What is Green?
“green” is a generic term used to describe something that has a benign or moderate effect on the environment. It follows that a green product is one that causes less harm to the environment than other similar products. Environmental impacts from a product actually begins prior to manufacturing, with the harvesting, extraction or processing of the base materials. During manufacturing, effects are from energy usage, atmospheric emmissions, and wast discharges. After manufacture, transportation, use and final disposal may contribute the most lasting environmental effects.
The goals of a green manufacturer should include the following:
- Preserving natural resources
- Protecting air, water, and soil quality
- Producing less toxic pollution and waste
- Protecting wildlife habitat and animal welfare
Some things to think about when considering your purchases:
Is the product produced locally to minimize energy used for transport?
Does the product come from a renewable resource?
Does it utilize recycled or reclaimed materials?
Is it made without toxic materials?
Does it use minimal packaging?
Is it of a good design and quality, is it made to last?
Can it be recycled or remanufactures at the end of its life?
Possessions used to be unique and valuable. Many would be passed down from generation to generation to be used over and over again. These days many items are made cheaply and considered disposeable. Largely due to creative marketing campaigns, we are taught that buying new is preferrable to reusing or repairing. Many of us have several items that perform the same function. We don’t take care of the items that can last, thus shortening their useful life.
Our thinking has been changed for us by companies trying to make a dollar. We allowed this to happen because it is easier to let marketers think for us than for us to think on our own.
It is time to re-think.
