Hello ,
I am responding to your queries/concerns. I have seperated each question
into its own block for ease:
========================================================
1: What would it take for you to "get all bent" in favour of reforming
our
>environmental impact?
Platt:>Conclusive evidence of harm being done by human activity.
MP: Well, without sources I can name a few. The clearcutting (and
subsequent ruination of that ecosystem, overfishing (I.E. The cod fishery no
longer exists in Canada due to over fishing, ruining the eastern economy)
and "Factory" farming (Alberta and U.S. states are having large problems
with water contamination with salmonella, and dont forget Mad Cow). Also,
perhaps you remember Exxon Valdez? It is not an isolated incident.
Here is a map you can view on the impact of humans, relative to
pupulation/devlopmental density:
http://www.globio.info/region/world/world_robinson.png
Here is an animation of "Green" (undeveloped/unharvested) tracts of land in
Norway from 1900-1992
http://www.globio.info/region/europe/norway/Norway_anim.html
If you require further information that describes and explains further how
humans impact the environment, please let me know.
Here is one article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/2023835.stm
but I can attain more scholarly works as well.
============================================================
>2: What are the cons of being proactive in reducing ones "footprint" upon
>the planet.
Platt: Time wasted. (Perhaps you should define "footprint.")
Footprint: The phrase "ecological footprint" is a metaphor used to depict
the amount of land and water area a human population would hypothetically
need to provide the resources required to support itself and to absorb its
wastes, given prevailing technology.
For example, bobby's footprint is 2sq miles.
As for wasting time Platt, I understand that you are retired? I am
wondering if you find it difficult to recycle? It takes almost no extra
effort, other than;
a: seperating garbage from recyclables
it is good for the economy (creates job and raw materials) and the
environment as well. Certainly that is a good thing? If you like, I will
make an instructional video documenting my experience in 60 seconds or less.
Here is a site with a breakdown of the common garbage can:
http://www.recycling-guide.org.uk/rrr.html
Also, depending on your location, you can purchase electricity that was
produced with renewable resources (sun, wind, water, ). My household
purchases from a company that does so, at approximately a cost of 20% more
in our electricity bill Vs. regular methods.
==========================================================
>3: What are the cons of being proactive in increaseing ones "footprint"
>upon the planet.
Platt:Depends on how you become "proactive." Planting a garden in your back
yard
may be beneficial.
Poot: perhaps the footprint idea was mixed up, but yes, planting a garden is
a good thing. it is preferred to large lawns because they (usually)
require pesticides and intensive watering. Those gardens can also give much
pleasure in ways a lawn cannot. Although not that lawn is a terrible thing,
dont get me wrong.
in terms of increasing it, I meant , for example, creating more waste. or
increasing ones polluting ability.
==========================================================
>In turn, I will gladly answer, to my very best ability a like set of
>questions in return. It is honestly my aim to see if we can at least reach
>consensus in some areas , Platt.
Platt:How much of your liberty are you willing to give up for the sake of an
uncertain
future?
Poot: Although this question could lead in a few directions , I'll answer
to my best ability.
I am willing to give none of my liberty or freedoms away on a gamble that
this global warming may be a hoax, and that pollution is not a concern, and
even if it is, my opinion remains the same.
However, I am willing and able to sacrifice --conveniences-- (driving to the
corner store a block away) in an effort to reduce my impact on the ecosystem
in general. I am willing to put in that minimal amount of extra thought and
energy to make my "footprint" smaller, as we know that there is limited
valuable space for humans to use on Earth.
If you are aware of negative consequences resulting from techniques such as
recycling, or reducing ones reliance on fossil fuels, please let me know.
I hope this dialogue can continue to be helpful or at least productive for
both of us.
POOT
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