2/17/15
Question
1 Essay “Green Living”
Green
living, or going green, is a practice that has been popular in modern
society. People are becoming more environmentally aware and are only
beginning to understand the poor condition in which our plant Earth
is in. Many people are starting to cut down on waste, and take the
time to actually recycle and, in any way possible, create at least a
small, positive change in the world. These people try to spend less
time using running water, as well as try to use it more selectively.
They also aspire to use what nature gives them to the fullest extent
achievable. However, not nearly all Americans believe in the practice
of green living. These people could care less about America's or the
Earth's environment, or are just blatantly ignorant to the
diminishing state of our it. With such a small percentage of those
attempting to make a difference, the drastic changes that are needed
don't occur. Differences are rarely visible, but if the number of
people going green increased, then so would the amount of significant
change. In order for this to happen, the government would need to
become involved in the responsibility for fostering green practices.
Yet, there should be a limit set on the government's obligation. The
government should only enforce the main aspects of green living and
not take people through extreme measures. There should also be
variations for people living in different conditions; with varying
natural resources to incomes.
In
a poll conducted in the August of 2007, it was found that “American
and Japanese residents express the highest levels of environment
stewardship.” (Source E) Following America and Japan, comes India,
then China, and in last place, Russia. This should mean that going
green should be imposed to a greater extent in Russia, India, and
China; rather than Japan and America, as they are already doing the
most work and giving the greatest effort to better the environment
without the pressures of government. For example, Russia as a heavily
populated relatively large country should be doing more to benefit
the planet. Their government should limit the amount of running water
per household, but at an acceptable proportion. Certain brands of
high energy consuming light-bulbs could be banned or reinvented as to
not waste energy. If they were to be banned, then there would be no
other option other than to buy and use energy saving light bulbs.
Yes, this could potentially cut profits for specific companies and
businesses, but it would ultimately be helping Earth's fellow
inhabitants.
However,
even though many United States residents are doing their part without
being forced to, the more people there are taking part in going
green, the better it is for everyone. In the U.S., the government
should enforce key and basic ideas of living environmentally
friendly. (Source F) “Install a programmable thermostat to keep
your house comfortably warm...” shows a way to add automation that
cuts down on wasted electricity and gas with minimal work on a house
owner's part, while also making their surroundings cleaner. Wasting
less energy can save money and help create economic gains.
Environmentally friendly technology can also be designed for
increased reliability compared to the outdated technology that it
will replace. If the government acts on officiating “green”
policies, it can show its leadership to more hesitant countries.
