Minimize Your Footprint

INF 103: Computer Literacy

August 12, 2013

Minimize Your Footprint
Humans live to evolve, throughout history we have invented new technologies to us towards our advantage. Planet earth’s resources, one way or another, are used to support the creation of these inventions. We must come together to conserve our resources, the resources that are vital for human existence. Individuals are creating alternative ways to everyday life that directly influence our impact on Mother Nature; these developments are subject areas for green technology.
To learn about green technology we first have to understand what it means to be green and the terminology of technology. When a co-worker come to you and says, “I am going green”, more often than not, they are not talking about the color green. They are referring to their decision to become eco-friendly. The second part we must try to understand the meaning of technology. The “Business Dictionary,” defines technology as, “The purposeful application of information in the design, production, and utilization of goods and services, and in the organization of human activities” (Business Dictionary, 2013). When combined these two entities lead to the creation of eco-friendly designs, products, services, and organizations.
Numerous amounts of new technology are becoming readily available, while older technology is being revamped. Subject areas of green technology include: energy, green building, environmentally preferred purchasing, green chemistry, and green nanotechnology (Green Technology, 2006). These areas taking tiny steps in the right direction, they are reducing our footprint on earth by creating a less hazardous environment and prolonging the lifespan earth’s natural resources. The promotion of green technology will provide a better quality of life now and for future generations.
The largest portion of green technology falls into the energy subdivision. Before the industrial revolution there was not a great need energy, work was finished by the sweat of our brows. As time passed we began to use our wits and not some much brawn, our muscle power turned into mechanical power. Mechanical power gives us the opportunity to accomplish a greater amount of work in a shorter amount of time with less effort. The production of energy started with simple, steam powered machines. A report by the Union of Concerned Scientist states, “Simple machines based on the ability to harness the power of steam have been dated by some sources as far back as ancient Alexandria” (Union of Concerned Scientist, n.d.). Modifications to the steam engine continued to lead to more productive, complex, and efficient motors, these engines began to run with the heat produced by burning coal. In 1880 the first steam engine was attached to a generator, the generator would turn mechanical energy into electricity. Shortly after the generator was invented power plants began developing all over the United States. In Appleton, Wisconsin, 1881, a corn mill was transformed into the first hydroelectric power plant (Union of Concerned Scientist, n.d.). This maybe the first recorded occurrence of green technology.
If you have ever flown on a commercial aircraft during the night time, you may have noticed the cities were lit up like Independence Day. Have you ever wondered how the majority of our cities are powered? Contrary to many thoughts, there are not millions of hamsters running on wheels to produce energy. Most of the U.S. cities are powered by burning coal and natural gas. The World Nuclear association stated, “In 2011, the U.S. electricity generation was 4344 billion kWh gross, 1874 TWh (43%) of it from coal-fired plants, 1047 TWh (24%) from gas, 821 TWh (19%) nuclear, 351 TWh (8%) from hydro and 121 TWh (2.8%) from wind” (world-nuc.org, 2012). These stats show that nearly 11% of America’s energy production was produced by environmentally friendly means. The other 89% of energy was produced by using natural resources, the burning of these natural resources effect the air quality and ozone. Below is a chart showing the breakdown on U.S. energy production.

Another area that is up and coming is building green, also known as green construction or green sustainment. Building green is a critical part in saving natural resources and conserving energy. This is when a person, organization, or business decides to construct or modify a structure using environmentally friendly techniques and materials. Implementing these green techniques and building material into a structure is beneficial to the environment and to consumers. In 2012, The Environmental Protection Agency reported, “In the United States buildings account for: 39 percent of total energy use, 12 percent of the total water consumption, 68 percent of total electricity consumption, 38 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions” (EPA, 2012). Constructing buildings out of green material is a great start to minimizing our impact on planet earth.
Building green does not necessarily mean constructing the entire structure of green material. Incorporate green material during any stage of construction or during a renovating is very practical. Replacing single paned windows with double paned will insulate your home better saving energy. Installing green materials for flooring, cabinetry, and energy star appliances are great improvements to your home. These modifications can be a little more expensive upfront, but you should realize the benefits of these upgrades. First off, you will be using eco-friendly materials. Second, your consumption of energy will be much less. Third, the lifespan of your products you will end up saving money.
As we use technology advancements to better our way of life we also diminish earth’s precious resources. Crude oil is a raw, natural resource that we refine for the production of gasoline. We pull resources from the earth only to pollute our atmosphere. Cars burn gasoline to create energy, they also create harmful byproducts. Carbon monoxide is the main pollutant that is produced, other byproducts include unburned hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides. A study stated, “Nitrous oxide has now become the largest ozone-depleting substance emitted through human activities, and is expected to remain the largest throughout the 21st century.” (Daniel, Portmann, Ravishankara, 2009). The harmful effects of an automobile’s exhaust has led to the invention of catalytic converters and hybrid cars. The catalytic converter brings down the emissions that are released into the atmosphere. While the hybrid car uses two or more source to power the car, reducing the consumption of fuel and vehicle emissions.
The government, businesses, and individuals are now aware of how our daily choices directly impact of environment. This has led to the implication of several government agencies, one of the most important being the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “As you know, EPA administers and enforces a variety of pollution control laws, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and laws related to the management, disposal and cleanup of hazardous waste such as the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)” (Steven, 2004). These agencies monitor, regulate, and enforce laws that protect the environment, just another way we can try to protect the earth we live on.
It may be impossible to completely stop pollution, as people we can take minor steps to prolong the existence of humans on Planet Earth. Creating a resolution to help save the environment is not going to be easy or happen overnight. We are beginning to move in the right direction and green technology is a great start.
There are new ideas and processes being put into effect to conserve energy. A great example that is evolving is the development of an electrical Smart Grid. The Smart Grid is a new configuration and upgrade of our current electrical system. According to Bowles, “The U.S. Department of Energy estimates the Smart Grid could allow tripling the amount of electricity being sent through existing energy corridors without having to build more power plants, saving utility companies billions of dollars” (as cited in U.S. Department of Energy, 2010).
We should solely rely on the government to find an answer for our ongoing problems. Any citizen can directly make a small impact now, everyone can their own part. Simple task such as recycling your trash or ride your bicycle to work. Riding your bicycle to and from work would not only improve the environment, it would improve your overall health and fitness. If a bicycle ride is not a practical mode of transportation, you could consider carpooling or city transit.
As respectful people to society we should try our best to think about possible resolutions to the ever increasing demand we put upon Mother Nature. She is going to be the one that provides for our future generations. I am not saying you need to purchase the latest and greatest hybrid car or install solar panels on roof of your home, even though, those ideas are both great and admirable decisions. To some people they are just not feasible. I am just asking you to make responsible decisions, hold yourself accountable, and be cognizant of your actions. Ultimately, we are the ones that hold the key to our future.

References
Bowles, M.D. (2010). Introduction to Computer Literacy. (Ashford University ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepointe Education, Inc.
Daniel, J., Portmann, R. Ravishankara, A. (2009, August). NOAA Study Shows Nitrous Oxide Now Top Ozone-Depleting Emission. Science Journal. Retrieved July 28, 2013, from http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090827_ozone.html
Steven, J.A. Associate Assistant Administrator Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance & U.S. Environmental Protection. Environmental and Military Issues.(n.d.). FDCH Congressional Testimony.
Business Dictionary. (n.d.). Technology. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/technology.html
Green Technology. (2006). Green Technology – What is it?. Retrieved from http://www.green-technology.org/what.htm
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2012, December 19). Why build Green?. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/greenbuilding/pubs/whybuild.htm
World Nuclear Association. (2013, July 31). Nuclear Power in the USA. Retrieved from http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/Country-Profiles/Countries-T-Z/USA--Nuclear-Power/#.UgmIu6PD-P8
Union of Concerned Scientist. (n.d.). A Short History of Energy. Retrieved from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/our-energy-choices/a-short-history-of-energy.html