Go Green

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Recycling bins

“Green” means environmentally friendly and sustainable. Green chemistry creates products and processes that are safer and cleaner — from the start.

The green revolution, mid-20th century – Combining technologies like synthetic fertilizers and scientific plant breeding hugely increased the world’s food output. Norman Borlaug, the agricultural economist who devised this approach, has been credited with saving more than 1 billion people from starvation.

An educational program, “Go Green” works to create a culture of environmental responsibility on school campuses and other places in the U.S. and elsewhere.

Some of the smallest things people do on a daily basis have the greatest negative impact, and can easily be changed into small daily “go green” habits with a positive impact on life on earth.

  • reduce physical waste – recycle, choose products with recyclable packaging, or no packaging
  • responsibly recycle harmful components – household electronics, batteries
  • use products that are green and kind to the environment – avoid or limit use of harsh cleaners
  • conserve resources – electricity, water
  • consider using alternative energy (solar power, wind power, etc.) if available
  • reduce energy consumption at home
  • compose organic waste

Some examples of small actions with big results

  • recycling 100 pounds of paper saves 350 gallons of water, 19 gallons of oil PLUS saves enough energy to run the electricity in an entire house for nine days
  • household cleaning products that are stylish, nice smelling, and kind to the environment.

What’s the problem?
Going “green” can mean many different things. Everyone can take a few small steps to reduce waste and improve their environment, where that is in a city or in the wilderness.

  • Ask – Do you have a “go green” plan at your house? Do you turn off extra lights and electronics when they are not being used? What are some ways that you can conserve energy? Do you recycle cans, bottles, paper?
  • Imagine – What are some new ways that you can reduce energy usage?
  • Design, Build – Having a place for separate containers for trash and recycling makes it easy to remember to deposit each type of waste for later processing.
  • Improve

Engineering ideas

  • energy, distribution, conservation, hazardous waste

Do it
Now it is your turn. Here are some challenges for you to work on…

  • start a recycling program for your family, your neighborhood, your school. Learn about recycling programs in your area. Encourage others to recycle.

Learn more…

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