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1 The Principles of Green
responsible and environmentally-friendly lifestyles and decisions, which can be
beneficial for protecting the environment and sustaining natural resources for both
the current as well as future generations.”
Going Green emphasizes the need for countries and corporations to consider
sustainable development in their activities. Sustainable development is defined as
development that caters to the “needs of current generations without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Gardner and Abraham
2010). Through efficient production and deployment of Green technologies, organizations can reduce their carbon emissions and promote the protection of the ozone
layer. They can also emit less hazardous waste through the 3Rs (reduce, reuse,
and recycle), thus ensuring that the ecosystem continues providing its services
efficiently. From an individual perspective, Going Green could be beneficial for
encouraging people to develop positive ideas and use alternative resources (Cock
1991). This is crucial for avoiding the aspect of Tragedy of the Commons. Conceptually, this describes a situation where individual users of a resource act independently
out of self-interest. This behavior contradicts that of common good users since it
depletes and spoils that resource. Examples of Tragedy of the Commons are mining
in South Africa and overgrazing among the Maasai of Kenya.
Going Green involves more than recycling alone and extends to living life
in a way that is respectful and sustainable for the natural environment and the
planet. It implies contributing positively towards the maintenance of the natural
ecological balance as well as the preservation of the earth and its natural resources.
It entails taking steps to reduce the harm ones does to the environment. This
includes the carbon footprints that we leave behind because of living on this planet.
Green also means (1) Growth, (2) Renewable, (3) Efficient, (4) Economically
Sustainable, and (5) Natural. From these definitions and descriptions, Going Green
involves the adoption of five fundamental principles in one’s daily life to protect
the environment and ensure sustainability: Reduction of pollution, conservation
of resources, conservation of energy, reduction of waste, and protection of the
ecological balance of the Earth. Consequently, it is crucial for us to adopt Green
practices using these principles in order to make a difference. The five principles
are further explained to enhance our understanding.
What steps have you taken in your life that can qualify as part of the “Going
Green” initiative?
According to the first principle, Going Green means reducing pollution. Conceptually, pollution is the release of contaminants or toxic substances into the
environment. Think about the cleaning detergent, soap, or shampoo that you like
to use. Many of these products have chemicals that are washed down sinks and
travel into rivers and the water table. Along these lines, think about the fast food
lunch you consumed. During the production process of bread, burgers, salad, or
pizza, there is the release of human-made fertilizers into the natural environment.
1 The Principles of Green
responsible and environmentally-friendly lifestyles and decisions, which can be
beneficial for protecting the environment and sustaining natural resources for both
the current as well as future generations.”
Going Green emphasizes the need for countries and corporations to consider
sustainable development in their activities. Sustainable development is defined as
development that caters to the “needs of current generations without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Gardner and Abraham
2010). Through efficient production and deployment of Green technologies, organizations can reduce their carbon emissions and promote the protection of the ozone
layer. They can also emit less hazardous waste through the 3Rs (reduce, reuse,
and recycle), thus ensuring that the ecosystem continues providing its services
efficiently. From an individual perspective, Going Green could be beneficial for
encouraging people to develop positive ideas and use alternative resources (Cock
1991). This is crucial for avoiding the aspect of Tragedy of the Commons. Conceptually, this describes a situation where individual users of a resource act independently
out of self-interest. This behavior contradicts that of common good users since it
depletes and spoils that resource. Examples of Tragedy of the Commons are mining
in South Africa and overgrazing among the Maasai of Kenya.
Going Green involves more than recycling alone and extends to living life
in a way that is respectful and sustainable for the natural environment and the
planet. It implies contributing positively towards the maintenance of the natural
ecological balance as well as the preservation of the earth and its natural resources.
It entails taking steps to reduce the harm ones does to the environment. This
includes the carbon footprints that we leave behind because of living on this planet.
Green also means (1) Growth, (2) Renewable, (3) Efficient, (4) Economically
Sustainable, and (5) Natural. From these definitions and descriptions, Going Green
involves the adoption of five fundamental principles in one’s daily life to protect
the environment and ensure sustainability: Reduction of pollution, conservation
of resources, conservation of energy, reduction of waste, and protection of the
ecological balance of the Earth. Consequently, it is crucial for us to adopt Green
practices using these principles in order to make a difference. The five principles
are further explained to enhance our understanding.
What steps have you taken in your life that can qualify as part of the “Going
Green” initiative?
According to the first principle, Going Green means reducing pollution. Conceptually, pollution is the release of contaminants or toxic substances into the
environment. Think about the cleaning detergent, soap, or shampoo that you like
to use. Many of these products have chemicals that are washed down sinks and
travel into rivers and the water table. Along these lines, think about the fast food
lunch you consumed. During the production process of bread, burgers, salad, or
pizza, there is the release of human-made fertilizers into the natural environment.