Thursday, November 5, 2009
Implications Post
If the problem of global warming doesn’t get solved, the world will come to an end. Okay, so maybe that’s a little bit dramatic, but there’s truth in the statement. Even though the world is coming to an end anyway, and global warming is a completely natural process, humans are helping the process along instead of trying to slow it down. Research shows that even in ten years, if carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions don’t drop, the climate on Earth will change significantly. Since we live in the South, we all remember the bad hurricanes we’ve had through the years - Floyd in ’99, Isabel in ’03, and certainly Katrina in ’05 just to name a few. Many scientists are supporting the theory that global warming, which can cause a rise in sea level temperature, is pushing the Atlantic Ocean temperature up just high enough for a hurricane’s ideal temperature to form. Hurricane Katrina has been ranked as one of the top five deadliest and costliest hurricanes in the history of the United States. It has been reported that 1,800 people lost their lives there was well over $100 billion in damage. If the trend continues and these hurricanes just get worse, what’s going to happen with the next big hurricane? If we don’t slow down our emissions and pollution to our world, Earth is going to turn into a mighty bad place to live. We could experience loss of coastal lands, which would lead to mass migrations, food shortages, which would lead to starvation, and straight up public disarray because of the changes that could happen. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want the world to get this bad off anytime soon, so what are YOU going to do about it?
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Test Your Knowledge!
So it’s the end of this blog project and I’ve hope you’ve learned something. To test your knowledge, here’s a little quiz:
1. True or False: Unplugging chargers when they’re not being used conserves energy.
2. Multiple Choice: The most abundant greenhouse gas is…
Alright, each number is 10 points and for the multiple choice section each letter is separate for a total of 100 points. Here are the answers…
1. True
2. B
3. Atmosphere
4. 60
5. Cap-and-Trade
6. A. 3
B. 1
C. 2
7. As long as you list a green tip, there’s no wrong answer!
That was pretty easy, so I hope you did well. Here are some things I’d like you to take out of this blog:
1. Global warming is REAL. It is not some extravagant idea made up by scientists. It is a naturally occurring phenomenon that we as humans are speeding up the process of.
2. To reduce human impact on global warming, we can be green! Start implementing environmentally friendly practices into your everyday habits and rituals. Once you do something over and over, it will stick.
3. All of the green tips! This kind of goes along with point number 2, but ease up on the gas pedal, don’t take those ATM receipts, and unplug your chargers and appliances when you’re not using them.
4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. You hear this everywhere I’m sure. It’s like the go green mantra. Nevertheless, it is important. Reduce the waste you make, reuse the containers that you use, and recycle the waste you have that can be recycled. It’s that simple.
5. Energy conservation is an important part of going green too. Energy Star appliances are excellent devices to help conserve energy in your home.
Green Tip Antall Ti (Number Ten): It’s the final green tip that I will give. How sad. I thought I would tell you all about Freecycling. Freecycle is a cool way to get rid of the stuff you have laying around that you don’t want or need. Also, you can get other people’s junk for free! It all goes with reduce, reuse, recycle. Remember that saying “one man’s junk, another man’s treasure?” Go try out http://www.freecycle.com/ and search for a group in your area to find some “treasure” of your own. There are SO many ways out there to do little things to go green. Check out this website, http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/save-money-megaflip, it gives lots of tips! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading!
1. True or False: Unplugging chargers when they’re not being used conserves energy.
2. Multiple Choice: The most abundant greenhouse gas is…
a. Methane
b. Water Vapor
c. Nitrogen
d. Carbon Dioxide
3. Fill in the Blank: Global warming can be defined as an average increase in the temperature of the __________ near the Earth's surface and in the troposphere
4. Optimum fuel economy is reached at __________ mph.
5. President Obama plans to implement a(n) __________ plan to reduce carbon emissions.
6. Matching:
a. CFCs
b. Water Vapor
c. Nitrogen
d. Carbon Dioxide
3. Fill in the Blank: Global warming can be defined as an average increase in the temperature of the __________ near the Earth's surface and in the troposphere
4. Optimum fuel economy is reached at __________ mph.
5. President Obama plans to implement a(n) __________ plan to reduce carbon emissions.
6. Matching:
a. CFCs
b. Incentives
c. Bamboo
1. Tax credits given to people by the government for being environmentally friendly
2. Inexpensive floor material that is “green”
3. Chlorofluorocarbons
7. List you favorite green tip! :)
c. Bamboo
1. Tax credits given to people by the government for being environmentally friendly
2. Inexpensive floor material that is “green”
3. Chlorofluorocarbons
7. List you favorite green tip! :)
Alright, each number is 10 points and for the multiple choice section each letter is separate for a total of 100 points. Here are the answers…
1. True
2. B
3. Atmosphere
4. 60
5. Cap-and-Trade
6. A. 3
B. 1
C. 2
7. As long as you list a green tip, there’s no wrong answer!
That was pretty easy, so I hope you did well. Here are some things I’d like you to take out of this blog:
1. Global warming is REAL. It is not some extravagant idea made up by scientists. It is a naturally occurring phenomenon that we as humans are speeding up the process of.
2. To reduce human impact on global warming, we can be green! Start implementing environmentally friendly practices into your everyday habits and rituals. Once you do something over and over, it will stick.
3. All of the green tips! This kind of goes along with point number 2, but ease up on the gas pedal, don’t take those ATM receipts, and unplug your chargers and appliances when you’re not using them.
4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. You hear this everywhere I’m sure. It’s like the go green mantra. Nevertheless, it is important. Reduce the waste you make, reuse the containers that you use, and recycle the waste you have that can be recycled. It’s that simple.
5. Energy conservation is an important part of going green too. Energy Star appliances are excellent devices to help conserve energy in your home.
Green Tip Antall Ti (Number Ten): It’s the final green tip that I will give. How sad. I thought I would tell you all about Freecycling. Freecycle is a cool way to get rid of the stuff you have laying around that you don’t want or need. Also, you can get other people’s junk for free! It all goes with reduce, reuse, recycle. Remember that saying “one man’s junk, another man’s treasure?” Go try out http://www.freecycle.com/ and search for a group in your area to find some “treasure” of your own. There are SO many ways out there to do little things to go green. Check out this website, http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/save-money-megaflip, it gives lots of tips! I hope you’ve enjoyed reading!
-Green Is Good.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Annotated Links
1. http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/
This website is an excellent source for all things environmental. I used it in the beginning of my blog for reference about greenhouse gases. I got many of my green tips from the “What You Can Do” section on the left hand side of the page.
2. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/ethicallivingblog/2008/jun/06/isthereanypointingoinggr
This site explores the question many people seem to ask; is there really a point in going green? It explores the thoughts of many centered around one person doing something isn’t going to do much. The article encourages people to lead by example in the green movement so others will follow suit.
3. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-cap-and-trade.htm
This link explores cap-and-trade legislation. It is a basic reference for anyone who does not know what it is. Also, it provides unbiased information, leaning neither toward nor against cap-and-trade legislation.
4. http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/energy_and_environment/
This site explains what’s happening in the White House with energy and the environment. It is the official White House website. It shows the progress and guiding principles for energy legislation in the United States.
5. http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/gases.html
This website provides frequently asked questions about greenhouse gases. It gives a paragraph about all of the most common greenhouse gases. The site also gives statistics and numbers for many of the gases.
This website is an excellent source for all things environmental. I used it in the beginning of my blog for reference about greenhouse gases. I got many of my green tips from the “What You Can Do” section on the left hand side of the page.
2. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/ethicallivingblog/2008/jun/06/isthereanypointingoinggr
This site explores the question many people seem to ask; is there really a point in going green? It explores the thoughts of many centered around one person doing something isn’t going to do much. The article encourages people to lead by example in the green movement so others will follow suit.
3. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-cap-and-trade.htm
This link explores cap-and-trade legislation. It is a basic reference for anyone who does not know what it is. Also, it provides unbiased information, leaning neither toward nor against cap-and-trade legislation.
4. http://www.whitehouse.gov/issues/energy_and_environment/
This site explains what’s happening in the White House with energy and the environment. It is the official White House website. It shows the progress and guiding principles for energy legislation in the United States.
5. http://lwf.ncdc.noaa.gov/oa/climate/gases.html
This website provides frequently asked questions about greenhouse gases. It gives a paragraph about all of the most common greenhouse gases. The site also gives statistics and numbers for many of the gases.
Monday, November 2, 2009
The Price of Going Green
I have blogged about the price of going green in my analysis and theory post, but I have yet to elaborate further on that topic. The price of going green is a huge factor in the argument against going green. There seems to be a common misconception that going green is really expensive. Going green may seem expensive at first, and some of it is, but not all. Also, most people find that they get a return on what they paid in five years or so because the products are more efficient. Bamboo floors are emerging as a popular new flooring option, costing about the same as oak flooring ($4-$6 per square foot). Carl Franklin Homes, based in Addison, Texas, specializes in building energy efficient homes for less of the cost. Four examples of green friendly products (shown in the pictures) they use are solar collectors for domestic hot water ,
bamboo floors,
and stained concrete floors and eco-friendly paint.
There are also always the little things like changing your light bulbs to Energy Star bulbs. They cost a little more than plain old light bulbs, but they last longer and cut energy costs. Also, when you go green, the government gives paybacks for certain things like heating and air efficiency, geothermal heat pumps, and insulating your home well. The bottom line is, going green is an investment. You invest in green technology, the government gives you a payback, and you help out the environment. What better way to go?
Green Tip Tal Ni (Number 9): As we’re entering into the month of November, we’re all starting to think about that big red and GREEN holiday around the corner (Hint: It’s not Thanksgiving!). As we all start looking for presents to buy, let’s keep the traditional colors of the season in mind (green!). One way to green shop is by shopping online. Shopping online saves you gas money because you don’t have to drive to get to a store or two...or ten. Usually you can get good deals online too. So save the $40 you would spend on gas and spend it on someone else, or yourself as a reward for being green, during the holiday season.
bamboo floors, and stained concrete floors and eco-friendly paint. There are also always the little things like changing your light bulbs to Energy Star bulbs. They cost a little more than plain old light bulbs, but they last longer and cut energy costs. Also, when you go green, the government gives paybacks for certain things like heating and air efficiency, geothermal heat pumps, and insulating your home well. The bottom line is, going green is an investment. You invest in green technology, the government gives you a payback, and you help out the environment. What better way to go?
Green Tip Tal Ni (Number 9): As we’re entering into the month of November, we’re all starting to think about that big red and GREEN holiday around the corner (Hint: It’s not Thanksgiving!). As we all start looking for presents to buy, let’s keep the traditional colors of the season in mind (green!). One way to green shop is by shopping online. Shopping online saves you gas money because you don’t have to drive to get to a store or two...or ten. Usually you can get good deals online too. So save the $40 you would spend on gas and spend it on someone else, or yourself as a reward for being green, during the holiday season.
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