sustainability means lowering our standard of living
7) Consumer choices and grassroots activism, not government
intervention, offer the fastest, most efficient routes to
sustainability
8) New technology is always the answer
9) Sustainability is ultimately a population problem
10) Once you understand the concept, living sustainably is a
breeze to figure out
posted by UVM Eco-Reps Program Coordinator @ 12:25 PM
45 Comments:
4) It's all about recycling.
This is often the most recognized version of sustainability because most people do it every day in their homes or businesses and students at UVM for sure do it in their dorms. Although, it is more important to first consider the previous steps to recycling-reducing and reusing. When thinking about buying something new it is crucial to conside a few questions, Do I really need this? Why do I feel like I need this? Secondly, it is crucial to consider reuse. Reusing items from others versus buying your own in new condition. Places like Craiglist, Goodwill and ReSOURCE are all great places to score sweet used items. Especially being college students and having money saving on the brain, it's important to make plugs for the money saving that goes along with reducing and reusing before even beginning to address recycling.
-Livy
2) Sustainability is all about the environment
Being sustainable isn't all about the environment, it's more about making sure we have enough resources on our planet in order to support our future generations. Being sustainable is about being resourceful through reusing and cutting down on consumption. This has proven to be pretty difficult considering that our population is still expanding and we are a society thats driven by consumerism. Sustainability isn't about the environment it's about the lifestyle changes we must make in order to make sure future generations have enough resources to survive.
It’s all about recycling
A lot of environmentalists are avid recyclers and indeed, if everyone recycled everything we could, the planet would be much better off. The problem is that still isn’t sustainability. We still continue to buy tons of new products made with virgin materials, wood, metals, plastics. For our society to be sustainable in terms of waste, we need to use less, much less, and reuse. We are a society of voracious consumers and our buying puts a heavy load on the Earth in ways that are far from apparent in the local superstore. We need leave the days of disposable or poorly made products behind and turn into a society that has valuable long lasting, and useful possessions. To be sustainable means to recycle everything, but also to reduce the need for new things, and reuse what you have. It’s about not only closing the waste loop, but closing the resource extraction loop and bringing it all to a smaller scale.
It’s all about recycling
A lot of environmentalists are avid recyclers and indeed, if everyone recycled everything we could, the planet would be much better off. The problem is that still isn’t sustainability. We still continue to buy tons of new products made with virgin materials, wood, metals, plastics. For our society to be sustainable in terms of waste, we need to use less, much less, and reuse. We are a society of voracious consumers and our buying puts a heavy load on the Earth in ways that are far from apparent in the local superstore. We need leave the days of disposable or poorly made products behind and turn into a society that has valuable long lasting, and useful possessions. To be sustainable means to recycle everything, but also to reduce the need for new things, and reuse what you have. It’s about not only closing the waste loop, but closing the resource extraction loop and bringing it all to a smaller scale.
It’s all about recycling
A lot of environmentalists are avid recyclers and indeed, if everyone recycled everything we could, the planet would be much better off. The problem is that still isn’t sustainability. We still continue to buy tons of new products made with virgin materials, wood, metals, plastics. For our society to be sustainable in terms of waste, we need to use less, much less, and reuse. We are a society of voracious consumers and our buying puts a heavy load on the Earth in ways that are far from apparent in the local superstore. We need leave the days of disposable or poorly made products behind and turn into a society that has valuable long lasting, and useful possessions. To be sustainable means to recycle everything, but also to reduce the need for new things, and reuse what you have. It’s about not only closing the waste loop, but closing the resource extraction loop and bringing it all to a smaller scale.
It’s all about recycling
A lot of environmentalists are avid recyclers and indeed, if everyone recycled everything we could, the planet would be much better off. The problem is that still isn’t sustainability. We still continue to buy tons of new products made with virgin materials, wood, metals, plastics. For our society to be sustainable in terms of waste, we need to use less, much less, and reuse. We are a society of voracious consumers and our buying puts a heavy load on the Earth in ways that are far from apparent in the local superstore. We need leave the days of disposable or poorly made products behind and turn into a society that has valuable long lasting, and useful possessions. To be sustainable means to recycle everything, but also to reduce the need for new things, and reuse what you have. It’s about not only closing the waste loop, but closing the resource extraction loop and bringing it all to a smaller scale.
I am choosing to bust myth 4 "its all about recycling." While I agree that recycling is a great idea and certainly a way to lessen our waste and environmental impact, I also believe in the other 3 R's of recycling, which include Refuse, Reduce, Reuse. If we initially refuse to buy something, especially if we don't need it then we won't eventually need to throw it away. Also if we buy less, like maybe only buy one t-shirt instead of 2, then in the long run, there wasn't the impact of the energy to make the 2 shirts and then transport them to the store. By only buying one shirt we have already cut our energy usage in half. If we reuse, such as exchange in clothing swaps, or shop at used clothing stores, or carry our own water bottles, coffee mugs, and utensils then we will not need to throw those things away. Even though we could recycle the plastic bottle that our water has come in, it is better not to have used it at all. Recycling is great and everyone should do it, but it you don't initially buy it, then you don't have to recycle or dispose of it at all.
Myth 9: Sustainability is ultimately a population problem
Sustainability is the Earth's ability to provide for its resident populations. Without population sustainability wouldn't be an issue, for there would be no need for resources because there would be no consumers. Population could be viewed as the 'cause' of the issue of sustainability but really it should be seen as the issues of sustainability being an 'effect' of populations. It isn't about needing to cut down our populations to allow those left to continuously live frivolously based on the same about of limited resources but instead we need to start thinking of how we can all live within the limits of our most precious resource, the Earth. The conclusion is that the populations of the earth need to settle on the mindset of sustainable living because sustainability is always going to be a problem as long as there are populations.
Myth # 8- Often when people think of sustainability they think of new technology including solar panels, wind turbines, geothermal heat pumps, etc. But sustainability is more than just using sustainable technology, its a lifestyle. Being sustainable means reusing materials and being self sufficient. Farmers are an excellent example of sustainable living. They grow their own food, and use waste collected to create nutrient rich soil for more food. This creates a cycle that allows them to reuse their products and obtain from using more resources. You can be sustainable in many ways, technology, food, water, energy and much more. Even though technology is a great way of being sustainable it is not the only way.
-Alexia Hemphill
"It's all about Recycling"
This is a belief that I can personally relate to because just a few years ago I thought this exact thing, just as many people still do. I come across this problem often and within the past two weeks I have had a lot of my residents talk to me about this common held notion. But despite what many people think recycling isn't the only answer all of our environmental problems. Although it does help it is no where near the only thing that can be done to help sustainability. Many people forget that the phrase is "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" ... and if they did remember they would realize that recycling is the last word in the sentence, which means there is more we can do before resorting to recycling. If people reduce the amount of their typical consumption and began to reuse things instead of constantly buying more we would have no need for recycling. The one big reason recycling is around is because we as a human population consume and throw away way too much and recycling is a way to counter this bad habit. But what the general population now needs to focus on are the first two words in the phrase. We seem to have a pretty good handle on recycling and now we need to develop habits of reduction and reuse. So when someone mentions that recycling is good enough I most certainly have to contradict them.
The myth that "sustainability means lowering our standard of living" stands out to me. I'm from the south, and where I live hardly any care is given to sustainability because a lot of people think that it means making huge changes to their lives. They are very comfortable with their big vehicles, huge to-go cups of coke, huge houses, etc. Because there isn't a lot of education about sustainability, the belief is that it's difficult to be sustainable. Everyone wants to live the life they enjoy living, so the idea of having to refill a water bottle instead of reaching for a chilled one from the fridge seems like a step down. This is all completely untrue -- it is not a lower standard of living to only have one fridge or to reuse a coffee mug; in fact, it's less expensive. I think the general belief is not so, though, because it seems difficult to take the first steps toward sustainability if a person hasn't been educated in how easy it is to be so.
4) Its all about recycling.
False! Sustainability is about more than just sorting your trash. While recycling is a major component of being sustainable, the other R’s of the popular “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra are essential as well. In order to reduce the amount of waste we produce, we must also reduce the amount we consume. Conscious consumption is vital to being sustainable. If we are aware of what we consume - that is how it was produced, where it was produced, who produced it – we can purchase items that support sustainable lifestyles. If we reuse what we consume (i.e. donate old clothes rather than toss them) not only do we reduce waste but we also help others to reduce their consumption. Sustainability is not just a practice; it’s a lifestyle. Its about making conscious decisions in all aspects of life so that we may provide a healthy world for future generations.
"Sustainability is all about the environment"
Far from true. Sustainability is synonymous with long term success, in any field. A business, for example, needs to be sustainable if it wants to keep itself afloat. It cannot sell its good or service at a lower value than for what it cost them. In a system set up like this, there is no way the business will survive. Likewise, with the environment, to set up our economy as being fueled by finite resources like coal and oil is disastrous and inherently fatal. What happens after coal is gone? In addition, it would be foolish to cut down a square of forest to plant crops, only to abandon the land after harvest and move on to another square. To purchase a plastic bottle of water, only to throw it away half full. The bottle and the water, simply removed altogether from the cycles that allow our lives to continue comfortably. Sustainability is coming full circle. It is all about the environment, but it's about everyone's environment. It would be silly to consider the environment without people as being a part of it. You might be shocked to learn just how much the production of that water bottle has impacted the quality of your life. The pollution emitted into the atmosphere--that's your air and my air. The corporation that has manufactured the product, they're not interested in your well-being, they want your money; they're willing to trick you in order to get it. All the resources they used to make the product--they drive up demand, which means higher prices for everyone. By avoiding unsustainable practices and products, you use your power as a consumer and a human to effect change for the better.
I could go on, but the beautiful thing about the sustainability concept is that it's so clear to see once you start to look at things in your life through a lens to fit it accordingly.
I think a very important myth to tackle is that "it's all about recycling". While recycling is of great importance, it is more so important to cut down on our consumption. We should primarily be focused on reducing materials that we use. When deciding to make a purchase we should take the time to think about whether it is something we need, or if we can do without the item. If we are going to buy something we should be focused on how much use we are going to get out of it. So we should first reduce, but if we are going to get something we should make sure that it is something we can reuse. Lastly, we should recycle items that can no longer be reused. Within the past two years I have worked on being focused on reducing and reusing items that I purchase. I buy almost all of my clothes from second hand stores. Reducing and reusing saves our environment and saves money. Instead of spending money on new clothes I've been able to go to more shows and have great experiences. So while recycling is of great importance, there are many benefits that come with reducing and reusing- it's not all about recycling.
4. It's all about recycling
In terms of environmentalism and sustainability, it's always more complicated than a generalization like "it's all about recycling." To be more specific, sustainability develops at the core of ones morals and lifestyle. Sustainability (in terms of ecology) describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time. This can be related directly to human existence. However, in terms of our livelihood, sustainability is the potential for long-term maintenance of well being - the way in which we form life in order to SUSTAIN our existence. It is not necessarily all about recycling. To get to the root of the success of our sustainability, we must understand that the "three r's" are very particularly ordered. We are to "reduce, reuse, and then recycle! This causes a livelihood realization within ourselves that creates a hierarchy system. In order to be truly sustainable we, as a human race, need to look at the core issues, for example, our materialistic and slightly subconscious consumption (reduce). Then we reuse when we can't avoid such consumption. Then we recycle what is absolutely necessary to complete the cyclical trend.
Many times when people think of sustainability, they think of it in reference to the environment. Everyone knows that living a more sustained lifestyle has many positive environmental benefits, but that is not the only reason to live sustainably. Sustainability within biological systems is natural and necessary; it allows productivity over a long period of time. Sustainability is commonly associated with energy use and production because we have a finite amount of resources, among them being fossil fuels. Unfortunately, we are not incredibly dedicated to limiting our use of these fossil fuels in order to sustain our supply of them. Nor are we investing in renewable energy sources, which are sustainable in that they are a more consistently present for our use. Although finding more sustainable energy does have a positive environmental impact, it is also about supplying the human race for as long as possible so we don't face a dead end in our progression.
4) It’s all about recycling
Myth! Sustainability is not just recycling. Items that are sustainable are supposed to last longer and they're supposed to be able to bear harsher conditions than non-sustainable items. Sustainable items are also constructed from materials that are sustainable regarding natural resources, meaning these materials are extracted in ways that don't deplete our natural resources. In theory, recycling isn't a huge part of a sustainable item's life span. Though recycling is great for items that become obsolete, sustainable items should be recycled after the items have been thoroughly utilized and can't be used for it's original purpose anymore. Example: tables! One can purchase a sustainable table that has been made out of wood that was farmed/harvested in a sustainable manner and can last up to a century, or one can purchase a cheap plastic table that will eventually deteriorate (and maybe can't even be recycled).
The myth, “Sustainability is all about the environment”, is almost completely inaccurate. The definition of sustainability is the capacity to endure. This can be used in terms of the environment; however, it can also be used in terms of humans. In ecology, sustainability means how the biological systems on earth remain diverse and productive over time. In the human sense, it is the capability for long-term maintenance of an overall well-being. Thus, this human maintenance depends on the maintenance of the natural world and natural resources. Sustainability is crucial when trying to protect the environment, however, the word is not only relevant to the environment.
The myth, “Sustainability is all about the environment”, is almost completely inaccurate. The definition of sustainability is the capacity to endure. This can be used in terms of the environment; however, it can also be used in terms of humans. In ecology, sustainability means how the biological systems on earth remain diverse and productive over time. In the human sense, it is the capability for long-term maintenance of an overall well-being. Thus, this human maintenance depends on the maintenance of the natural world and natural resources. Sustainability is crucial when trying to protect the environment, however, the word is not only relevant to the environment.
Topic: 4) It’s all about recycling
Sustainability is being able to protect the natural structures and networks of the planet while maintaining a successful economy. Sustainable living requires the smallest impact on natural resources so as to not exploit them.
Recycling is to convert waste into reusable material.
There's a huge difference between the two. One can still consume a disgusting amount of goods and materials and recycle them.
In the example of water use...
-Recycling would be to purchase water bottles for any water needs then recycle the bottles.
-Sustainable would be to collect water from rain
Sustainable is reducing the impact of the consumption of natural materials. Recycling is still consuming the same materials but disposing of them in a "green" manner.
I picked the topic, It’s all about recycling. Some people think that if they recycle than they are living a sustainability life but there is much more than recycling. Yes recycling is a very important part of sustainability because you are reusing materials like metals, paper, plastic and woods rather than throwing them in the trash but there is a lot more to sustainability than recycling. Recycling is one of the more popular ones but it is a small part of a big process. There are other parts that people can commit to like transportation, composting and conversing energy.
I picked the topic, It’s all about recycling. People think that if they recycle than they are living an sustainability life but there is much more than recycling. Yes recycling is a very important part of sustainability because you are reusing materials like metals, paper, plastic and woods rather than throwing them in the trash but there is a lot more to sustainability than recycling. Recycling is one of the more popular ones but it is a small part of a big process there are other parts that people can commit to like transportation, composting and conversing energy.
I picked the topic, It’s all about recycling. People think that if they recycle than they are living a sustainability life but there is much more than recycling. Yes recycling is a very important part of sustainability because you are reusing materials like metals, paper, plastic and woods rather than throwing them in the trash but there is a lot more to sustainability than recycling. Recycling is one of the more popular ones but it is a small part of a big process there are other parts that people can commit to like transportation, composting and conversing energy.
Throughout several different definitions of sustainability read the words "continued viability." One of the myths of sustainability is that it is far too expensive to be practical. This statement is folly if the definition of sustainability proves true. Sustainability need not be new-age technology or advanced, high-tech gadgets. The simplest ideas can be sustainable. For example, using energy and water wisely will actually reduce the amount of resources consumed and also lower monthly bills. A popular, sustainable hobby and lifestyle choice is raising a garden for oneself. These are a few ideas of inexpensive ways to live sustainably. On the other hand, there is a side to sustainability that is more expensive than a "regular" lifestyle. One example is eating locally and/or organically, which tends to be more costly because the growing methods were low-scale and/or natural. Switching to LED light bulbs is a hefty sum to pay initially, yet the energy efficient bulbs will end up paying for themselves as time goes on. In conclusion, there are many options of sustainable lifestyles that are easily affordable for all. There are also many choices that tend to be pricier, but in the end the smarter and more efficient choice. Sustainability has to be affordable if it is to meet its definition: continued viability.
-Nancy Jones
The idea that sustainability means a lower standard of living is a definite myth. According to the ever-popular Wikipedia, sustainability means "the ability to endure". Sustainability, to me, is a way of living responsibly and environmentally conscious. It is about making the right choices when it comes to waste disposal, what products you consume, and everyday behavior. Sustainability does not lower your standard of living but rather ultimately increases the standard of living for all.
4) It’s all about recycling
BUSTED:
I often hear from "Green" people that they are environmentally friendly because they do their part; they recycle. This is far from the truth and, really, all relative. If you do not consume very many plastic containers and therefore do not recycle - you are more environmentally friendly than, say, one who consumes atrocious amounts of material and, therefore, recycles large amounts.
Recycling, no less, is nothing more than "DOWNCYCLING," which takes a certain material and reforms it into a slightly less desirable form - eventually becoming a toxic material.
Moral of the story - Recycling is better than trash, but always try to consume as little as possible.
4) It’s all about recycling
This statement is false because sustainability is a well-rounded concept. It integrates community, environment and economics. Recycling certainly holds great importance in caring for Earth, however reducing waste to begin with holds greater importance because recycling is not a perfect fix for our consumer based society.
Sustainability goes beyond environment accounting for local community and economic health. Supporting local farmers and local companies builds a strong and low environmental impact local economy. In addition, communities with environmental health thrive being a healthy place for children to grow and learn.
In conclusion, sustainability goes far beyond recycling. It is a complex concept that requires mindfulness and understanding of the full system we live in.
"Sustainability is all about recycling"
That's a good start! But the truth is, is sustainability is much larger than that. Being sustainable encompasses an entire breadth of concepts and behaviors including recycling, reducing the consumption of materials, reusing items (instead of tossing them after a single use), and composting organic matter (such as food and yard waste).
But before any of those actions can take place, sustainability starts in the basic form of public knowledge and education (like Eco-Reps!). In order to ensure a healthy world for generations to come individuals must come together with the same understanding of our planet’s current environmental state—there is power in numbers! This can (and needs to) take place on all different levels including nationally, internationally, federally, grassroots, personal, and so on.
This all can seem overwhelming…but don’t get intimidated. Every effort and person can make a difference, including you! Just remember, to make big things happen it has to start with one.
-Winter Heath
"It's all about recycling"
While recycling is an important part of sustainability, it is not the only part. Recycling is a great way to dispose of waste, however it is not the optimal path to sustainability. We must first take a step back and consider the original purpose of the item that is to be recycled. Did it even need to be produced in the first place? Was there really a specific need for that particular item? Often times we can simply take a brief pause during our daily routine and truly consider grabbing that aluminum can of soda, or printing an entire 20-page reading assignment that is posted online. Reduction is the key first step. Reusing items is also crucial. Instead of going out to buy a reusable water bottle, we can use what we already have, like that empty glass jar that's headed into the recycling bin. That way we save energy and money. Every one of these little step is a step in the right direction.
- Hannah Jensen
Myth: Sustainability means lowering our standard of living.
Sustainability doesn’t intend to take away from our enjoyment of life. The lifestyle changes it proposes are not drastic; they tend to be mere modifications, and through their adaptation we can live more efficiently. Doing more with less can actually make you more productive, and such practices are excellent mental exercises in organization and creativity. There’s also the financial incentive – it costs less to consume less; for example, owning well-built products that can be reused ad infinitum. Though the word ‘sustainable’ might draw forward the fear of deprivation of creature comforts, this does not necessarily have to be the case. One: tiny sacrifices won’t kill you (you might not even notice them), and two: the move towards sustainability can, in fact, make you feel even more fulfilled in the way that you know that you are living conscientiously, all the while being even more productive and secure in your lifestyle.
Myth #2: Sustainability is all about the environment.
Sustainability actually is about creating something (such as a house, an energy harnessing method, or even a political system) so that it takes environmental, economic, and social needs into account. For something to be sustainable, it must be able to last long-term without damaging any one of these elements. This means we may need to readjust the very way we look at the world, and to re-evaluate what we really "need" to be happy.
1) Nobody knows what sustainability really means
Today it's popular to be "green" or "eco-friendly" or "sustainable." Companies lable products with the prefix "eco" as an advertising ploy. An item containing 1% of recycled material becomes "green." All these words have become catchphrases. I think alot of people throw these words around with out really thinking about their true meanings. The words become so common that we don't stop and think, "What does that really mean?" But it's pretty easy, just look it up in the dictionary. According to Merriam Webster, it means living lifestyles that emphasize using our resources in manners that don't deplete or permanently damage them. To me, sustainability means being conscious of the ways in which my actions affect the earth and its other inhabitants. It means trying to minimize my impact so future generations in years to come will experience the same beautiful waters and mountains and landscapes that I do now.
4)I think a very important myth to tackle is that "it's all about recycling". While recycling is of great importance, it is more so important to cut down on our consumption. We should primarily be focused on reducing materials that we use. When deciding to make a purchase we should take the time to think about whether it is something we need, or if we can do without the item. If we are going to buy something we should be focused on how much use we are going to get out of it. So we should first reduce, but if we are going to get something we should make sure that it is something we can reuse. Lastly, we should recycle items that can no longer be reused. Within the past two years I have worked on being focused on reducing and reusing items that I purchase. I buy almost all of my clothes from second hand stores. Reducing and reusing saves our environment and saves money. Instead of spending money on new clothes I've been able to go to more shows and have great experiences. So while recycling is of great importance, there are many benefits that come with reducing and reusing- it's not all about recycling.
"New technology is always the answer"
This is SO false! Of course, all the advancements in recent years with technology has certainly been beneficial and a huge success, but the consumers within each and every one of us in society has continually ignored what our grandparents have stood by all their lives - "if it's not broken, don't fix it."
Rather, in our day and age, it should probably be "if it's not broken, use it!" There are so many old gadgets that work perfectly fine - but who doesn't want NEW STUFF?
Therefore, new technology seems to always be the answer.. when it is a myth. Rather, it is inevitably causing countless mounds of e-waste in third world countries that are already suffering from other piles of trash from developed, wealthy nations. Perhaps technology is slowly congesting the rest of our environment now, along with many other issues to deal with.
8: "New technology is always the answer."
It's true that technology is developing exponentially as time progresses. But that doesn't mean that everything that is new = good, and just because we CAN, doesn't mean we SHOULD. Sometimes the old technology worked just fine and there was no reason at least as far as sustainability is concerned, for the older technology to be revised. Central air, for example, is a relatively new technology. Central air is also extremely wasteful, especially if your house isn't 100% perfectly insulated and sealed, like most. Sure, we had the technology and the capability to invent central air, but does that mean that humans could not breathe, could not survive, and could not reproduce to sustain the human race if it weren't for central air? Certainly not. In this case, pretty much, the older the technology, the more sustainable. What's more sustainable than central air? AC boxes in just a few rooms. What's more sustainable than that? A personal fan you use only when you need to be cooled off by something. What's more sustainable than that? How about sitting in the shade. People, and many other animals, have been doing that for millions of years. Our biology hasn't changed; our blood temperature hasn't increased. The only thing that has changed is our STANDARD. Standards make things seem necessary just because they're the norm or the luxury, when in reality, we are just fine without them, and certainly the Earth is too. Better, in fact.
Sustainability is expensive.
One of the main principles of sustainability is a reduction of consumption. By using less of our resources, we are leaving more for future generations and creating a sustainable environment. Reducing your consumption usually means spending less money because you are avoiding the use of any thing or material that is not needed. If you are reducing consumption, you are saving money.
This myth comes from the mentality that if I want to eat food or wear clothes that were made in eco-friendly "organic" factories then I need to spend more but in actuality the principle of sustainability we should be focusing on in reduce then reuse.
Myth 4) It's all about recycling.
While recycling is a part of sustainability, it is not the only method of sustainable living. Many people seem to think that consuming large amounts is totally ok, as long as they recycle whatever is left over/they don't use. The most important thing about consumption is REDUCING it in the first place. We live in a fast-paced, consumer-driven world where people rely on speed, cost, and convenience when purchasing things. A few ways of reducing are to buy items/food that do not have a lot of unnecessary packaging and buying local foods in order to save the gas and energy required to transport them. Very often, I see people at the Davis Center taking to-go containers and plastic utensils simply for the convenience, even though they sit down and stay at the DC anyway and I hope to change people's habits when it comes to this. After this comes the REUSE step. Many common household items can be reused for other things and do not always need to be thrown away. The final step in this process is RECYCLE and it should be used as a LAST RESORT. There is a reason the 3 R's are in this order. Although recycling saves large amounts of resources needed to remake the discarded materials, it still requires energy, which many people do not realize. Recycling seems to be the first thing people think they can do when they think about being eco-friendly but in fact there are habits that should take priority to recycling.
Myth: Consumer choices and grassroots activism, not government intervention, offer the fastest, most efficient routes to sustainability.
From my experience in grassroots activism this past summer, I can say that it is a lot of work to be an activist. In addition, things are slow to change with even the best campaigns. With each campaign won, a small stride toward a sustainable future is made. However, it is difficult to win something across the board that will make a huge difference for many people. So making progress can be slow if considered on a large scale. Along with this, many grassroots campaigns are working to lobby the government to make a change or enact a law or something to that effect, which shows that government action and grassroots influence are related (and that activists know the government ultimately calls the shots). Grassroots activism will also target consumers and their choices in what they buy (such as the “Green my Apple” campaign that Greenpeace did). This shows the interconnectedness of grassroots activism, the government, and its constituents. A more efficient route to making things sustainable is government action. When the government puts a law or bill forth, that is how it goes and everyone needs to follow it. It is an all-encompassing law for everyone as opposed to a grassroots-influenced change in one corporation, for example. Government intervention affects all of the people pretty quickly whether they like it or not, because it is law. So while grassroots activism is necessary to get things done, ultimately we will not get very far without the mobilization of our government, due to activists or otherwise.
"New technology is always the answer."
False! While we all know that we need an alternative to coal and oil, many environmentalists have their qualms about different types of alternative energy. First we have solar energy, often unreliable and almost always very costly. There is also wind power, which environmentalists are enthused about, but concerns ecologists, as the American Bird Conservancy cites studies that indicate that about 10,000 - 40,000 birds die each year from collisions with wind turbines in the U.S. Then we come to biofuel, which forces us to choose between food and fuel. Using crops like corn for fuel takes away corn for the hungry to eat.
Americans consume 25% of the Earth’s resources. Is this fair? More importantly, instead of using different sources of energy, shouldn’t we focus on using less? The Industrial Revolution forever changed the way we live, making us impatient, insatiable, never content, and always looking for more. We should focus on using less energy, for both environmental reasons and quality-of-life reasons. We need to slow down more and focus more on quality and less on efficiency.
However, this argument cannot be applied to developing countries; who can tell them to consume less and use less energy when they’re hardly using any to begin with? In this case, alternative energy is the solution. But new technology is certainly not always the answer.
--Shana McCann
2) Sustainability is all about the environment
Most people assume that sustainability requires human beings to focus only on ecological needs and to think only of the environment. This is not only an unattainable goal for people, it's also not completely necessary. Although our society should emphasize environmental protection and try to prevent ecological degradation, it's also acceptable to take into account our human needs and what some people and cultures want or desire. We have the capabilities to move towards sustainability with a dualistic approach, taking into account both environmental and human needs. With certain governmental involvement, policy planning, and individual lifestyle changes we can all easily be sustainable while living a comfortable life.
"Consumer choices and grassroots activism, not government intervention, offer the fastest, most efficient routes to sustainability"
I chose this common myth because it is an excellent argument for the polical spectrum of legislation and nation-wide adoption of sustainable practices. Several benefits for "green" consumer choices such as purchasing less-packaged goods, buying local and seasonal produce, and using smarter transportation choices results in many obvious benefits toward a more sustainable lifestyle. Also, activism is an effective pressure point on state and federal representatives simply for being an organized group. The most basic form of activism, protest can be seen in sustainable consumer choices, preferring the environmentally friendly option.
However, the simple protest of consumer choices and grassroot activism can only go so far when influencing massive institutions of this country. State and federal transportation, regulating public health through food, water and pollution requirements, and passing legislation that influences energy industries and offers incentives for farms, renewable energies and automobile restrictions can truly only be accomplished on the federal level. The Senate and House of Rep's, however, is stuck in a political stalemate from bipartisan-specific interests such as constituents, lobbyists, and economic ties that effectively kills much of the proposed environmental legislation. Still, many argue that further federal regulation is a terrible idea because it continues to expand the government's power.
In my opinion, a government should be instated for security, organization, and protection of the people; in increasing importance. Therefore, the duty of government is to regulate the free market and especially foundational infrastructure simply for the benefits of the citizens.
2.
One of the biggest misconceptions of sustainability is the idea that living a sustainable life is solely about the environment. Unlike this myth, sustainability deals with the Earth as a whole, and all of the systems involved. To me, sustainability means having a healthy mind, body and soul, while being conscious of my actions and my surroundings. Living in a country where we are enabled to be consumers, living sustainably is about eating as much local and organic as you can, it means to broaden your knowledge about corporate responsibility and fair trade, and involves strengthening the human connection, so we can all become better people. The term sustainability can mean the environment, but should mean the holistic idea of our environment, and how we as humans fit into the system. To live a sustainable life, we must consume only what is necessary, reuse as much as we can, and remember that all of our actions have consequences and can effect the one Earth we have.
Myth: sustainability is too expensive
This is often people's excuse for not "going green" but in reality sustainability is only slightly expensive in the short-term if you are living in an unsustainable environment. For example, if you have to replace your incandescent light bulbs to CFLs or choose to improve upon your pre-existing appliances or car. However, in the long term all of these items save energy and money. In that way sustainability is not expensive, rather it's cost-effective and pays for itself in the long-run.
--Sarah L.
Myth: sustainability is too expensive
This is often people's excuse for not "going green" but in reality sustainability is only slightly expensive in the short-term if you are living in an unsustainable environment. For example, if you have to replace your incandescent light bulbs to CFLs or choose to improve upon your pre-existing appliances or car. However, in the long term all of these items save energy and money. In that way sustainability is not expensive, rather it's cost-effective and pays for itself in the long-run.
--Sarah L.
7. Consumer choices and grassroots activism, not government
intervention, offer the fastest, most efficient routes to
sustainability.
While thoughtful consumer choices and grassroots sustainability activism are terrific, they apply mainly to those who have already taken it upon themselves to reduce their negative impact on the planet. The sad truth of the matter is that environmentally friendly behavior is merely a choice, one which often isn’t the easiest or most enjoyable route.
Everybody needs an incentive to change their behavior, be it thriftiness, guilt, or just because you know it’s right. However, those incentives aren’t enough to bring about change. For example, 4 years ago, Ferrari would never have considered developing a gas-electric hybrid vehicle. Why not? It doesn’t add to the customer’s value of the product. However, due to recent government regulations on car manufacturing companies, Ferrari had no choice but to meet those standards and you can bet that they’re not happy about it. Amadeo Felisa, Ferrari’s CEO, said in an interview, “[Hybrids will come in] 2015, if we are forced to by the [government] regulations. The issue of emissions for Ferrari is more a political one than real one. Lowering emissions of every Ferrari will not save the planet, but it will cost us a lot of money.”
Sustainability is perhaps one of the toughest sells ever, considering that most of the incentives are purely moral. Thus, getting people and organizations to adopt sustainable requires a lot more than arguments that appeal with polar bears and concern for future generations; arms need to be twisted to make real change. After all, rules are more effective than suggestions.
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