Discussion
Industry is fueled by dollars and it's those dollars that ultimately govern its direction.
Take for example, the market for "natural products." This industry, is one that has grown enormously as more and more people become cautious to the effects that traditional products may have on their health and that of the environment. Within a capitalist system voting with your wallet is a very effective means of change. It is a very loud way of saying what we want, and it does not depend on difficult to obtain scientific proof in order to create a huge shift. We can see in almost every industry alternatives arising that give people options to choose two different products that may represent two different mindsets and that produce two different social and environmental realities. The main issues are the availability of alternatives, and their cost, which are the main weapons of those who have a stranglehold on any given market. Political influence also plays a tremendously important role as well. History clearly shows us how a marriage between politicians and industry does not help facilitate the natural growth of the marketplace, but in fact leads to a stifling of it and to the creation of more efficient and smarter products and technologies.
Catalyst of the week
So many people like cheese, but they may not know how it is produced. How might you ask does that liquid sweet milk change into thick and pungent cheese? The answer: enzymes, which are a form of catalyst. In the process of making cheese, rennin, a proteolytic enzyme, found in the stomachs of young calves and lambs, is the catalyst of choice in the process of hydrolyzing milk proteins. This process is essential in making many cheeses, especially those aged cheeses which so many people adore. However, these enzymes are also found in vegetable sources, which many companies use to make their cheeses suitable for their vegetarian customers.
The Atom Economy
I found this link to be too technical for my level and interest in the subject. Overall, I understand that the more we can measure and account for the atoms within our specific projects the more green we can be. The more efficient we can be will greatly reduce the amounts of materials that are used in today's industries.
It's important that we find a way to make those greener alternatives (be it food or fuel, household cleaning detergents, etc) more widely available and affordable to the public.
ReplyDeleteWith the current economic crisis, most people's budgets have shrunken. "Being green" is the last thing they worry about.
We should educate people how to be green even in the midst of an economic crisis. How to make home-made cleaning detergents that are effective, green and cheap? Set up community farming so everyone can have access to fresh, organic vegetables. Get the government to cut down the cost of public transport so everyone can start taking buses and Bart instead of driving. Being green doesn't always have to be costly.
Those are great ideas. It doesn't have to be more expensive especially when we think of the whole range of environmental and health costs associated with using dirty technologies and products. The growth of community gardens is really inspiring.
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