So, I know the questions are supposed to come from Dr. P. but I've really enjoyed reading all of your comments...And I'm curious what you all think about a few different things:
Does the knowledge of how we're affecting the planet (in adverse ways) actually lead to changes in behavior? Do you all think that individual humans will change their behavior as they (we) learn about what we're doing -- Will you? Have you?
A few years ago, I was at the drought summit in Albuquerque and there was a water manager or someone like that from Las Vegas, Nevada. He spoke about the importance of municipal programs and controls. He used the example of car washes. You can tell people not to wash their cars at home--you know, don't leave the hose running, don't wash on these days, etc.--but most likely, folks will do it anyway (It's that sort of mentality that leads each of us to think that our little impacts aren't that big and helps us each avoid thinking about the cumulative impacts).
His point was that rather than shut down all the car washes in town, it is more effective for the city to instead make sure that the car washes are conserving water as best they can. As long as they can, people are going to sneak a wash at home. (There's also the issue of enforcement; it's a lot easier to monitor what's going on at a number of businesses, rather than trying to police an entire city of residents.)
So what do you all think--Can we individuals restrain ourselves and act responsibly, or do we need controls enforced upon us?
Also, in terms of becoming educated on environmental issues, and how we are affecting the planet and future generations of humans, what are the most effective means of education you've experienced? What has influenced you to think more critically about these issues? (For example: Newspaper articles, documentaries like An Inconvenient Truth, internet vidoes such as The Story of Stuff, education in schools or among peers, or other things altogether.)
PS. You don't have to be a student to answer these questions, by the way.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
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8 comments:
Hello everyone, snd Dr.P. I'm posting my blog after watching the 'Story of Stuff' video. I was very disturbed by the information that was presented and it has definately affected me. I took my eco-footprint quiz and scored a 66. I wasn't surprised, because I try my best to do what's right for our environment. I think that environmental problems become social when the environment effects the way our government is run and in turn affecting our well-being. It's obvious that corporate America is the winners in dealing with pollution and thrid world countries are absolutely the losers. Power plays a major role in decisions concerning the environment. Those in power positions with money to spend on lobbying eventually control politicians in high office to ship waste and destroy lands in other countries for their profits. All the branches of government need to start changing things such as taxes and penalties for the corporations that are causing all of this destruction to our resources and putting the poor in danger with hazardous waste. I don't think for one minute that tax payers should bail out polluters. Absolutely NOT!
Ms. Paskus-
You say I'm the one that's supposed to ask the questions. Yikes! If I'm the only one that's asking questions, we're all doomed to failure. Hopefully we all have questions. I just started asking a few here. And I see that not only you but many students have some hard hitting questions as well.
Hello,
It is clear that no matter how much we try to send the message that our environment depleting and it is time for a change in the ways we take advantage of the world's resources, it will take time. The expectation that people will change the way they have lived life neglecting their effects on the world instantaneously is very unrealistic. A simple video or lecture will show anyone that what we are doing is wrong, but it will only inspire so much change. Personally, watching the video and taking the tests I was able to see the impact that my country makes on the world and the impact that I, alone, make on the world. It was a reality check, but I know that it will only change a little of my behaviorism's. I can imagine that this same story is common among most people, if they would like to admit it or not. I believe that the most effective way to get people to make a more environmentally friendly change is to make it easier. Give reusable grocery bags at stores, make energy-efficient supplies cheaper and more abundant, make toxins and unnatural ingredients bold on products, supply neighborhood/household recycling bins and make sure there is regular pick up, accentuate what is recyclable what isn't, and finally advertise other means of transportation such as carpool, busing, and alternative vehicles. (The last one seems to be one of the most neglected in New Mexico, especially.)
Yes, I think knowledge of how we're effecting the planet actually leads to changes in behavior, especially if you have a family or any conscious what-so-ever. Just look around, hopefully one would want to keep the environment safe/clean. However, I am sure we all need some reminding from time to time either from billboards, commercials, or neighbors and family. I think it is a good idea for our car washes to conserve as much water as they can. Our parks and golf parks should do the same. I think the most effective means of eduation would be commercials and bill boards they are our every day reminders as well.
Dayna
We all need to work on the environment, in our own way. Yes, pick up trash and put it into the right bin, stop burning on "NO BURN" nights, recycle, reuse, and reduce. But where our water is concerned there needs to be greater efforts in conserving it. I drive by these big golf courses and see the sprinkler run during the day, business places running their sprinklers, even government office complexes doing the same, and all the while we have tv and radio ads telling us to stop the use. Maybe someone should take teir own advise. And this is not pointed at Abq alone, Rio Rancho is just as bad, not to mention "INTEL". We are going to run out of something some day, like water or O2, and then what?
I learned so much after watching the video and taking the quizes online.
My eco footprint was 14! I felt bad because of all the options showing as far as recycling ect. I only checked one, or maybe two that applied to me.
I thought that I was doing ok with recycling, but there are just so many more things I could be doing besides recylcing and not littering. Taking the food quiz made me want to become a vegetarian!
I think in order for people to really start recycling and taking the condition of the enviorment seriously, is if there were some laws created. It's sad to take it to that point, but I feel at one point it will be necessary.
After watching the "Story of Stuff" video, I realized how much environmental problems impact every body. Its really nerve wrecking knowing the process and all of the damage being done just so we can be big consumers. I never imagined how many trees we take down! Seven football fields of trees a minute is just too much! There are not 5 earths that we can just use to get the natural resources from just to throw away within six months. The United States needs to care more about the environment just like the government needs to care about the people instead of corporations. Its really sad that people risk their lives with toxins just to give consumers cheap products and so they can get by to make a living and provide for their families. I myself am into fashion and change my style and update with technology and never realized how much of a problem it creates. This percieved obsolesence needs to change not just with me but with everybody so we all can make a difference. My mother and family woul'usd always tell me turn off the lights when not needed and the television when no one is watching and i never really stopped to care why. I just figured it would make our bill cheaper when in reality it is saving alot! All this money that "us" the consumers spend and the money being spent to create the product can be of better use for health care and education. My eco footprint was a 14 and while taking the quiz I realized there are so many things I can do to help make a difference. The food quiz was a disaster! I definatly had no idea what I was eating! I think there is plenty evidence supporting global climate change and everybody should care just a little bit more!
Great keep going..........
___________________
Smarry
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