8.3.5 Environmental Action

8.3.5 Environmental Action

How should I respond to globalization?

• Personal Action: Communities are reducing, reusing, and recycling. People compost their organic waste, recycle their plastics, tin, glass, and paper, and participate in clean-up campaigns. Many try to eat organic food that is packaged in biodegradable containers. Some carpool, ride bikes or scooters, take public transit, or buy fuel-efficient vehicles including hybrid cars. Even the electric car is making a comeback. Are these actions enough to save the planet?
  
  
• Government action: One way we can control things such as greenhouse gas emissions, forestry management, and waste disposal is through government action. Although some believe that industry can police itself, others feel that this has not had the desired results. Most companies want to see profits and do not always behave responsibly towards the environment. If this is the case, our government must make decisions about the environment. As voters, we must be sure we elect leaders or political parties that will protect the environment. We must contact our leaders to inform them of our views.
  
  
• Industry action: Even if our governments do not enact legislation to control their activities, businesses and industries can develop their own standards for environmental protection. Many companies are concerned about environmental protection because their continued prosperity depends on it. For example, if forestry companies destroy all the forests, they will have no timber to harvest.
  
  If farmers damage their soil, they cannot grow more crops. Even producers of non-renewable resources such as oil and gas are concerned about sustainability to a degree. We all have to live on this planet. As consumers, we can let industry know what we think about its actions by shopping ethical and engaging in other consumer actions. As employees, we can encourage our employers to take action. For example, we could expect a discount for not using disposable cups at the coffee shop. We could encourage shoppers at the grocery store to bring their own bags. We can demand that retail outlets sell fair-trade goods or sweatshop-free clothing. We can be sure to turn out the lights and turn down the heat when no one is in the room or building.
  

Reflect