Ecological Footprint Recalculated

Recalculated footprint:

 

Original Footprint:

 

I was actually really excited to see that my footprint went down throughout the quarter. Although, I made small changes I didn't realize how much of a positive impact my changes would have. Even though I'm still using 4.51 earths ( compared to 4.94) I was still proud that the changes I made were reflected in my recalculated footprint.

 

My three goals were:

1. Reduce my footprint by only eating out (either sit-down or fast food) one day a week.

2.Only eat meat once a day, except two days a week I would go vegetarian.

3.Take shorter showers.

After evaluation of my goals during the middle of the quarter, I realized I needed to put more effort into making a bigger impact by making my goals a little more challenging. Through this is when I decided that I needed to go vegetarian two days a week, but I also realized that I had been letting a few of my goals slip away as the quarter went on. After this I thought that I needed to put more effort into making sure I succeeded with the goals that I had set out to accomplish. I am happy to say that most weeks (I can't say I didn't slip up and take a long shower or go out to eat a few times in a week), I was fairly successful. By realizing the importance of these goals I was able to reduce my ecological footprint by .43 earths!

 

After this course in sustainability, I realize how important it is that I continue to make positive changes. I believe that I can continue these goals and even improve upon them as well as adding goals in order to reduce my footprint even farther.







Who knew the impact of clothing?

We all struggle to recycle as much as we can, or try to share a ride with a friend when it is convenient in an effort to show that we put the environment first. Yet, it's interesting to think that we never even consider the impact that our clothing has on the environment. According to the World Bank, the textile industry is responsible for 20 percent of industrial pollution. Due to this it has been one company's mission to minimize the harm done in clothing production while improving the lives of workers involved.

Henry Schwab, and his wife Kate Fisher are the owners of a company called Synergy Clothing, which is a company all about sustainable alternatives. Not only do they the believe in treating employees fairly, but they also believe that they can have a positive impact on the environment. They pay above minimum wage and also ensure that everyone involved within the company, regardless of where it may be, should have safe working conditions. The company strives to improve sustainability on already popularized textiles such as cotton and silk, but they also try to incorporate new uses of seaweed and hemp. Schwab believes that these new ingredients could produce thousands of new blends, but currently they have only been promoted by those that are willing to invest the resources in promotion and funding. He believes that larger companies need to invest first in order to bring down prices and increase availability for the smaller manufacturers. By doing so, it will make it easier for these manufacturers and become more affordable for consumers to purchase these sustainable options.

Article Source: Triple Pundit

Hyundai reveals hydrogen fuel cell car

 

Car giants are becoming more aware to consumer demands as we move into a time where meeting environmental needs are more present. As car company's have moved from fuel powered cars to hybrids to electric, a new way has emerged. Hyundai plans to show their Intrado car concept at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. The Intrado combines eye catching design with a hydrogen fuel cell engine. This engine uses a 36 kWh lithium ion battery that can recharge in only a few minutes. The vehicle will also be able to travel 370 miles. Hydrogen fuel cell cars would be even more positive for the environment as the only thing they emit for exhaust is water vapor. Hyundai realized the need for a unique design that could meet customer needs that they crafted from aircraft-inspired looks.

 

Honda and Toyota plan to introduce hydrogen fuel cell cars within a couple years.

 

Source (Image and Article): Blue&Green Tomorrow



600-year old trees in your dining room

 

I found it interesting that I stumbled across this article after we had discussed IKEA's sustainability efforts. Although, during this discussion I couldn't help but think that IKEA was the furthest from sustainable, despite all the "sustainable roots" claim they make. They promote the idea that furniture isn't supposed to last a lifetime and create furniture only lasts a few years.

 

IKEA recently had their Forestry Certification suspended which can be a serious blow to the company. IKEA's subsidiary, Swedwood, gained access to one of Europe's last forests located on the Finnish-Russian border. They only gained access on the conditions that they practiced sustainable logging practices, meaning they were unable to cut down old trees or trees on slopes in an effort to keep healthy ecosystems. Recently, Swedwood has been caught chopping down trees that are over 600-years old, which was against their conditions. However, IKEA has been using these to construct its flat-pack ready to assemble furniture. IKEA has since shut down operations in this region.

 

 

Article Source: IKEA might not be so sustainable after all

Image Source: Google

Ford is improving design

 

 

Ford revealed a new F-150 at the Detroit Auto Show in January. This new model plans shows Ford making a commitment to an improvement on the environment by reducing the weight of the model by 700lbs. In order to make this lighter weight model, Ford has used aluminum components similar to what is used by the military and aerospace. They have also developed an EcoBoost V-6 engine with start and stop technology that should help to further reduce fuel usage.  Research has suggested that due to the sheer volume of F-150's sold (760,000 in 2013) that the use of aluminum alloy could have a greater impact on the environment than their electric cars.

Source: The Guardian



Solar Panels in India

 

 

Simpa Networks, a technology company is trying to improve the lives of many in the state of Karnataka. The company has brought solar panels to many of the villages, providing even low income families making less than $2 a day. Simpa is targeting customers who have limited to no electricity power that are using kerosene lanterns which can be harmful to their health and safety. They are also targeting customers who have limited incomes who are unable to buy solar products, despite Simpa stating that they have a significant savings within ten years.

 

The question then is how is Simpa able to provide these $200-$400 products to villagers? The answer is product financing. Instead of paying the full price upfront, customers are able to make a small down payment to receive the solar panel and pre-pay for the energy use. Every payment towards energy also contributes to paying off the panel in full. Once the solar panel is paid off in full the system will unlock and the owners will be able to use the energy for the rest of the product lifetime. This type of product financing is giving way to an ability to provide people with more environmentally friendly products and services helping them to adopt new technologies.

 

Source (Image and article): The Guardian 

Mineral paper helping the environment

A Dunedin hairdresser was looking for a way to improve the way she dyes her clients hair. She has created a replacement for traditional foils with the use of a more environmentally friendly, easier to use mineral paper. The paper is made from industrial waste, that becomes wet giving it the ability to protect hair that is being colored. Due to this it will lead to less time spent coloring the hair. The paper can also be washed and reused.

Although the mineral paper is in the beginning stages of development, there is reason to believe that this new paper could become the international standard at salons. Ms. Buckingham, the Dunedin hairdresser, states that she has been in contact with distributors and wholesalers around the world which could lead to a major change in the industry. In fact, in the sixteen months that she has been using her new mineral paper, she has found that customers actually prefer it. Ms. Buckingham believes that she won't only be making profit, but it'll have a huge positive impact on the environment.

Source: 3news