Impact (2002)

Considering the minute, interrelated details within nature that both decorate our world and sustain life, they must be protected. This statement, however, becomes increasingly difficult to act upon. Everyday decisions profoundly affect this delicate balance. Nearly everything one eats, wears, or purchases is a vote either for or against maintaining the balance of nature. The key to preserving the future health of the planet is awareness; noticing the impact of decisions. From there, one can make educated decisions regarding their consumer habits.
Eating fast food generates large amounts of waste. Ordering, for example, a McDonald's Big Mac, one will receive, in addition to the hamburger, a cardboard box for the hamburger, a paper bag, a fistful of catsup packets and a stack of napkins over an inch thick. Choosing to not order fast food, a responsible consumer can instead choose to use reusable lunchbags and choose a proper amount of condiments and napkins. Obviously, doing so also eliminates the unnecessary cardboard box.
Beyond the amount of paper waste generated by fast food, the food choices one makes can also easily change the health of the planet. In the United States, fifty-six per cent of farmland is devoted to cattle production-with surprisingly low yields. Producing one pound of beef requires sixteen pounds of grains and soybeans. Because of the tremendous amount of land spent on meat production, it is perhaps the best example of consumers' unawareness. If Americans reduced the amount of meat in their diets by ten per cent, one million people could be adequately fed. Consequently, eating less meat means that there are fewer animals to pollute and fewer expended resources. (1)
The ecological results of beef production are astonishing, as resources required to raise cattle are spent in inefficient ways. Although a pound of wheat requires twenty-five gallons of water to produce, a pound of California beef requires five-thousand. One calorie of soybeans requires two calories of fossil fuel energy, whereas one calorie of beef requires seventy-eight calories. Like automobile exhaust, the cattles' flatus pollutes our air. Ecological problems such as the endangered rain forests, the extinction of species and global warming also largely result from meat production. Central and South American countries cut down forests for their cattle to graze, including the rain forests. (1)
Resources, obviously, are also needed for making human life tolerable. As the summer months heat up, Americans turn on their air conditioning units. However, there are more environmentally-friendly alternatives. One can plant shade trees outside one's home, particularly around windows, or allow ivy to grow on the side of one's home. The ivy acts as a natural insulation. Synthetic insulation in the walls of a house and proper weather-stripping around windows can also help maintain comfortable temperatures. In addition, double pane windows help to insulate and can also dramatically lower energy costs. One may also consider an attic exhaust fan to displace hot air into the attic. However, if one must use the air conditioning, setting the thermostat to start at slightly higher temperatures for air conditioning and lower temperatures for cooling saves energy, preserving a limited resource. In winter months, several of the same rules apply as they to summer. This same ivy continues to insulate-keeping one's house warmer. However, shade trees should be cut back to allows the sun's warmth in. (2)
Other ideas to protect our limited resources can help keep one cool or warm without fossil fuels. High quality clothes in traditional styles will last for years without repair or replacement. When drying clothes in a clothes drier, running a shorter cycle (by about fifteen minutes) will save both energy and wear and tear on the clothes. And regardless of season, dressing accordingly is a dramatic energy saver. In summer months, lightweight, light colored clothes made from breathable materials helps one to maintain a comfortable body temperature. In cold weather, warm clothes, such as wool sweaters help one stay comfortably warm. During cold nights, using warm blankets rather than central heating also helps lower costs. (2)
The United States of America has stringent pollution standards regarding the manufacturing of goods. Surprisingly, though, some seemingly All-American companies such as Vans shoes, which promote a California-image, moved production of several shoes overseas where restrictions on pollution are far less rigorous, if existent.
The motivations to protect the balance of nature and, consequently, the future of the planet can come from any number of sources. Christians may cite God's instruction for man to oversee the earth. Health minded individuals will explain that they must eat properly and protect the air that they breathe. Becoming educated and educating others on what one can do to protect our resources is very important. The most beneficial methods are often simple and save money, which is sure to influence other to follow suit. The changes one person makes are likely to have a domino affect, as one life is intertwined to dozens more.


(1) Robins, John. Diet for a New America. H. J. Kramer. 1987.
(2) Ehrlich, Paul R. and Anne H. Ehrlich. The End of Affluence. Ballantine Books. 1974.

Copyright © 2007 David ben-Avram