Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
well. Many of the actions humans have taken were done to increase
their comfort, to satisfy “wants” rather than “needs.” It will require a
Herculean effort by the world's people to change this.
The use of fossil fuels must be stopped. Their production and refi ning
pollute both the air and the water. In addition, the emissions from power
plants and factories may be a partial or complete cause of climate change.
Factory farming and industrial agriculture are poisoning the soil,
decreasing the nutritional value of the food produced, and poisoning the
food as well. Organic agriculture can feed the world. Artifi cial chemicals
are not necessary for successful farming.
The food processing industry seems interested only in increasing
profi ts with no concern for the health effects on the people who eat their
tasty but unhealthy products. There appear to be no ethical consider-
ations in their corporate boardrooms. Anything that does not kill people
immediately seems to be acceptable.
It is not possible for an individual to live an ideal environmental life
in the modern world. It may never have been possible because of the
apparently rapacious nature of the human species. Probably the best
individuals can do is to be aware of their most damaging activities and
try to hold them in check to the extent possible. Listed below are the
most obvious things we should all try to do.
Food
Buy locally and from a small foodshed
Eat organic food
Don't eat meat or dairy
Eat more fi sh
Avoid processed foods
Buy fresh food in season
Grow your own food
Use reusable shopping bags
Energy
Avoid using fossil fuels
Use energy-saving illumination
Walk or use public transportation
Install solar panels in your home
Limit use of air conditioning
Buy energy-saving appliances
Support alternative energy initiatives
