Sustainability

Environmental sustainability is based off of renewable and non-renewable resources that benefit the human population. (Moldan) Sustainability consists of three different subdivisions, such as economic, environmental, and societal impacts. (Moldan) This is how we determine the actual sustainability of the product, material, or technological systems. “In 2008 computers, mobile telephones and television sets we calculated to contribute 5.5 million tons to the E-waste stream in 2010, rising to 9.8 million tons in 2015”. (Kang) In today’s society being “green” is known as somebody who recycles and cares for the planet. Not only is this a “fad” but maybe even a lifestyle, and who’s to say that’s it’s enough to save the planet or just postpone the inevitable. The recycle and conservative lifestyle has become a marketing campaign, it’s almost become a requirement. “Today, it is said that our existing buildings account for approximately 40% of our world’s total energy consumption, and roughly 24% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions” (Howe). Pollutions major concerns originate from the energy industry, specifically oil, and nuclear power as well. I’ve been around nuclear power since day one, my father has worked at Energy Northwest in the Tri-Cities all of my life. The power plant is the main reason that any person would normally move to the Tri-Cities for work. Being from the Tri-Cities one commonly heard joke is that we are radioactive due to a nuclear waste spill that occurred out at the site. Howe, J.C. "Overview of Green Buildings." National Wetlands Newsletter 33.1 (2010). Web. 6 Nov. 2014. Kang, Hai-Yong, and Julie M. Schoenung. "Electronic waste recycling: A review of US infrastructure and technology options." Resources, Conservation and Recycling 45.4 (2005): 368-400. Moldan, Bedřich, Svatava Janoušková, and Tomáš Hák. "How to understand and measure environmental sustainability: Indicators and targets." Ecological Indicators 17 (2012): 4-13.

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