Cradle to Cradle Chapter Two: Why Being Less Bad is No Good

Hello Everyone this is Viktoria Unger and these are my thoughts on chapter two.
This chapter was quite an eye opener. It begins describing our early attempts to make industry less destructive. In the past, industry was so destructive regulations had to be put in place to avoid, “immediate sickness and death.” We certainly have come a long way. Works like Silent Spring by Rachel Carson have catalyzed the formation of many conservation societies and resulted in the passing of many environmental regulation laws. However the authors go on to describe how our efforts are thus far not sufficient. They compare recycling to aspirin, insinuating it is only good enough to ease a post-consumption hangover rather than eliminating the waste problem from the root. Not only that but they claim that because none of our products are actually designed to be recycled, we are actually “downcycling” them. In many cases, it actually takes more energy to “recycle” a product and requires the use of harmful chemicals that perpetuate the pollution cycle. Furthermore, these materials lose their quality and value. It can also be more expensive for companies, reducing incentive for companies to attempt to adapt sustainable policies.

Generally, businesses see environmental regulations as uneconomic and try to avoid them at all costs. Oil companies are just one of the many companies that lobby politicians to ignore or reject legislation that would push for sustainable practices. (In fact you can go to Exxonsecrets.org to see just where their money goes) At first I believed the authors were being slightly harsh on our efforts thus far, but quickly realized it is true and the aspirin metaphor is a perfect way to look at it. Many of the so-called “solutions” we’ve come up with for our gross overconsumption are weak attempts at covering up mistakes we’re made in the past, and are NOT long term solutions.

In order for us to really make a difference we have to change the way we produce things, we need to make them in such a way that they can be easily recycled without the addition of any extra chemicals. Currently our attempts at “eco-efficiency” have only resulted in a “less bad” approach that is not good enough for the long term. We need to revamp the system and we need to do it from all angles. From grass-roots organization to large-scale legislation we need to change the way we run business and industry.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts, I look forward to reading yours!

SOSA Featured in Philau's new "Green" Education Plan

Hey All!

First of all...I am very excited about the posting beginning-so far I like what I see! (This is Viktoria by the way..I usually post under PHILAUSOSA although other leadership team members also have the power to do so)

Secondly, SOSA has been recognized, and promoted by the university in a big green PR (public relations) push that was just published.

SOSA has been featured in the University's Four Point Approach to Sustainability- Philadelphia University: A National Leader in Green Education. You can visit check it out by going to the philau home page (it's right on front) or just by going here!!!

http://www.philau.edu/ebooks/sustainability/

There are some pictures-including a few of us in the garden and the plastic bottle installation that was built for our first ever sustainability fair! I encourage you all to check it out!

P.S. The blogging continues this week with a Post by myself on Chapter 2 of Cradle to Cradle: Why Being Less Bad is No Good so be sure to respond, again for a chance to win $50!

Cradle to Cradle: Chapter One

Hi, my name is Dawn. I am a junior textile design major and a member of the of the SOSA leadership team. I want to take this opportunity to share with you my perspective. I am someone who is a strong advocate for change within my industry. I understand that textiles have been a great contributor to worldwide pollution. But I believe that we can make an effort to conserve and recycle more materials as I did in my first hand-weaving class. In that class, I experimented with reused materials like bubble wrap, plastic bags, and used stockings, so that they would not join the waste stream.

Concerning the first chapter of Cradle to Cradle, the Industrial Revolution is mentioned. As you will read, The Industrial Revolution was a significant period in American History and has had both positive and negative global effects. The Industrial Revolution created more jobs but also created hazardous working conditions for the workers and the environment. Some textile factories, in this country, are still emitting harmful chemicals into the air, water and soil.

Speaking on the subject of textiles, It is difficult for me to admit that the industry already heavily impacts the health of our planet. The production, distribution, and disposal of textiles greatly harms the workers who manufacture them, the consumers who buy them, and, after a while, the environment that is left to absorb them as waste. That is why textiles designers should use a 'Universal design' thought process.'Universal design' requires designers to think about the local and global effects of their creations. A thought process that anticipates future needs while not sacrificing the those resources that are available in the present.

Since the U.S. imports most of it's textiles, we do not see the worst effects. Read the tag attached to the inside of your clothes carefully. Depending on where it was made, the garment could have been constructed in harmful working conditions and with sub-standard or inhumane processes. As consumers of clothes made in these conditions, we can have great influence over the success of these foreign producers with our purchase power. In plainer terms, if you do not work for or buy from the company that produces such products, you are effectively boycotting, and forcing a hand in the methods and practices that they use.

I hope that others purchase with a conscience. By your contribution The Green Movement could become a beacon for those in the textile design and manufacturing industry to follow. Thank you.

Important! A Few Notes Before the Posting Begins!

Tomorrow we will begin our 6 week, chapter by chapter discussion on Cradle to Cradle. The first post (chapter) will be done by Leadership Team member Dawn Rulli (rulli3615), who is Secretary of Committee. She is an upcoming Junior textile design student from West Creek, NJ.

ALSO-There is a chance that some of you may have the same last name, so please type your first and last name at the end of your response, even if you have an unusual last name we still want to know who you are! IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO POST YET-PLEASE READ THE POST JUST PRIOR TO THIS ONE-there are directions on how to do it

If anybody has any questions about posting please do not hesitate to contact Dawn Rulli or myself at rulli3615@philau.edu or creamclp@aim.com (for some reason, my philau account is currently telling me my password is wrong so I will take your questions on my AIM account instead)

We look forward to reading your comments!

Welcome First Year Students!

Hello!

I am Viktoria and I am President of SOSA. First of all I just want to welcome you to the Philadelphia University community. This is a very exciting time to be part of this campus! Secondly I wanted to mention a few things about the summer reading, Cradle to Cradle. We will be beginning our posts on July 14th. Please be sure to respond for a chance to win $50!

To respond to a post just click on the "comments" link at the bottom of the post. A little box will come up where you can write your comment. PLEASE be sure to use the OPENID option, make your user name the same as the beginning of your philau address! (for example, if you are smith1234@philau.edu then make your open ID name smith1234) This will make it very easy for us to e-mail the winner! If you have any questions or comments e-mail me at unger0174@philau.edu

Enjoy the reading...It is a great book!

Scholler Garden

Hi Everyone, here are some pictures from this past spring. I took these photos when Viki and I were recording data for her soils class presentation. A soil pH test, a light test, and a soil temperature test were performed. These tests help SOSA and her soils class choose the appropriate plants to grow in the garden. I will post pictures of the garden after everything was planted.

SOSA Volunteer Work Part II

Between the days of April 24-26th, SOSA members and students in Dr. Bower's Biodiversity class helped with the Native Plant Sale at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. Students helped transport plants and set up displays. A link will be posted shortly that will be access to more pictures from these dates.