Why do we need to go green? There are many reasons driving the global push to "go green" and most have the same incentive - conservation.
Understanding What Green Is
There is some confusion about what "green" means. The term is sometimes used incorrectly in an effort to appeal to conscientious green consumers. The origins of the term green is unclear. Some believe it was borrowed from the 1970s green politics. Whatever the true origins, the term is meant to define the concept of renewable, sustainable and eco-friendly processes, products and energy.
Why Do We Need to Go Green?
The answer to the question, "Why do we need to go green?" is as complex as the environmental problems the world population faces. It isn't just the current generation that must deal with this massive crisis; it will be a challenge for future generations even if greater action is not taken over the next few decades.
Environmental Issues
The first concerns facing those living in the world today are major environmental ones. Toxins have leached out of industry facilities and factories into water supplies such as streams, rivers and into the world's oceans. Marine and aquatic life have suffered as a result of these poisonous chemicals contaminating ocean beds, wetlands and marshlands. Once a healthy food source, seafood and fresh water fish are often dangerous to eat due to mercury and other harmful and deadly chemicals found in randomly tested fish and seafood.
Erosion
Erosion occurs for many reasons such as over-development of land, whether it's for new housing developments, industry growth or agriculture. Extreme weather conditions can exacerbate erosion in regions where it is a problem.
Pesticides
Associated health issues include consuming contaminated fish and seafood as well as other animal life, vegetables and fruits with pesticides. The harsh pesticides used to control and kill insects on vegetables and fruit have long-lasting detrimental effects on humans, especially growing children. Studies have shown that much of the residue of these pesticides continue past the other skin of these foodstuffs and lodge in the inner fruit that's consumed by humans. The legal allowance of pesticides used in the growing of foods is still considered to be "safe" for human consumption.
Additional Health Concerns
Pesticide use is not the only health-related problems associated with environmental problems.
- Additives to beef, chicken and other animals raised for food often contain antibiotics. For example, milking cows are regularly treated with antibiotics but must be free of those drugs before their milk can be collected for market.
- Children's diseases resulting from harmful chemicals include an alarming increase in food allergies and chemical sensitivities.
- Air pollution is responsible for many health issues such as asthma as well as environmental issues such as acid rain and temperature fluctuations.
- Farm and city runoffs create freshwater pollution that eventually finds its way to the oceans. When agriculture fertilizer runoff enters a local water table, the contaminated water can no longer be used.
Industrial Growth and Pollution
A modern example of how unregulated industry creates pollution can be seen in the industrialization of China, that's moved into the number one slot as the world's most polluting country. Lax manufacturing controls in China have resulted in imports into America that have caused the deaths of animals as well as exposure to harmful chemicals in children's toys, women's cosmetics and other every day products.
Air pollution is still a significant problem even with emissions control and factory burning regulations. Rain runoff from urban communities and cities still poses great environmental pollution threats. Recycling can play a significant role in preventing these forms of pollution. For example, fertilizers used for lawns and agriculture are one of the leading cause of rain runoff pollution. By simply reducing fertilizer use by adopting more organic gardening practices, you can reduce this type of pollution.
Paradox
When DDT was banned in the United States, the surplus was sold to countries in South America for use in the production of banana crops, which were then sold back to American grocery stores. DDT is still being used in developing countries and more industrialized countries like China. This two-edged sword is present not just in foodstuff, but clothing, cosmetics, medicines, toys and many other products that you purchase and bring into your home.
Energy Reasons to Go Green
The use of oil by industrialized nations is responsible for a large portion of the air, water and food pollution in the world. Alternative energy that is renewable, sustainable and has little to zero harmful side-effects is called "green energy". This includes such resources as biomass, fuel cells, hydro, solar, wind, tidal waves and thermal forms of harnessing the earth's natural elements.
Steps Toward Positive Remedies
Many positive changes have been instituted and others are constantly being researched and implemented to remedy the world's pollution crisis.
What You Can Do
Some of the things that you can do to help create a greener world and leave a smaller footprint include:
- Alternative fuel vehicles
- Apply green building principles to new construction and remodeling projects
- Avoid household carpets, rugs, furniture and other products that contain formaldehyde and chemicals, opting instead for green substitutes
- Buy and grow organic vegetables, fruits, meats and poultry
- Change harsh dish detergents and laundry detergents for green products
- Go paperless
- Install low-volume flush toilets or compost toilets
- Invest in alternative renewable and sustainable energy
- Opt for non-chemical personal hygiene products
- Practice waste management by composting when possible and replacing plastic bags, plates, cups and utensils with biodegradable plant-based products
- Reduce, reuse and recycle when possible
- Replace household chemicals with green cleaning products
- Replace light bulbs with more energy efficient and non-heat producing LED bulbs
- Upgrade your home to be energy efficient
- Use rechargeable batteries
Making Choices
As you can see, going green is a complex process that needs to be taken one step at time while replacing current methods and products with green ones.
