by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
As we embark into the second decade, now, of the twenty-first century we are, I think, beginning to, finally for the majority, though still not all, that we are about to set out onto uncharted water, namely that of a changing climate that we may, or may not, be able to do something about.
It is, however, not just the climate that is in trouble; it is the environment as a whole and, thus, with it, in the end also we, humans, who are much to blame for what is happening to the environment and the climate.
The term global warming, finally at least, has been put, in general, ad acta, and the term “climate change” has been adopted, and that is the correct one, for the climate is indeed changing and going about like a yo-yo. Whether partly natural climatic cycle and partly human induced, or whatever, is hardly relevant. The fact is that the climate is going haywire and we need to (1) see what we can do to mitigate things and (2) adapt to it.
But something else is more pressing and the issue about carbon and carbon dioxide has been pushing that off the table and that is the rest of the environmental impact that humans, that is to say we, and human activity, that is to say, that what we do, has on the Planet.
The amount of waste, toxic substances and pollution that comes from our homes, transportation, business and industries must be addressed at a grass roots level to make significant impacts. We have the technology, the knowledge and the know how to address several problems. However we lack the ‘green’ commitment by political leaders and heads of industry which alienates any efforts made. Many businesses seem to believe, and individuals too, that going green is expensive and they cannot afford it.
However, there are in fact several factors that preach the opposite.
Going green makes actual economic sense and is great for business. The easiest and most cost effective solution are the so-called “eco-efficiencies” that can be sought out by means of picking the low hanging fruit with simple energy, water, and waste audits.
At times the cost savings can be so large that it makes significant impact to the bottom line, and this is only skimming the surface of the economic benefits. There are other intangible factors that may positively be affect organizations by ‘going green’ which may include; a larger talent pool to choose from, more productive workforce, lower employee turnover, increased market share, and lower insurance and loan costs as future environmental risks are being mitigated by the due diligence of business’s aiming to be more sustainable, and in the end more profitable.
Equally, if not even more importantly, it is the individual whose grassroots efforts, alone, as well as as households/families and other groups,walks the green path in everything possible.
Many people think that their small acts of greenness does not do anything but what they forget is that if everyone makes those small efforts many small efforts will make a rather large whole.
People must be educated on the destructive nature of our consumerist society and willing to make the difference starting with their homes and more importantly carry the values we teach our children, into the business world where the most significant changes can be made. Human beings can no longer set aside environmental issues in hopes that a new technology will come and save the day, this problem will not be overcome in one year or one term of presidency nor in one decade; sustainability is not a place – it is a journey and it must start now, this very moment, and it can be done.
So, come with me on this journey and let's do it.
© 2011
