So the term is over but my thoughts on sustainability are not. I keep coming across many websites that grab my attention, but here’s a great one that I keep coming across through many articles that interest me. It is filled with links to articles that all have to do with what we have learned in class plus what we haven’t, but is still relevant to the subject. They have a sister site that have resources in eating green, and I wish I had known this before, but they also have episodes for the “100 mile challenge” which shows people on cook-offs and other challenges in eating local. Any way, there’s tons of information that I highly recommend you all check out. Have a good winter break everyone!
Eco-Footprint
Here is a cool website I came across that you can you can calculate your eco-footprint by answering just ten questions. It then offers ways to lower your footprint. Also on this website there is a carbon calculator you can use to calculate how much carbon you would use if you decided to take a trip or for many other different situations.
Mitch Gaulke
Coca-Cola’s New Look
The classic Coke can is getting a new look. The original can was painted red and white, but now Coca-cola is thinking of making the can unpainted. By not painting the can Coca-cola saves energy and paint. This will also eliminate the paint removing step in the recycling process. This change will cut back on air pollution, water pollution, paint, and it will save energy.
-Aaron Sundstrom
Practicing Sustainability at Oregon Convention Center
Last Friday when I went to the Convention Center with my family for the Holiday Prayer, and I passed by one of their plaque that says Portland Convention Center. Practicing Sustainability. This really took my attention because it wasn’t until this class that I started to think about sustainability. When I came home, I decided to look it up and found that they had high (silver) ratings from the United States Green Building Council in 2008 and was also rated in 2004 as LEED-EB which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design in the Existing Buildings.
The Convention Center manages material and waste recycling and offer recovery program which includes the pre and post of consumers’ organic waste, cardboard, newspaper, cans, plastics, cooking oils, and even land trimming and more. The Convention Center is working hard to improve Portland’s national reputation on green building and other environmental practices.
Look up this site and see for yourself. It’s nice to find other people thinking about sustainability and try to find ways to make this world a greener place to live!
Hamdia Ahmed
A DVD case inside of a DVD case inside of a DVD case inside of…
Hello,
I was wondering if anyone could shed any light on the concept of the “plastic DVD sleeve” that surrounds many DVDs today. When a DVD comes with that around it, I find it to be a nuisance and usually not aesthetically pleasing. Not to mention how wasteful it is. If anyone has any idea why these popped up and why they continue to pop up, please let me know.
-Adam McCoy
personalized solar energy
Solar power and wind turbines are being used today in place of fossil fuels, but it is a challenge for the average household to switch to a more sustainable method of utilizing energy. According to this article, the global energy need will double by mid-century and triple by 2100 so this will create a huge demand for a more personal, affordable method of alternative energy. People are already working on inventing a solar panel that will be affordable and efficient for households to use.
Matt Z
fungus farming
Here is an interesting article that suggests that humans aren’t the only species that has discovered monoculture. In this case, apparently termites have evolved their “fungus farming” towards a way of ‘monoculture’ that is more sustainable, or stable, than ours. Maybe this could be attributed to the omnivore’s dilemma… The only thing that termites need is fungus, so it is only natural that they would develop a monoculture of this “crop”. Also, this monoculture occurs on such a small scale that it does not have as significant geologic consequences as practices like humans’ monoculture of corn.
LED is the future
Every day Americans get closer and closer to becoming more sustainable. However Americans aren’t willing to give up things to be more sustainable. When we go to the grocery store if there is a “green” alternative to what we normally buy, we will most likely purchase it. We won’t give up things like our cars, plastic bags, Christmas trees, or even Christmas lights. Every year millions of households throughout the United States put up Christmas lights. These Christmas light cause electricity usage to surge. This surge allow for our coal power plants (where the majority of our power comes from) to increase production, and therefore increase pollution on our environment. This doesn’t have to happen there is great technology out there that allows for us to be more Eco-friendly these holidays, and benefit us. LED is a somewhat newer technology that uses 90% less energy than traditional Christmas lights. LED Christmas lights also last longer, are safer, more durable, and come in all different colors. They are even sometimes cheaper than regular lights. Yet every year I see people putting up traditional incandescent lights. If only people knew that the benefits of LED lights outweigh the benefits of the old incandescent lights. I am curious to see how many people use LED versus Incandescent light so I will put up a poll shortly, I encourage people to take it so we can see how widely used LED lights are. (To see if u are currently using LED lights check out the link i posted it shows what LED lights look like)
Happy holidays,
Sam G.
Solar Development
Found another interesting article, this one discussing the advancements in Solar Development.
Found at worldchanging.com, this article discussed how solar energy’s main proponent is subsidies issued by governments. An Example the article chose to showcase was New Jersey. The state offers tradable credits that can be sold on the open market. From what it appears, the effects are promising, with thousands more solar installations and the creation of many more jobs.
It’s a quick read so don’t be affraid to check it out!
Matthew Kilgore
Simple Solutions – Surprising Success
Found a cool article from Reader’s Digest
It discusses cutting edge advancements in green technology. Primarily dealing with green living, the article poses 8 simple yet highly effective techniques to save energy and cut carbon emissions. Check it out!
Matthew Kilgore
