Good Example OF Creative Writing On Sustainability And Self-Reflection

INTRODUCTION

We live in a very modern and convenient world. All of those conveniences, from refrigerators, ovens, clothes dryers, automobiles, mass produced products, and processing of the foods we consume, are resourced from and have an impact on natural world around us. However, today, many of those resources are dwindling, while the human population of the planet continues to grow. The more people, the more communities, the more cities, the more factories, more food, more vehicles, and more pollution, which all of those things produce. Environmentalists warn that our demand on resources already is taxing the supply. Many experts and conscientious individuals suggest that we begin to consider “greener,” eco-friendly, energy that is not so destructive and diminishing on the natural resources that we have always relied (Environmental Protection Agency, 2014). These concerns center on the idea of sustainability. Sustainability references the facts surrounding whether or not it is a resource that can be relied up to provide a long-term option of providing what is needed. Additionally a sustainable resource is one that can be relied upon and is plentiful, but also causes a limited amount of damage to the ecosystem and the world in general. For example, a potential resource may be able to provide power for generations, but the damage the gaining, processing, and using that resource will destroy huge section of land and cause the extinction of millions of species. That is not sustainable. Sustainable must be practical, efficient, and eco-conscious.

HISTORY

Despite the fact that there are environmental events, issues, and damage that can be attributed to the fossil fuel resources that we presently rely upon on diminishing and often environmentally damaging, most people do not see how their individual contributions to that loss of resources and the damage it may cause. (Cook & et al, 2013). However, that is the significant truth that many people need to understand. We are all responsible, albeit unintentionally, for those dwindling resources and all of the damage it has caused. It is the natural environments, be it desserts, oceans, rain forests, grasslands and sweeping plains, along with all of the plants, insects, and animals that reside there, pay the price. Human beings clear-cut hundreds of thousands of acres a year of tropical rain forests and oak woods, alike. At least, 16% of the world was covered with rainforest, today there is only 6% (Think Global Green, 2014). Water environments become unlivable to species that are imperative to the balance of that ecosystem. It is like recipe; if the ingredients are not present in the appropriate among the outcome will not be so good. That is what humanity is doing to the planet around them.

DISCUSSION

Each and every one human being contributes, and therefore it falls upon humanity to repair and reform the relationship we have with the natural world around us that we rely upon. The results produced from the Carbon Footprint Assessment taken were a bit shocking. No one wants to think that they can have such an impact on their own environment. My overall Ecological Footprint is 7-3 and my overall consumption is rated at 8.9, equating to an area the size of 8.9 Canadian Football Fields. It is just so shocking that I have so much of an impact and I am just one person. The area where I consume the most falls under those aspects related to shelter and services.
There are a number of measures that individual, communities, and countries can make to affect change for the better. Whether it is the goal of reducing the carbon footprint in the whole of Canada or individually in our own homes, there are things that can be done. From something as simple as shutting off the water when you brush your teeth to committing to shorter showers or from turning off an extra light-switch to purchasing a more efficient toilet, changes can be made. Fortunately, there are ways that humanity can, and therefore everyone can, do to decrease that footprint and, potentially, make a genuine positive impact on the world (Biello, 2013). The Carbon Footprint Assessment offered a number of changes that I personally can make to alter the scores and overall carbon footprint that I leave in my wake.

Use energy efficient lighting and turn lights off when not using them; the same applies to the thermostat.

Limit the use of “one-time-use” products. Invest in products that reusable and therefore create less waste and over production.

Commit to proper automobile maintenance, or for efficiency; or walk, rely on public transportation or car-pool whenever possible.

Invest in purchasing fresh and organic foods that are in season, and less on processed foods and the transportation to obtain them.

CONCLUSION

As a species, human beings are the most dominant species, but, also the most destructive. We are leaving an enormous footprint as a group. Some of the damage we are doing cannot be undone; all we can do is make a commitment to learning from our mistakes in the future. It is time to consider greener technologies, energy alternatives and on doing our individual part in diminishing our ecological impacts. Instead of having a negative impact on the world, perhaps someday, we can have a positive and beneficial impact on the planet as a whole. It is astounding just how much influence our individual little lives can have. Seeing it in writing should be all the encouragement needed to for each and every one of us to take a stand and do our parts to find environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions to the problems that we created.

REFERENCES

Biello, D. (2013, December 4). Dangerous Global Warming Closer Than You Think, Climate
Scientists Say. Scientific American, 1-1
Cook, J., & et. al. (2013, May 15). Quantifying the consensus on anthropogenic global warming
in the scientific literature. IOPScience, 1-1.
Environmental Protection Agency. (2014, January 1). Natural Resource Damages: A Primer.
Retrieved January 8, 2015, from http://www.epa.gov/superfund/programs/nrd/primer.htm
Think Global Green. (2008, January 1). Deforestation Retrieved January 8, 2015, from
http://www.thinkglobalgreen.org/deforestation.html