Shouldn’t All Communities Be Sustainable?

    Image Source: http://inhabitat.com/vincent-callebaut-envisions-belgiums-industrial-zone-as-an-amazing-energy-generating-community/

Let’s take a look at the benefits of sustainable community design and why we should urge our communities to take steps towards sustainability. 

So, what is a sustainable community?

Well, a sustainable community is one that is planned, build, or modified to promote sustainable living by focusing on environmental and economic sustainability, urban infrastructure, social equity, and municipal government. 

Soooo, why is this important?

Well, sustainable communities greatly reduce the rapid depletion of our Earth’s natural and non-renewable resources. 

So, why is this beneficial to you and your community, you ask?

Well, sustainable community development features things like:

Ecological Protection - saving plants, animals, farmland, forests, etc. 

Density & Urban Design - reduce the development of low-density housing that often requires developing into farmland and natural habitats

Urban Infill - the re-use of land that has already been urbanized

Village Centers - reduces the need for vehicles because all human necessities are within walking distance of the home and community interaction is encouraged and facilitated 

Local Economy - having businesses within walking distance of jobs encourages the reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and brings life to a community 

Sustainable Transport - encouraging alternative transportation like biking and walking reduces emissions and requires less money spent on roads

Affordable Housing - diversity is necessary for building a sustainable community especially by offering different income levels housing 

Livable Community - facilitate community interaction and participation through parks, community barbecue pits, benches, sitting areas, walking/running paths

Sewage & Stormwater - encourages individual composting and miniature constructed wetlands for greywater treatment and large-scale constructed wetlands to control stormwater run-off

Water - encourages use of green roof technology, absorbing roads and parking lots, wetlands, streams, resulting in at least 35% less water consumption in a community

Energy - alternative energy solutions reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which reduces the rapid climate change 

The 3 ‘R’s - reducing the waste produced by construction by encouraging reconstruction and recycling 

All these aspects of sustainable community development directly affect YOU and ME and THEM...so, basically EVERYONE.

If we continue depleting the Earth’s resources at a rapid rate, our climate will continue to be negatively affected, natural disasters will continue to become more regular, communities will be destroyed and there won’t be anything left for future generations. We have to change the way we impact the Earth now. We can do this by re-imagining and re-designing the communities we dwell in and the communities we should be dwelling in. Understanding sustainable community design and its benefits lets us urge local development agencies and leaders to invest and encourage sustainable living. 

Here are some awesome resources to check out! 

http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/Why_Is_Sustainable_Development_Important

http://www.infed.org/community/sustainable_communities_and_neighbourhoods.htm

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/27/sustainable-architecture_n_5193101.html

Sneaker Sustainability

A new pair of synthetic running shoes can typically generate 13 kgs of CO2 emissions according to a team of MIT scientist. When  looking at the statistic alone it might not seem as serious but considering that running shoes produce no electricity, a pair of running sneakers leave a carbon footprint equivalent of a 100-watt lightbulb burning for an entire week. Now multiply this times millions of runners all over the world and billions of sneakers made very year. This can leave a pretty big impact concerning the use of natural resources.  

Besides plastics the sneakers industry uses crude oil repeatedly. As we all know, oil is not a sustainable resource. 

There are shoe brands that are trying to develop alternatives to the use of the oil. Take Nike for example. They’ve created a shoe called the Flyknit. With the Flyknit constructed with one knit upper that is stuck to the sole of the shoe. This makes the shoe lightweight, breathable and reduces waste.  Nike also has project called Reuse-A-Shoe. Old running shoes get recycled to Nike Grind and make great athletic turfs and playground surfaces.

Resource: http://www.urbanmeisters.com/sustainable-running-leave-a-greener-footprint-with-sthical-sneakers/

Fee and Dividend: A Viable Solution?

In 2015, the U.S. produced “12.7 million barrels of oil …[and] consum[ed] nearly 19.4 million barrels of oil per day” [1].  On a global scale, “the oil industry is one of the most powerful branches in the world economy” where more than “four billion metric tons of oil is produced worldwide annually” [2].  Make no mistake, the oil industry is an absolute juggernaut.  From oil drilling to consumption, the demand for this resource is continually increasing – and given the numbers, one can predict that this supply will be rapidly decreasing. 

Whether it be ExxonMobil or the Dubai Petroleum Company, the lucrative rewards of the oil industry are prevalent.  In relation to the global demand for oil, fields and other producing areas (worldwide!) are continually targeted for drilling – regardless of how controversial they may be (read Exxon’s controversial oil rig: http://www.ecowatch.com/exxon-starts-most-controversial-oil-rig-in-the-world-1881941134.html).  As journalist Nicole D’Alessandro puts it: “For the oil industry, business comes first” [3].  Oil goliaths, like ExxonMobil, have been notorious for putting profits above everything else.  Given this ideology, the question of changing the oil industry becomes that much more daunting.

So, how do we stop this juggernaut?  Perhaps the question should not be about how to stop them, but how we can better regulate them.  

The fee and dividend act proposed by Dr. James Hansen aims to do just that.  Dr. Hansen proposes that a “’carbon fee with 100% dividend’ [should] [be] required for reversing the growth of atmospheric CO2” [4].  Given this, the fee would also be “applied to oil” [4].  It is touted as: “the most simple method possible to reduce CO2 emissions, mov[ing] us toward renewable sustainable energy and maintaining a functioning economy” [4].  In a nutshell, the proposal looks to hold corporations accountable for the oil (as well as natural gas and coal) they produce.  By adding a fee on oil “at their point of entry into the American Market (such as at an oil well)” will inevitably trigger a “market-driven mechanism” [5].  

The fee will increase over time until “clean energy becomes cheaper to employ over fossil fuels” [6].  The entirety of the fee paid by corporations would then be divided and given as dividends (i.e. payout) to Americans (monthly).  This would work to “offset the higher prices households will pay from rising energy costs induced by the fee” [5].  Essentially, the aim of the proposal is to let the people, not the government, dictate how they want to grow “America’s energy economy” [5].  By doing so, the hope is for Americans to spend their dividend income on “non-fossil fuel energy sources” leading to “entrepreneurship and innovations [of] new industries…renewable and fuel efficiency” [5].  Thus, creating a new stream of jobs for the American public as well. 

For more information, please read the linked websites below.  Although the proposal is currently aimed at the U.S. (and Canada), the bill could be applicable on a global scale, using the same structure.  There are ongoing efforts by advocates to pass this proposal through congress - and thereby changing the energy policy in America.  Grass-root activism has played a major part, where petitions and other forms of activism are made accessible (if interested, please refer to the links down below).  

Is this a viable option?  Realistic? Would it work?  Could this proposal be applied to other countries as well? 

Comment below and let us know what you think!  

Learn More:

- https://citizensclimatelobby.org/basics-carbon-fee-dividend/

- http://www.globalstewards.org/carbon-fee-dividend.htm

- http://whyshouldicare.ca/carbon-tax-vs-fee-and-dividend/

- http://www.latimes.com/opinion/op-ed/la-oe-sedor-climate-change-fee-and-dividend-vs--- cap-and-trade-20150306-story.html
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/martin-cheek/oil-comes-with-hidden-cos_b_932666.html
- http://ossfoundation.us/projects/environment/economics

http://www.globalstewards.org/carbon-fee-dividend.htm

References:

[1] Statistics and facts about the U.S. oil and gas industry. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/topics/1706/oil-and-gas/

[2] Global oil industry. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/topics/1783/global-oil-industry-and-market/

[3] D’Alessandro, N. (2014, August 11). Exxon starts ‘most controversial oil rig in the world’. Retrieved from http://www.ecowatch.com/exxon-starts-most-controversial-oil-rig-in-the-world-1881941134.html

[4] Fee & 100% dividend. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ossfoundation.us/projects/environment/economics

[5] Cheek, M. (2011, October 21). Oil comes with hidden costs. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/martin-cheek/oil-comes-with-hidden-cos_b_932666.html

[6] Carbon tax vs. fee & dividend. (2015, August 27). Retrieved from http://whyshouldicare.ca/carbon-tax-vs-fee-and-dividend/

The oil and gas industry in the United States [Online image]. (2014). Retrieved February 19, 2017 from https://www.statista.com/chart/2741/the-oil-and-gas-industry-in-the-united-states/

Carbon fee and dividend [Online image]. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2017 from http://divestwaterloo.ca/events/climate-consultation-town-hall-waterloo-region-resources/putting-a-price-on-carbon/how-carbon-fee-and-dividend-works/

The Small Steps: Getting Started Today!

The cost of hidden oil can be all too much – but only if we let it be.

As other blog posts indicate: Oil is in fact ubiquitous.  The awareness of this issue is highly alarming, and can often be overwhelming.  Even with the knowledge of this issue, individuals may not be inspired and driven into immediate action – or ever any action.  

Just like many ecological/environmental problems, the issue will tend to resonate (in some shape or form), but may not always trigger personal change.  Why?  It seems as if the first inclination is to think and the second is to ignore (I know I’m guilty of this!).  This is not because a person doesn’t care or feel for the issue, but because he/she may feel a degree of powerlessness.  The depth and severity of the issue is often perceived as out of reach.  It can be all too overwhelming and far too daunting. 

The cost of hidden oil throws up this tricky predicament: What can I do about this issue?  Especially, since it is perceived that we (as consumers) have no real control in what is being produced.  It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that oil industries will continue to do as they please – it’s not possible to stop mass production, and therefore there is no point in trying.  Case closed.

However, this mistaken assumption that change must start with a gigantic, revolutionary act is what causes this predicament.  Often, this is what triggers many of us to be overwhelmed - causing us to ignore and forget.  In this case, change can be the small things we do in our day-to-day lives.  It’s the domino effect the we’re working towards.  Big change must always start from somewhere.  We should be really asking ourselves: What can I do to lessen the amount of oil I use?  Taking small steps, bringing about small changes in our personal lives, makes the issue less daunting and more realistic.  

Not sure where to start?  Here are three things you can do today, tomorrow, or next week to bring about the those changes in your own lives:

1.       Are you still using plastic bags?  It was found that “about 8% to 10% of our total oil supply goes to making plastic…an average American throws away about 10 bags a week” [1].  Reusable grocery bags (i.e. cloth) and shopping totes are the best alternative.  Bring them with you to shopping malls and grocery stores.  Give your reusable bag to your grocery packer.  Refuse plastic!  The same goes for plastic water bottles.  Switch to a water bottle that is not only plastic-free, but reusable (ex. Hydro Flask).  

2.       Shopping for clothes?  Know what you are buying.  Quality over quantity.  Organic cotton or hemp (i.e. natural fibers) materials are alternatives to clothing made from oil derivatives (ex. synthetic fibers).  Read more at http://www.treehugger.com/style/50-surprising-fashion-and-beauty-products-made-from-oil-that-you-probably-use-everyday-even-if-youre-green.html

3.       Recycle, recycle, recycle!  Are you continuously throwing out plastic containers and other plastic "trash"?  Recycle and re-use them.  This may seem basic, but many consumers still do not recycle.  For many of us, this is a simple as separating our trash appropriately.  Read more at http://grist.org/article/plastics/

Hopefully, these three things illustrate what you can do to realistically make that change.  Most environmental activists advocate the importance of interdependence: “Any step you take—large or small—toward reducing your personal consumption of oil is a positive step” [2].  Down below are more simple ways to take those steps in your own life.  Check them out.  Try them out.  Try a few first, then gradually build.  See where it takes you.  Spread the word and make a difference.  You’ll find that you can get started as early as today.

Read more:

- http://alwayswellwithin.com/2010/06/06/reducing-personal-oil-use/

- http://www.care2.com/greenliving/20-ways-to-reduce-your-dependence-on-oil.html

- http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/climate-change/10-simple-ways-to-use-less-oil/blog/12883/

References:

[1] Plastic bags and petroleum. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://1bagatatime.com/learn/plastic-bags-petroleum/

[2] Pawula, S. (2010, June 6). 11 ways to reduce your oil use. Retrieved from http://alwayswellwithin.com/2010/06/06/reducing-personal-oil-use/

Recycling used oil [Online image]. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2017 from https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Public-Works/RSW/Collection-Services/Household-Hazardous-Waste/Used-Motor-Oil-and-Filters

Natural fiber [Online image]. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2017 from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/541487555172024327/

Life cycle of a paper bag [Online image]. (n.d.). Retrieved February 19, 2017 from http://www.factorydirectpromos.com/life-cycle-of-a-plastic-bag

Petroleum in Our Food?

We know that many household products we use day to day contain oil or petroleum by-products. We know that it’s lurking in places that we may not even realize. But do we know that it’s also in our foods? Artificial food dyes are used to attract your attention. The bright colored cereals, candy, snacks, and beverages are all targeting you as a consumer. Here’s a fun fact, even fresh oranges can be dipped in dye to make them brighter and more uniform in color. There’s also a lot of foods that would be virtually colorless if we didn’t add dye to everything. Although products will be tested over and over again to make sure they contain no trace of its original petroleum, artificial food dyes are still petroleum based with the exception of Blue No. 2 which is plant based and used to color blue jeans.

So what can we do? Natural isn’t always better. People seem to think that natural dyes are the way to go but people can adverse reactions to some. For example, saffron or annatto used in yellow dye can cause severe allergic reactions even though they’re natural base products.

We could ban food coloring. It makes sense that maybe we should just eat food the way that’s it’s supposed to be. Some would argue otherwise, what about the full sensory experience from eating? Not only do taste and smell matter but so does the look of our food. There’s an experience from eating a chip that stains your tongue a fiery red.

What do you all think? Should we remove artificial dyes from our food? Is it right for us to lose the experience of eating neon candy? Should we test out natural plant based dyes first and look at their toxicity?

There’s many things that can happen looking towards the future of artificial dyes in regards to our diet and nutrition. There’s only one thing that’s for sure. It wouldn’t hurt to move away from the artificial dyes and decrease our reliance on petroleum especially when we’re putting it into our bodies.

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2957945/

https://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/education/resources/highschool/chemmatters/past-issues/2015-2016/october-2015/food-colorings.html

Image Links:

http://netdugout.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Food-Additives-Market.jpg

http://www.ddwcolor.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/saffron-sm.jpg

Where is our Oil?

Where our Oil?

When we think about oil we think of food, cars, machines. One thing we never really think about is where does all of this supply of oil actually come from. Since the early 60’s when America began strongly using this new fuel instead of the pollution inhibitor coal. We started to ship out boatloads of oils from the Arabian coast eventually more and more.

http://www.npr.org/news/graphics/2012/04/gr-oilprod-300.gif

This link above shows a pie chart of where the U.S Actually moves their oil. A good chunk of the pie belongs to the U.S no doubt since we are the leader in using oil there should not be a doubt that we produce it as well. This was not always the case though; we only began to heavily produce oil a few years prior to this year.

 

Oil Use

Oil Use

The use of oil is an essential part of a person’s life, whether it is to cook your food, run your car, or fix a machine. Everyday whether you realize it or not, we use oil, driving to work or even using public transportation. You could even say oil is up there in importance in comparison to water. We hear about the history of the USA and the need for oil, also the rumors of the Iraq war, being that oil was one of the sole reasons we invaded it. Do we actually need to use oil this much is our lives, though? Back around 200 years ago, we were very dependent on coal to fuel our machines, engines, and ovens. Coal was the necessity when we as America were going through the industrial revolution, even the introduction of steam-powered engines were a thing for a little while ultimately what history shows us is that there are alternatives for oil. For some situations maybe not, like cooking for example, or even when using advanced machines. Also, history shows that as a species we have the ability to adapt and evolve our thinking and processes. Eventually, if everything is looking up, we will be seeing new techniques being used in the future for our everyday needs.

 

In the article linked below, even though it is an older article it shows how dependent we are on oil over 10 years ago. It is stated that at the time biggest consumer of oil was the United States. Another stated point was that America was so dependent on oil that, President Jimmy Carter declared that "Any attempt by an outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf region will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force." This explains itself, it really emphasizes on how much oil meant to America.

http://www.open.edu/openlearn/nature-environment/the-environment/environmental-studies/how-much-do-we-need-oil