From My Eyes To Yours

For today’s Picture of the Moment, I have chosen an image from Deviantart.com.  Please note that none of these pictures belong to me, nor am I in anyway associated with them. Please do pay the artist a visit by clicking through here.

What I like about this picture is that it captures some very important things.  First off, it illustrate the world as finite.  It does so by showing the Earth as it is, a bounded sphere.  On a personal scale, this is often hard to grasp due to the immense scale of the planet and its resources.

Secondly, I enjoy the interconnectedness of the continents, clearly illustrating that whatever happens in one part of the world can, and will, effect another.  Very rarely do we see the continents represented this way on a round surface.

Lastly and, for me, the most important, the relationship between the big and small.  The tree as a part of the world, in fact, as supporting the world.  This goes back to my post on environmentalism.  In viewing individual aspects of nature no different from the “big picture” we are changing the way we view the world.  In doing so, we can grow to understand that we must treat each part of the natural world with respect.

Good work Luis!

And for the archives:

• POTM: WWF Addresses Pollution

I have written on the atrocities in Darfur in the past.  While the violence extends past murder with guns, the genocide would be immensely slowed should the flow of arms be stopped. 

China repeatedly claims that it is doing all it can to repress the violence in the Sudanese region, but is not doing the most important or versatile step: stopping the arms trade.  In supplying the rebels with arms, China is funding the violence. 

Humanrightsfirst.org has a petition going on which calls for:

Support efforts in the United Nations Security Council to extend the current arms embargo on Darfur to all of Sudan and to the non-State armed groups located in or operating from Chad. Furthermore, China should support efforts in the Security Council to fully implement the recommendations made in the October 2007 report by the Panel of Experts to strengthen the arms embargo. At a minimum, we urge China not to obstruct efforts to extend and strengthen the arms embargo by using its veto or threat of veto in the Security Council.

Sign it here.

See Also:

• “No Redress for Rape” for Women in Darfur
• Slaughtering Elephants to Slaughter Humans
• Click to Save Lives
• Rape on the Rise in Africa

“Rich people, god bless us. We deserve all the opportunities to make sure our country and our blessings continue to the next generation.”

-Hillary Clinton

Honestly, I’m not even sure what to write here…

What is environmentalism?  Is it changing your light-bulb, using an electric lawn mower?  In my opinion, environmentalism encompasses those things, but is not entirely based on them.  Environmentalism is a line of thought, a way of life.  It is fundamental, not reactionary.

What is the Environment?

More importantly, what is nature?  Is nature “out there”?  Is it apart from ourselves, or are we a part of it?  It is important to understand that nature has survived without humans for millions of years, yet, we could not survive without it.  We are dependant on nature, and thus, we are not above it.  If we do not respect nature, then we simply do not respect ourselves.

William Cronon tells us that the tree in the forest is no different than the tree in our back yard. 

We can no longer see nature as a place of mystery, danger, or as a boundless resource.  Nature is finite and, thus, we are finite. 

What is Environmentalism?

Environmentalism includes many (widely varied) systems of thought.  Included are radical ecologies encompassing shallow and deep ecologies.

Shallow ecologists are the mainstream environmentalists.  They are often reactionary, believing that solutions can be found in everyday situations, as I had mentioned before.  However, such solutions are superficial and barely skim the surface of the problems at hand.  It is true that we cannot sustain our planet simply by choosing energy efficient light-bulbs or opting to shower for shorter periods of time.  However, we can help the planet in doing so: by reducing the continuous strain that our society places on the planet, we will slow its destruction.

Other Radical Ecologies include deep ecology, social ecology, and eco-feminism.  All such ecologies believe in fundamental changes and are thus linked.  They believe in finding the root of the problem, and changing it head-on. 

Below, I have outlined some problems that need to be addressed in environmentalism:

1. Removing Dualism: Thomas King writes “Rich/poor, white/black, strong/weak, right/wrong, culture/nature, male/female, written/oral, civilized/barbaric, success/failure, individual/communal. We trust easy oppositions. We are suspicious of complexities, distrustful of contradictions, fearful of enigmas.”  Eco-feminism calls for the removal of such dualities.  It is through these that domination of nature, and thus of women, occurs.  As I have mentioned before, if we continue to see ourselves as apart of nature, then we will not success in being sustainable.  We must accept a life-style that will not be based on consumerism.
2. Easing out of Consumerism: Green consumerism has introduced us to the idea that consuming is alright, as long as it’s “green.”  However, this does not solve the problem.  Social ecologists believe that social problems are environmental problems, and this is very true.  Our neoliberal society teaches us that buying is the right thing to do.  While a flow of goods may be necessary for our contemporary economy, it is not necessary to survive.  Apply the Three R’s, but add a fourth - Repair.  Although repairs can become expensive, they will reduce the amount of “stuff” being put through production and disposal.

What Now?

Discovering environmentalism is a way of changing the way you think.  Perhaps you will discover that being reactionary is not enough, but rather that we must think of the future as well as the environment which encompasses everything in our decision making processes.

This will be a multi-part series.  I will update this page when more posts arrive.  

Here is a Picture of the Moment (POTM).  WWF released these ads a while back, in order to address the problems of pollution in cities and nature alike. 

In my opinion, these really get the point across.  The top picture not only reminds me of a sewer, but also of a paint bucket.  Most paint is quite toxic, and unless it is properly disposed of, can lead to detrimental environmental effects.  Although environmentally friendly paint is being produced, it is as with all things toxic, that steps must be taken to ensure the proper disposal of paint and such materials.  Check your local listings to find a waste disposal site.

The bottom picture allows us to visualize nature in a way that it is often regarded by many corporations: a dump.  Such a line of thinking is dangerous, for we are ultimately connected and dependant on the environment. 

Currently only available in Alberta and Ontario, Bullfrog power allows individual home-owners to make their energy more sustainable.  The company meets or exceeds the federal government’s Environmental Choice Program EcoLogo standards for renewable energy.  They accomplish this through using wind energy or low-impact water power. 

Environmental Impacts

Conventional energy production releases Carbon Dioxide, Nitric Oxide, Sulphur Dioxide, and Mercury - contributors to global warming and acid rain.  The website states that Bullfrog power reduces such emissions. 

The following chart, from the Bullfrog website, compares Ontario’s energy production to that of Bullfrog:

Ontario’s 37% usage of coal, oil, and gas are having negative effects on the environment - I won’t even touch nuclear.  Acid rain produced by such sources corrodes ecosystems and destroys wildlife.

Social Action

Bullfrog power allows consumers to calculate their footprint through the use of an Excel spreadsheet.  Also, they will present estimates of emission and waste reductions on each bill. 

Many people are unaware of the effects of energy production and consumption.  Nor are they aware of the massive loss of energy in production and how it can be decreased.  Should these facts be more obviously presented, perhaps people would be more willing to think, act, and live green.

Conclusion

Bullfrog power is a step in the right direction.  For an increased price, you can get greener electricity, although the price will likely decrease once more people opt for it.  At the core of the problem however are three main things:

• Federal Responsibility: Why is the government not doing more to promote green energy production?  Is it not their responsibility to look out for present and future generations? 
• Lack of Public Knowledge: As I have mentioned before, perhaps it is the lack of public knowledge that is holding back government policy towards greener energy.  If more and more people switch to green electricity, then the government may perhaps reduce nuclear and coal production.
• Massive Over-consumption:  We often leave things running when we do not need to, and so, we are being wasteful.  If we simply reduce our electricity usage, then less will have to be produced.

See Also:

• World’s Largest Tidal Turbine Installed
• “Recycling” Waste Energy,
• Wind Power in Spain,
• California’s Green Power,
• SkySails - An Alternative Energy

There are many things that you can do to live green, as I have outlined in 30 Ways to Go Green.  However, in the society that we live in, we have to make buying decisions that will benefit social and natural environments.  This includes not supporting sweat shops and animal testing, but also searching for products that enhance sustainability through production, use, and disposal.  Below, I have outlined a short list of products that have appealed to me in the last couple of days for their sustainable approach.

Bamboo Clothing:

I first saw these while Christmas shopping and I was impressed.  I tried on a bamboo bathrobe, and it was not only soft, but also acted like cotton in its breathability.  These are available at different sources - and they are fairly priced.  One such place is Shirts of Bamboo, which sell more than shirts.  They advertise the benefits of bamboo on their website:

Soft Bamboo fiber is softer than the softest cotton, has a natural sheen to the surface and feels similar to silk or cashmere.

Protective Unlike other anti-microbial fabrics, which require a chemical treatment, bamboo fiber clothing is naturally anti-microbial and requires no harmful chemicals. It contains an agent, ‘bamboo kunh’, that prevents bacteria from cultivating on it. Bamboo apparel is comfortable, thermal regulating and will keep you cooler, drier, warmer and odor free.

Natural Bamboo is one of the world’s most prolific and fastest-growing plants, and is able to reach maturity in about four years, compared to the typical 25 to 70 years for commercial tree species in the U.S. (Source)

Because of its ability to grow at an incredible rate, bamboo must be sought as an alternative - however, we must ensure that it is not exploited.

Pop Bottle Carpets:

Carpets have been a major polluter in production and disposal.  Now, PET carpets have been developed which are made of recycled pop bottles.  In America, 2.5 million soft drink containers are thrown away every hour, and per capita, I’d imagine the numbers in Canada to be pretty close to that.

For that reason, pop bottles are now being turned into carpeting.  Some other benefits include its durability and its ability to be stain resistant.  (Source)

Although these carpets will include chemicals such as Bisphenol A, many carpets found today are bathed in chemicals as well.  Perhaps more research will shed light on the health effects of these.

Pop Bottle Clothing:

If plastics can be turned into carpet, then why not clothing?  We already have synthetics, so, lets take it one step further.  Designboom outlines:

five PET bottles yield enough fiber for one extra-large t-shirt or
twenty-five two-liter bottles can make one sweater.
five two-liter PET bottles yield enough fiberfill for a ski jacket.
carpet companies can often use 100% recycled resin to manufacture polyesther
carpets in a variety of colors and textures.
PET is also spun like cotton candy to makr fiber filling for pillows and quilts.
it takes 35 two-liter PET bottles to make enough fiberfill for a sleeping bag. (Source)

There are many alternatives to the things we buy.  For example, biodegradable soap and cleaning products.

See Also:

• 30 Ways to Go Green
• How Best to Exploit Children and Animals

Just shortly after proposing they would, Canada has become one of the first countries in the world to list bisphenol A (BPA) as a toxic and to ban the use of polycarbonates in baby bottles. 

Canada’s Health Minister said yesterday that exposure to chemicals (of babies) don’t provide enough of a safety margin, “placing them possible risk of developmental or neurological problems.”

Bisphenol A, the most widely used synthetic chemical in the world, is able to mimic the female hormone estrogen.  The decision to ban the chemical is being compared to America’s decision to ban DDT in the 70s. 

“This is the first time in living memory that our federal government has taken such a leadership position in the world on an issue like this,” commented Rick Smith, executive director of Environmental Defence, an advocacy group. “I think oftentimes Canadians want … to know that our country is doing right in the world, and in this particular case today it’s actually happening.” (Source)

It is important to note that BPA is not being banned - but rather, listed as a toxic.  This move will not prevent the use of BPA, but rather raise consumer awareness.  In the end, it is the consumer who holds the power over what to buy and what not to buy.  One easy alternative are Sigg bottles, which are also available as baby bottles.

It would take our society many years to step away from plastics, especially harmful ones which include BPA, but it would be a step worth considering.  Due to lack of recycling (or recyclability) alternatives must be sought.

Read More:

• Plastic Bottles and Your Health
• Bottled Water: Social and Environmental Burdens
• Water as a Future Source of War
• Future Wars: Water Wars

I have covered the environmental burden and political responses to bottled water, but today I’d like to talk about the health affects that come along with drinking from plastic bottles.  Bloomberg.com writes that a chemical commonly used in plastic bottles, bisphenol A (BPA), may be linked to health affects such as breast cancer and early puberty.  It is especially found in young children: 93% of children under the age of six that were tested, had traces of this chemical in their urine.  No wonder: the chemical is found in most plastic bottles - including baby bottles.

While there is little research on the effect of bisphenol A on human health, the report said, studies suggest that rats exposed to high levels of the chemical during pregnancy or when nursing are more likely to die, are born smaller, grow less and have delayed puberty. Some studies suggest that lower doses may cause precancerous growths in prostate and breast tissue, may alter development of the prostate and urinary tract, and may trigger early puberty in females.  (Source)

The response:  Canada is the first government to label Biosphenol A as dangerous.  Although the government hasn’t yet made a decision about restrictions or bans, it certainly is a step forward.  BPA is found in most home today, as it is a prevalent plastic, due to its close resemblance to glass in form and function. 

Surely, this will make a ban a very difficult thing to accomplish.  Something that has become such an integral part in the way we function.  However, in the late, people are waking up to the dangers of plastics. 

Treehugger has compiled a seven step method of eliminating BPA from your drinks:

1. Ditch the clear plastic baby bottles, right now. All the research that says there are problems point at the effect of the estrogen-like BPA on children as being the most significant.
2. Tin cans are often lined in plastic BPA and sit around a long time; get rid of older tin cans, particularly if they contain tomatoes and other acidic fruits.

Read the rest here.

I have suggested Sigg bottles in the past.  They are well worth their money - especially through their ability to carry cold and hot drinks without problem. 

See also:

• Bottled Water: Social and Environmental Burdens
• Water as a Future Source of War
• Future Wars: Water Wars

If there’s one thing any good-hearted person loves, its exploiting people (preferably children) and animals.  There are plenty of opportunities for you, the reader, to best take advantage - especially in our wonderful neoliberal society.  Below, I have tried to outline the best places for you to shop in order to further the ill-treatment of our least-valued members of society.

1. Walmart

In America, Walmart was known to allow minors to use hazardous equipment such as chainsaws and paper bailers.  They were fined $135 540, denied their allegations, but accepted paying the fine (Source and Source). 

Earlier, Walmart was reported to use child labour.  Children as little as 10-14 were working for less than $50 a month, making brands such as Simply Basic to be sold in America and Canada (Source).  Walmart has now cut ties to those factories.  But how can we be sure that this does not continues elsewhere?

2.  The Gap

Last year, Gap’s use of child-labour in India was exposed, where children as young as ten were sewing clothes.  A lawyer commented, “The biggest responsibility here lies with the Indian government – they don’t develop a way of monitoring [factories].” 

Some children said they were from poorer parts and were sold by their families to work in the sweatshops.  Although India has been heavily criticized of its child labour, an estimated thirteen million continue to work there.  (Source)

3. The Body Shop

Waiiiit!  The Body Shop?!  No, they’re “AAT” (Against Animal Testing).  Right?  Think again: while the Body Shop policy claims that they do not use products that have been tested on animals since the early 90’s, there’s a twist.  The policy states that the products cannot be tested for cosmetic purposes.  So, what do they do?  Get products tested on animals for non-cosmetic purposes.  All’s good. 

Furthermore, the Body Shop uses a method called “Trade not Aid” in order to sustain Indigenous Peoples.  However, less than 1% of sales go to “Community Trade Producers” and few Natives are actually involved in the “sustainable” extraction of the land’s resources.  (Source)

Looking for more?  There are plenty of opportunities out there.  How can you support these places?  Buy, buy, and buy!  Even if you don’t really need it: go for it! 

Note: Please disregard the pro-exploitation comments.  In order to fight such exploitation and ensure social equity, do not buy from such conglomerates.  It is the consumer that can make the change - the companies are worthless without sales.  Buy smart!