So as most of you know, unless you've been living under a rock, the biggest trend right now is "going green." This piece was originally written by me for entry into the Virgin's "Climate Challenge" contest. In the end, I decided not to enter it, but I didn't want this to go to waste.
Whether you think the earth is cooling, warming, or, like me, think that we don't really know, I think we can all agree that we need to cut our dependence on oil and other fossil fuels, as well as helping the earth.
Practical Planet- 10 Ways to help the Earth
1. Tax breaks/rebates to inspire people to switch to energy saving technologies. Examples include new hybrid/electric car ownership, and bonuses to Companies that make at least three out of the changes listed next. (switching to at least 75% alt. power, putting good recycling programs in place to recycle everything from paper to Styrofoam cups, water recycling, green lighting, all appliances Energy Star compliant, implementing 5 min. standbys for all computers, and motion sensitive lighting)
2. New Home Guidelines- All appliances must be energy star compliant, fees on non-renewable resources used to build.
3. We MUST try to switch to 50% alternate power, using more Nuclear, Ethanol,
Biofuels, Solar, Wind, Water, Wave, and geothermal. Nuclear materials can actually be recycled, reducing the amount of nuclear waste by the plants. The technology is there. Ethanol and
Biofuels can both be used to fuel cars. MN State University,
Mankato, has one of the earliest and best programs in the country. They are currently working on a converter that allows a regular car to be able to run on gasoline or ethanol, and it takes about 15 min. to install. Solar power can be used in many Southwestern and South Central states, while wind works for the Great Plains. Water and wave power can be used near large bodies of water, and wave power can power coastal communities. Geothermal power can be used where there is volcanic activity. There is an alternative power that fits every part of this country, and even the world.
4. A large part of my plan involves Carbon Dioxide to Oxygen “Air Farms.” Located all over the world, these farms would filter Carbon Dioxide and run it through special chambers filled with growing plants and trees. The plants use photosynthesis to turn the Carbon Dioxide to Oxygen, which is then piped back into the atmosphere. They would strive to be Zero-Emission by using recycled water, compost, and powered by whatever renewable energy source best fits that area. Plants grown can also include edibles, which can be sold as organics to help finance the operations. If we have enough of them all over the world, we can easily remove much of the built up Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere.
5. We also need to explore methane gas as a fuel source. NASA is working on methane- powered rocket engines. We have the technology to filter the methane out of the air, and we could use that as another alternative fuel source.
6. We must impose MPG minimum requirements on cars- at least 30 MPG. We also must strive to switch to more hybrid cars, as well as making non-idling cars, which are a huge source of greenhouse gas emissions. The average American spends 38 hours a year commuting, and also polluting. Also, we must push more public transportation. Buses, Subways, and Metro Trains should be free to workers registered for a “Ride, Don’t Drive” program. The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, offers free bus rides to workers at the clinic.
7. We must step up our recycling efforts, especial with Styrofoam, plastics, and other hard to recycle items. Just because it’s hard to recycle
doesn’t mean that we
shouldn't recycle them. Citizens of this Earth must make an effort to recycle more, and buy more recyclable products.
8. We should always step up and start compost programs. The heat energy generated by the compost can be captured and used for energy, and the compost can be sold to run the programs.
9. We must phase out harmful chemical cleaners and replace them with environmentally friendly chemicals. Tea Tree Oil sprays can be used to get rid of mildew, while a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can clean your bathroom, as well as kill mold. These natural cleaners also have the added benefit of you’re not breathing in the harmful chemicals, nor are they being introduced to the sewer system.
10. We must have more fuel efficient airplanes, trains, boats, and trucks.
Biofuels are a possibility for fueling trains and trucks, both of which ship most everything cross-country. Airplanes, while surprisingly fuel efficient, should step it up one more level. A Boeing 747, filled with 500 passengers, gets about 100 MPG per person. Let’s see if we can make it 200MPG per person. Manufacturers of airplanes, trains, boats, and trucks must step up and make an effort to employ existing technology to build environmentally friendly.
I'm going to aim for two updates a week from now on... life has been a bit topsy-turvy for me lately, but I'm going to do my best.
~Mer
