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The Green Movement

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10/23/2012

The Green Movement

There have been many movements in time but the green movement is the most important movement in time. The green movement is to educate people how to live a life more dependent on natural resources and to seek energy from cleaner sources other then harmful energy choices. There are many long-term effects of going green. For example, improved health, cleaner water, climate change, economic benefits (Duggan 1). There are also negative long-term effects of not going green. For example, natural resources become depleted at an extraordinary rate. If people don’t adopt this movement there might not be any natural resources for the next generation. One of the biggest downfalls of going green is mostly directed towards individuals, businesses and their wallets. Green supplies are generally greater in cost then the traditionally used supplies(Roberts 1). The cost to convert a 2,500 square foot house with green options are energy audit 0-$500 with a one or less year payback, Duct Sealing $1,350 with a 5 to 4 year payback, insulation $2,000-$5,000 with a 5.7 to 14 year payback, Storm Windows $2,500-$4,750 4 to 7 year payback, Tankless Water Heater $1,489 with a 8.5 year payback (1). Even the smallest supplies have a higher cost: Compact Fluorescent light bulbs cost $136 (1) vs. the traditional $40.00 ones. The flip side is that the traditional light does not have a cost payback. One the other hand, there are benefits to the economy. The green movement would create new jobs by requiring new technology and business to produce the product to satisfy needs of the green movement (Stone 1). This will help develop more opportunities to recycle money in and out of the economy (1). For example, a commercial wind turbines’ cost to produce and install is roughly 3.5 million dollars (Windustry 1). That would be distributed through production and construction to install. Some people believe that the green movement could help stop or halt the depletion of the ozone layer. It is a natural shield of gas that is 9.3 to 18.6 miles beyond the Earth’s surface that protects the planet from harmful ultraviolet rays (Geographic 1). The ozone layer is becoming depleted due to harmful gases being released every day. One of the most harmful gases to the ozone layer is a gas called Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) (1). These gases were widely used for fifty years during the industrial movement and were banned from use in 1996 (1). Since the mid-1980 the ozone layer above the Antarctic has been depleting rapidly; to be exact 65 percent of that part of the ozone layer is vanishing (1). This is the result of the ice caps melting at an increasing rate. The depleting ozone layer is not only effecting the Arctic but also America and Europe (1). Doctors are observing an increasing rate in skin cancer within these two continents. However, the green movement will not have any direct effect on this. Only time itself can heal the ozone layer, scientists predict that it will take another 50 years for it to return to its natural state (1). The definition of energy is “power derived from the utilization of physical or chemical resources, especially to provide light and heat or to work machines.”(Pearsall Energy) The definition of crisis is “a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or damage.” (Pearsall Crisis) With that said the energy crisis becomes more and more of a strain on the population. The green movement could easily stabilize this crisis. There are many options when it comes to renewable energy. Hydropower, solar power, and wind power are the types of energy that can never become completely consumed. Last but certainly not least is reducing the carbon footprint of human beings. It is measured by the amount of carbon dioxide released to the atmosphere, with the latest record of 394 parts per million and a recent growth rate of 2 parts per million per year(ucar.edu 1). It has already caused severe climate changes, extinction of species, and increased occurrence of skin cancer. Adopting eco-friendly lifestyles and increasing the use of natural resources can help reduce the amounts of carbon dioxide released and prevent distractive outcomes. In conclusion, going green is one of the largest contemporary movements affecting society and environment. Although it can involve high costs and massive adjustments in industrial and residential spheres, the positive long-term effects of it are inevitable. It is obvious that adopting the idea of increased use of natural sources such as wind, solar power, and water can reduce harm to the planet and make it a better place to live for future generations.

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