MYTHS ABOUT GOING GREEN/SUSTAINABILITY
On today Earth Day we can make a difference.
1. One person cannot make a difference.
It is difficult not to have this thought when so many others around the world (India and China) appears to be polluting faster than we can clean up. In reality it is individual awareness and action that will stop pollution, restore environments and create sustainable practices that will lead to a healthier personal and economic existence.
2. It takes more energy to recycle than it saves.
This is not even close. An example is in the recycling of aluminum cans alone. Recycling existing aluminum cans saves 95% of the energy required to make new original cans. Paper products require ten times the energy to make new paper than to recycle it and saves 15-20 trees for every ton of paper stock produced.
3. It is better to keep thermostats constant rather than adjusting temperatures up or down.
How could this be? When it is cold turn down the thermostat at night and when you leave during the day. When heating or cooling air every 1° in temperature difference equals a 2% difference in your energy bill. The ACEEE (American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy) recommends two thermostat adjustments per day, or 8° for 8 hour periods. This will save up to 32% on your energy bill.
4. “Green” cleaners do not adequately disinfect.
Even dangerous food-borne bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli and Shigella can be wiped out with the safe green use of vinegar and hydrogen peroxide sprayed one right after the other on the surface you want to clean, then wiped up. It is good for the environment and you save money that would otherwise be spent on cleaners with toxic ingredients.
5. Hybrid cars are not environmentally friendly.
How does this stuff get started? In this case a rumor began in 2007 that claimed the Toyota Prius has a greater environmental impact than a Hummer H3. This rumor was based on two errors in reasoning. The first involved in the amount of energy required making the battery for the Prius and the second assumed the car would have a short lifespan. Both the Department of Energy and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology determined that the fuel economy savings of the Hybrid car was vastly superior to the Hummer H3. It is also a lot easier to park.
6. Daylight Savings Time saves energy.
Unfortunately, this appears not to be accurate. Although more daylight requires the use of fewer light bulbs it causes the use of more air conditioning.
The best way to save energy is to sleep in. You don’t turn things on and you recharge yourself saving energy two ways!!
7. Corn ethanol will help America break its addiction to oil.
The International Monetary Fund found that corn ethanol was more expensive to product than gasoline. It had the least impact on reducing greenhouse gases compared with other forms of ethanol and that corn ethanol indirectly lead to higher food costs worldwide.
Corn ethanol not good, ethanol from other non food sources good.
8. “I do my part by recycling”.
Recycling is a great start but it is only part of the process. You need to purchase products made with recycled materials to complete the cycle. The beast practice is to reduce your entire waste output by selecting products with minimal packaging. The average American produces 4.5 pounds of waste per day. About 75% of the contents of a typical garbage can could be recycled.
Reduce, reuse then recycle.
9. Bottled water is good for the environment.
Few issues generate more anger from environmentalists, government officials and scientists than the belief that bottled water is better for the environment than water out of a faucet. Each year billions of plastic water bottles help fill landfills across the country. Huge amounts of energy are required to transport and filter bottled water, which contributes to global warming. In the United States there is no need for bottled water when tap water is just as safe.
In many cases bottled water is filtered tap water.
10. Organic Food is more nutritional for you.
Almost any discussion of “going green” includes talking about organic foods; meat, grains, fruits and vegetables. Organic foods are produced without any use of antibiotics, growth hormones, pesticides or fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says no. Additionally, Connie Diekman, Director of Nutrition for Washington University in St. Louis and President of the American Dietary Association, says “There is no evidence of any nutritional benefit to organically grown food over the conventionally grown food”.
There are benefits to consuming organic food. You avoid exposure to potentially toxic chemicals and pesticides which can also find their way into the water supply. The average American meal has traveled 1300 miles from where it was grown. Large amounts of energy is used and pollution is created by transporting food that far. Organic or eating locally grown food can dramatically cut pollution and energy consumption.
I haven’t seen a study about Local Organic food which I think retains the tastiness.
