Earth Friendly

For years individuals have been concerned about the environment but they were of the minority and at times not understood for their actions. Although this still occurs it is more accepted now due to the media and the influence of celebrities. Whether this influence will continue and lead to positive change, at this time it is too early to determine.

Celebrities are looked at as influential figures that get the best of the best. Through many celebrities going green it influences non-famous people to attempt to be like them. The media coverage on their actions affect those who read and see it for good or bad.

People yet have been criticizing celebrities working to increase the green for being hypocrites. They are doing and saying things to indicate  they are helping  but turns out they are doing things that go against what they supposedly stand for. Paul McCartney, a vegetarian and notable environmental activist, purchased a brand new hybrid Lexus that was flown in from Japan. Flying causing environmental emissions something McCartney tries to avoid doing. When he learned of this revelation he reportedly was very horrified. His car had to come from somewhere and its baffles me that he did not realize that Lexus is an out of the country car manufacture. A plane has to carry them to the states, almost outweighing the benefit of have a hybrid car to begin with.

Also celebrities are known to work in high using energy environments. Musicians have concerts to generate huge energy exerts as well as movie stars who work on million dollar movie sets that use lights, pyrotechnics, loads of water and power. Celebrities of all people should be the ones to cut back with their money rich lush lifestyles they are bound to create unwanted emissions into the environment.

Saving electricity doesn’t just save you money, it also saves the planet. Every time you turn on a light switch or use something that is plugged into the wall you create a little pollution. This little pollution that is created each and everyday, person by person adds up into a large amount of pollution.

A standard desktop computer uses 65-250 watts. A laptop uses 15-45 watts. A computer on sleep or standby uses 1-6 watts. A laptop uses less energy than a desktop computer while additionally putting your computer to sleep or standby saves even more energy. If you own a desktop computer and are considering buying a new computer a laptop is a nice more environmentally friendly option.

Additional ways to save energy include washing your clothes in cold water and limiting drying use. In the summer time it is easy to put up a clothes line in your yard or laundry room,  replacing or in addition to dryer use.

Heating water and keeping it heated is not only expensive but harmful to the environment. Electric and gas hot water systems account for up to 20% of a household’s greenhouse gas emissions.  For each 10 degree reduction in water temperature, you can expect to save 3-5% in energy costs.  To aide in improving water reduction you can invest in a low-flow water and/0r shower faucets, use cold water whenever possible, and heating water on the stove takes less energy than it would take to heat it up the water through the faucet.

I honestly get excited when I see recycling bins and biodegradable utensils on my campus. IU is not the only campus displaying efforts of going green. It first started with campus recycling bins popping up, but things have come a long way from then. More and more campuses are now attempting to get their buildings green certified.  Building components that can go green include insulation, windows, lighting, heating and cooling.

A small college in Ashland, Wisconsin has been recognized for its dorm that was built in 1990′s with waterless and composting toilets.  A newly built South Carolina college dorm building was built using recycled materials; carpets, motion detected lighting, and low-flow faucets. In addition smaller campuses  are trying  to buy local ingredients to use in their cafeteria dining areas.

An easy way that students can help out the environment on campus is to keep their car at home and take the campus bus if on the bus line. Taking the bus is an easy way to contribute and something students do without purposefully helping.

Jack Johnson puts it nicely, “We’ve got to learn to reduce, reuse, recycle,” in his song The 3 R’s for the Curious George Motion Picture. Well known singer-songwriter Jack Johnson has made it a priority within his life and career to inform the public of what to do. On his  2008 World Tour he lessened the CO2 emissions by fueling the buses with bio diesel and provided recycling bins for use. In addition, he continues his “green” efforts by using only 100% solar powered energy and 100% post-consumer recycled paper when creating his new album “Sleep Through the Static.” Johnson’s efforts are inspiring.

Whether inspired by Jack Johnson, other celebrities, or by your personal drive to better the environment, it is easy to make a difference.

A great start, especially if living in the city, is recycling. In most cases cities will have a recycling program in which you put your recyclables out on the curb for pickup, making it easy for the community residents.  And if not living in an area that provides this recycling service then the area hopefully has a recycling center that you can take your recyclables to.

As a college student I see the great need to recycle and I take advantage of the opportunity to do so whenever I can. The Indiana University campus has made great strides in recycling and sustainability. In addition to having recycling bins, the IU campus uses biodegradable food containers, plates, and cutlery within the campus’ Indiana Memorial Union.

It seems like a new celebrity comes out daily saying they are “going green.” Many celebrities have used their status to help improve the earth. In April 2007, Sheryl Crow was reported as saying that she helps the environment by only using one sheet of toilet paper per visit. Although most everyone would see this as being  too extreme for them to take on to better the earth, one can certainly applaud her efforts-as unsanitary as it may be.

A surprise to the go green phenomenon was political figure Al Gore. With his Oscar winning documentary “An Inconvenient Truth,” Gore raised increased awareness about global warning. Al Gore opened the eyes of many unaware oblivious Americans. The green efforts have been in motion at an increased speed ever since.

The point that is trying to be made is that the earth needs our help and it is not difficult to do. It is our place. We all may not be used to recycling or taking slightly shorter showers. Simple things can do a world of difference. The iInternet is full of helpful ideas of how you can do your part to keep the world going round from day to day.

Some simple things to start out with are decrease the purchasing of bottled water-get a water bottle and fill it up at home or at water fountains. Purchasing water and refilling a water bottle is virtually the same and it will save you money. Good for your bank account and the earth. Also another simple addition is to include more locally grown and organic foods into ones diet. Going to the farmer’s market is not only fun but it feels good. You get to know where your food comes from and who grows it. Knowing what goes into your bodies is something most of us take for granted.

Since us humans are responsible for the earth that we live on we have no choice but to take care of it. In addition it is our duty to fix the damage that we undoubtedly contributed to. Start off small and we will begin to see and feel the difference.