Small steps will save Earth
Karen Tableiou
Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: The Edge
According to Ed Begley Jr., in order to make a difference in the environment, it's important to always start out small. Change doesn't happen overnight, nor does it happen with one big event. That was the topic of Begley's speech Tuesday night.
Begley said, "Doing this stuff right - doing it logically - to pick the low-hanging fruit first, to do the stuff that's cheapest and easiest."
There are a lot of challenges before us, including air and water pollution, ozone depletion and loss of species. Though these may seem large and daunting, "we've already run halfway up that mountain," Begley said. In Los Angeles, the people have already cut their smog in half, and the ozone holes have gotten smaller due to more aggressive tactics to cut back on CFCs.
On a smaller scale, there are many things Begley has been doing since the 1970s and that other people can do as well to make a contribution to the environment. The event that affected Begley's lifestyle was when he saw the Cuyahoga River in Ohio catch on fire, saying, "I think it's bad when rivers catch fire." Ever since then, Begley has been taking small steps such as buying an electric car (on par with a golf cart) and growing his own fruits and vegetables in the '70s. Now he has a solar electric house.
According to Begley, "You don't run up Mt. Everest. You get to base camp and you get acclimated." He stressed over and over how important it is to always start out small and work your way up as far as you can afford. People should keep in mind that everything is done on a budget. "I know few people can afford solar electric, but can you afford a light bulb? Can you afford to take public transportation? Can you afford to do some home gardening, some home composting?" asked Begley of the audience, putting into perspective the affordable things people can do.
Begley talked about what options there are to create less pollution, such as using biofuels made from corn and cellulose or even switching over to natural gas which burns cleaner than coal. In their own homes people can use non-toxic products that clean just as well or even plain old vinegar and water, plentiful in many households. Begley also focused on deforestation and the loss of species, saying, "Whether or not you care about the spotted owls or whales or the many species with which we share this beautiful planet, for your own survival they are part of a web of life."
Western Illinois University has moved to become more environmentally friendly through recycling and purchasing recycled materials. Western has also implemented the use of more energy-efficient lighting and will be building a greenhouse on top of the new Multicultural Center as well.
The one thing Begley thinks Western needs to do is "a full energy assessment of every building." There may be some buildings that could cost more than half a million dollars to become energy efficient, and others only $4,000, but "you've got to do what you can in a budget," he said. Begley said he was pleased to see GoWest Transit's public transportation system here in Macomb.
Begley encouraged questions and comments via e-mail through his Web site at www.edbegley.com.
Begley said, "Doing this stuff right - doing it logically - to pick the low-hanging fruit first, to do the stuff that's cheapest and easiest."
There are a lot of challenges before us, including air and water pollution, ozone depletion and loss of species. Though these may seem large and daunting, "we've already run halfway up that mountain," Begley said. In Los Angeles, the people have already cut their smog in half, and the ozone holes have gotten smaller due to more aggressive tactics to cut back on CFCs.
On a smaller scale, there are many things Begley has been doing since the 1970s and that other people can do as well to make a contribution to the environment. The event that affected Begley's lifestyle was when he saw the Cuyahoga River in Ohio catch on fire, saying, "I think it's bad when rivers catch fire." Ever since then, Begley has been taking small steps such as buying an electric car (on par with a golf cart) and growing his own fruits and vegetables in the '70s. Now he has a solar electric house.
According to Begley, "You don't run up Mt. Everest. You get to base camp and you get acclimated." He stressed over and over how important it is to always start out small and work your way up as far as you can afford. People should keep in mind that everything is done on a budget. "I know few people can afford solar electric, but can you afford a light bulb? Can you afford to take public transportation? Can you afford to do some home gardening, some home composting?" asked Begley of the audience, putting into perspective the affordable things people can do.
Begley talked about what options there are to create less pollution, such as using biofuels made from corn and cellulose or even switching over to natural gas which burns cleaner than coal. In their own homes people can use non-toxic products that clean just as well or even plain old vinegar and water, plentiful in many households. Begley also focused on deforestation and the loss of species, saying, "Whether or not you care about the spotted owls or whales or the many species with which we share this beautiful planet, for your own survival they are part of a web of life."
Western Illinois University has moved to become more environmentally friendly through recycling and purchasing recycled materials. Western has also implemented the use of more energy-efficient lighting and will be building a greenhouse on top of the new Multicultural Center as well.
The one thing Begley thinks Western needs to do is "a full energy assessment of every building." There may be some buildings that could cost more than half a million dollars to become energy efficient, and others only $4,000, but "you've got to do what you can in a budget," he said. Begley said he was pleased to see GoWest Transit's public transportation system here in Macomb.
Begley encouraged questions and comments via e-mail through his Web site at www.edbegley.com.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Joe Bob
posted 3/26/08 @ 10:46 AM CST
Karen - I think you need to rethink your title for this article. We are NOT saving the planet. Planet earth is at little or no risk from the excesses of humanity. (Continued…)
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