Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
I hope that these remarks and the preceding notes show that, with a radical
change of economic ideas (household management that is simultaneously grand and
modest) and with some simple (appropriate technology) developments of equip-
ment, effective and pleasurable bathing is possible using resources at a level far
below what is the norm today.
Reductions in the current increases of resource use are not enough; modest
reductions in the absolute levels of consumption by the prosperous are not enough.
A radical change of values, which becomes a norm for the times, and not a fringe
attitude, is the essential requirement. In an aphorism which has been expressed in
various ways - some actually traceable to Einstein ( undated ) and some attributed to
him - a deep problem cannot be solved by using the thinking that has created it .
Various measures - such as using resources more sparingly, generating energy
renewably, recycling, reusing and repairing - are important elements of the new
world and of the way towards it. Engineers concerned about the current ecological
state of the planet will fi nd many interesting and valuable applications of their inge-
nuity and art. Yet, still we need to return to the most important practical thing that
all, including engineers, need to be doing forthwith which is to consciously engage
with the reality of the current human effects on the planet's ecology. It is to admit to
and reject what Norgaard ( 2011 ) has identifi ed and described in fi eldwork as living
in denial. Many engineers, among others, in history have thought ahead of their
time. So it is that, in this Anthropocene epoch, creativity of engineers, among others,
is called for - to work with the rest of nature towards a sustainable and beautiful
twenty-fi rst century.
References
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Alliance for Water Effi ciency (2010) Residential shower and bath introduction. www.alliancefor-
watereffi ciency.org/Residential_Shower_Introduction.aspx . Accessed 22 Jan 2015
Anglian Water (2012) Greenhouse gas emissions report 2011. www.anglianwater.co.uk/_assets/
media/greenhouse-gas-emissions-annual-report2011.pdf . Accessed 22 Jan 2015
Anglian Water (undated) Welcome to your home. http://www.anglianwater.co.uk/_assets/media/
Drop20_KS2_activity5_30_05_12_FINAL.pdf . Accessed 22 Jan 2015
Aschenburg K (2007) The dirt on clean: an unsanitized history. North Point, New York
Babycentre (undated) Bathing your baby safely. http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a40/bathing-
your-baby-safely . Accessed 22 Jan 2015
Barber BR (2008) Con$Umed: how markets corrupt children, infantilize adults, and swallow citi-
zens whole. Norton, New York
BBC News (2005) Eco-aware shower recycles water. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technol-
ogy/4219890.stm . Accessed 22 Jan 2015
Beddington
J
(2009)
The
perfect
storm.
http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/
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http://www.bis.gov.uk/assets/goscience/docs/p/perfect-storm-paper.pdf .
Accessed 22 Jan 2015
Bennett C (2008) Greening your home. McGraw-Hill, New York
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