Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with environment

What's better for the environment: mailed physical CD for £6, or digital download for £7?

mstillwell — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:09:14 -0800

Is it better, environmentally speaking, to buy a physical CD for £6 and have it mailed to me, or to buy a digital copy for £7? Some of the £6 goes toward manufacturing the CD and transporting it, but the £7 I give to the digital music store pays the wages of their employees, who in turn buy stuff. (Their equipment, rent, etc. gets turned into stuff in the same way.) What if the numbers were £6 physical CD, £12 digital?

In other words, to what extent does raw price (i.e. a proxy for the amount of stuff that your purchase allows other people to buy) matter? If I buy £100,000 of environmentally-friendly stuff, isn't that (approximately) £100,000 of (potentially not environmentally-friendly) stuff that other people can then afford to buy?

If I buy a Prius hoping to help the environment, does it matter how Toyota's employees and suppliers spend their money? Are there any substantive differences across industries, or is a dollar for Toyota more or less equivalent to a dollar for McDonald's?

Business leaders who made great strides for the environment?

carrolldamian — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:05:00 -0800

I am trying to come up with names of prominent business leaders through history who took major steps forward on environmental stewardship/protection. These should be industry titans who went against the grain in emphasizing environmentalism as part of their business model. Extra points if the person saw unexpected or un-predicted success as a result of their decision to "go green."

EnvironmentFilter?

eagle-bear — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:47:04 -0800

Looking for an environmental news aggregator, similar to what sites like realclearpolitics and memeorandum provide with political news. I'm hoping to find a single place (or maybe a couple) where I can get a heads-up on breaking environmental news and editorial analysis, and if possible, also keep track of conservation and environmental research. Thanks!

What was that "Make the Boomers PAY" commercial I saw as a kid?

Pirate-Bartender-Zombie-Monkey — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:24:59 -0800

I remember this commercial from back in last century, about the youth putting their elders on trial, basically for leaving them an f'd-up world. I also remember it getting pulled from the airwaves for ruffling too many feathers. What was it? I remember the scene as being dark, with rows of kids looking down in judgment on this old man.

The prosecutor was this young blond boy, and his message, as I remember it, communicated "Your generation screwed things up! You pooched the environment, muddied the waters, befouled the air, saddled us with debt, all while living the high life.

"Now we have to deal with the mess you, our elders made before we were even born. What have you to say for yourself?"

And the old man stammers something like "Uh... we didn't know."

Those are my impressions. What was this, and am I remembering correctly that it got yanked for touching too many raw nerves?

And yes, I'm assuming the elder on trial would have been an old Boomer by the time depicted in the scene. Having read 13th Gen; Abort, Retry, Ignore, Fail? is why I make that assumption. Just FYI.

How much am I hurting the environment when I have a sushi tuna roll?

underwater — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:02:20 -0800

What are the thermodynamics of frozen sushi-grade tuna? I just toured the Tsukiji Fish Market and learned that the tuna there is kept on the boat at -48 Celsius for up to 2 years before it is delivered to the market. How much energy is expended in this process, and how does this information translate into the environmental impact of me eating a tuna roll? Say a bluefin tuna weighs 200kg, and let's assume an average tuna is kept frozen for one year and that the tuna is at 15 degrees Celsius when caught (I couldn't find great data on this; tuna body temperature is higher than the average water temperature, but I couldn't find absolute data on this--please chip in if you have any), and that a tuna roll contains one oz. of tuna.

I don't know how the tuna is frozen or what energy source is used for this, so I'm not sure how to make assumptions about that, but perhaps you do.

Offsetting sea level rise: An engineering idea of Biblical proportions

0bvious — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:52:25 -0800

The seas are rising. Climate change has made it inevitable. I have a strange question... Assuming that world sea-level rises by 1 metre over the next hundred years - Would it be possible to cordon off a section of land, somewhere in the centre of a continent, and flood it to create an artificial ocean, thus reducing the consequences of the sea rise? This Biblical scale engineering feat must take these issues into account:

1. The section of land would have to be a very large 'bowl', in the centre of a continent, that is already below sea level. Another section of land, leading from the ocean to this central 'bowl' section, would have to be carved out to create the biggest dam system mankind has ever witnessed. Does somewhere like this exist?

2. The number of humans currently living in this 'bowl' would have to be less than the number of humans who would be displaced by the 1 metre sea level rise. Otherwise this huge engineering feat would not be worth undertaking.

3. Other environmental issues should be taken into account, such as the ecosystems that would be displaced or the new weather patterns and ocean currents that would be created.

Do you have the calculations of water/land displaced? Or ideas about where this kind of thing could be built? I'd love any input on this monstrous thought experiment.

Thanks!

What are the odds that elephants will become extinct in the next 30 years?

Joe Beese — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:59:08 -0800

What are the odds that elephants will become extinct in the next 30 years? That's my actuarial life expectancy, give or take. I wondered if it was likely that some day of my old age would know the profound embitterment of reading that the last cow had died in captivity, and that these would never walk the earth again.

What are some good interdisciplinary grad programs in the environmental sciences?

geneva uswazi — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 22:31:58 -0800

I want to develop a strong technical background in environmental issues, but don't want to leave the social sciences - my first passion and the thing in which I know I have actual talent - behind. What are some grad programs that will suit me? I am a semi-recent college graduate ('06) with a degree in cultural anthropology, and I've spent now going on 2 years working for a hurricane relief and community development nonprofit in the Gulf Coast. During that time, I've developed a strong interest in certain admittedly diverse environmental issues - wetlands ecology, water resources management, food sustainability, environmental justice - the common thread between them being that they all figure prominently in the work that is being done in my community.

I have also developed a fascination for the technical side of things, which I've never had before - I would love to have the know-how for making or evaluating concrete project plans (for example, green building initiatives or a small urban agriculture concern, or a coastal restoration project - I haven't decided which technical area appeals to me most just yet). At the same time, I'm not satisfied unless I have a chance to think about the social impacts, policy implications, and economic challenges of a particular project. My work has brought me into constant contact with situations where "the science and the social" have to be considered together, and I have become super-passionate about becoming the sort of person who is well versed in both dimensions. "Whole systems thinking," I've heard it called, and that sounds all right to me.

So now I'm searching for a graduate program that will allow me to develop that dual expertise. I'm looking for environmental science programs that tout their "interdisciplinarity," not fully knowing whether that's just an academic fad that will leave me not quite specialized enough to do anything at all, or whether the eco-careers world will think it as valuable as I do.

There are several things I could see myself doing with that kind of training - going into policy analysis, translating scientific research information for policymakers, or being a consultant for sustainable design projects (I'd especially love to work in a "developing" country context). I'm open to suggestions on this front as well.

Are there grad programs you all might recommend that you think would be a good fit for me? I'm pretty taken with the Earth Institute at Columbia and the Nelson Institute at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and am looking for others that come close to these in terms of the breadth of options/concentrations, integration of different departments, etc.

My sub-question, I guess, would be that I completely lack a natural science background. I haven't taken a science or math course since high school. Am I looking at a potential extra year (or more?) of remedial work in community college to increase my chances of getting into a program with any kind of natural science component at all?

Thanks for the help and for any related suggestions!

The best urban rehab projects

amusem — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:06:50 -0800

Seeking success stories of land decontamination and rehabilitation in urban areas. I'm having a hard time with my search. I'm not familiar with this field.

In other words : Fairly recent examples of industrial urban wastelands that have been reclaimed and transformed into lively neighborhoods, parks, campuses, etc.

Examples from the US or Europe if possible.

Thank you !

Going from not paying electricity to paying for it, and I am rusty on the details. How to save money on my brand new hydro bill?

JoannaC — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 18:03:58 -0800

Going from not paying electricity to paying for it, and I am rusty on the details. How to save money on my brand new hydro bill? Am very excited about my upcoming move! The apartment and the location are much better for me, but the rent is a little more expensive, and in addition, I am losing the gravy train of 'all-inclusive.' I have to pay for my own electricity. Water IS included, and heat is included too---giant radiators that they tell me will be TOO warm sometimes!

Appliance notes: No air conditioner or dishwasher, but I'll have two combination ceiling fan/light fixtures. I have already put in the smart bulbs. I am not sure how much energy the fan part uses, but I can turn it off and just use the light in the winter. I have a TV but will not be getting cable. I have a Macbook. I have a microwave and toaster oven. Laundry is int he basement and paid for per use via smart card (i.e. not part of my hydro bill).

Anyway, the super tells me the part of the bill I'll pay is $20-40 a month. I would like to keep it more on the $20 side, obviously. Aside from 'don't leave the light on and don't watch a lot of TV' what else can I do to keep my bill down? I am especially interested in any think outside the box ideas (less power to watch a DVD with the computer?) if you have any thoughts...

No more humans

wigglin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:27:59 -0800

What is the name of this environmentalist group which aims to rid the world of humans? The group's leader promises to never have children, as he views humans as being incompatible with a healthy environment. I don't think the group is particularly popular, but it did attract some news coverage a few years ago. I remember reading a critical article from the Economist, which I can't seem to find now as I've forgotten the name of the group. Thanks in advance!

Can't Take it Anymore! Where should we move?

SanctiCrucis05 — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:12:15 -0800

My fiancee and I currently live in Arlington, VA, a metro-stop outside of DC proper. We've been here four year,s and we can't stand it anymore. We'd like to relocate to a city that's hip, diverse, progressive, and most important, FRIENDLY! We need help. DC has a lot of great things going for it - abundant parks with running/biking trails, free museums, a decent public transportation system, and wonderful, wonderful food. Unfortunately, we've been stuck living in one of the most white-washed, overly yuppie areas of the city (for commuting and financial reasons) for our time here, and we can't really take it anymore. Our major problem with the area is that we just don't fit in - I'm a web developer, and my fiancee is a children's counselor, and DC is a city full of politicians, lawyers, and people who love to discuss politics and law. Beyond that, Arlington itself is a downright unfriendly place, with the 20 something set frequently showing a distrubing level of ignorance and xenophobia (a neighbor on our elevator mentioned, without irony, the "Muslim sandwiches" called "kabombs". I wish I were making that up).

We've decided that we're willing to take dramatic action to elicit change, and are planning on moving. Anywhere. Whether it's just moving over the bridge into DC proper, or moving across the country to Portland, we're open to suggestions. MeFi has always been helpful in the past, so we thought we'd ask here. This is what we're looking for:

1) Walkability. Right now we can walk to any number of restaurants, a bookstore, a Whole Foods, a gym, and pretty much whatever else. I would prefer never to drive again and walk / take public transportation everywhere. This is very high for us.

2) Good food. We're foodies, and love the restaurant scene here in DC - much of it is very unpretentious but exciting, delicious food.

3) Environmentalism. This goes with 1 and 2. My fiance is even considering a career switch to ecoliteracy / the sustainable food movement, since this issue is so important to her. Along the same line, progressiveness and diversity are important. I don't just mean racial diversity, but just a diversity of opinions, incomes, backgrounds, etc.

4) Friendliness. This might be impossible to ask for in the 21st century, but it's become so bad in Arlington that I feel like a jerk just smiling at someone in the street or saying hello to someone who lives in my building.

Just to give an idea, cities currently on our list include Brooklyn, Cambridge, Portland, and Austin, but as I said before, we're open to anything.

The new green thumb

drea — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 04:00:47 -0800

My friend wants to travel to a developed country where he can learn about green technology hands-on and bring it back to his home country. He is possibly referring to a blue collar job, installing solar panels, etc. This means he's starting small. Where does he start looking?

Desire Paths/Lines: the original translation and related concepts/terms

0bvious — Mon, 25 May 2009 10:37:04 -0800

Desire Paths / Lines: a term apparently coined by Gaston Bachelard in The Poetics of Space. What was the original French he used? and are there any other terms for the act and outcome of paths that emerge through routine, reflexion and the feedback of movement. What was Bachelard's original name for desire lines, in French?

Also, I am not just interested in desire lines as object/artefact, but the actual act of creating/adding to desire lines. Is there a different term for this? or a series of related terms? any terms from other areas/disciplines which pop into your head?

Some past ask.mefis that touch on this subject:

http://ask.metafilter.com/62599/Where-the-sidewalk-ends
http://ask.metafilter.com/45203/Too-lazy-to-take-a-hardright

I'd really love to read any notions/ideas you have regarding this concept. Thanks!

How far can corn pollen drift in the wind?

tnygard — Mon, 18 May 2009 09:28:27 -0800

How far can corn pollen drift in the wind? 1 mile? 10 miles? Hi all, I am doing some writing about the history and current practice of breeding corn and have a question about pollen drift. When the 19th century breeder James Reid developed Yellow Dent Corn, which is the norm today, he gave seed to his neighbors so as to prevent pollen contamination of his field. Today when farmers seed Genetically Modified Organisms, one of the main concerns environmentally is that the pollen from these will drift into the fields of neighbors. So my question is how far can corn pollen drift in the wind? 1 mile? 10 miles? More? Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

A Burning Question

greekphilosophy — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:39:00 -0800

I need a good collection of readings identifying major issues associated with energy production using biomass. Topic: Biomass use in energy production.
Goal: The formulation of an official policy concerning biomass energy for an environmental group.

You're an environmentalist and you have strong feelings about biomass, you want us to read [fill in the blank]. You are a developer or a corn farmer or an urban planner, and you want us to read [fill in the blank]. You are an indigenous person, and if the military junta in charge of your country allowed you access to literacy education, you would want us to read [fill in the blank].

Introductory readings are not necessary - this is for a crowd that is highly educated in environmental issues and already understands the basics of biomass. What we need are readings representing a variety of stakeholder interests. All publications are fair game - blogs, podcasts, articles, books, chapters, trade journals, haiku, medieval manuscripts. Extra points for anything having to do with urban waste management.

How to I construct and operate the most environmentally friendly wood burning pizza oven?

FearAndLoathingInLJ — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 23:23:44 -0800

How do I reconcile operating a wood burning pizza oven with environmental friendliness? I am as environmentally conscious as the next guy, likely more so, but to make pizza the Neapolitan way, one requires a wood burning oven. What steps can I take in the construction and operation of my oven to reduce the environmental impact?

I know there are carbon credits and things like that, but I'd prefer a reasonable solution that deals with the fuel or exhaust or trapping or something like that.

Social Media + Environmental Concerns?

GIMG — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 11:43:04 -0800

What are some social media sites that have an environmental tilt? I'm looking at both general social media sites that have sections with an environmental tilt (e.g. Facebook groups against climate change), but also social media sites specifically tailored toward environmental purposes (e.g. stepgreen.org).

Tell me a story about the outdoors

ajarbaday — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:57:32 -0800

What are your favorite layman's natural history books? I've read and enjoyed John McPhee's "Oranges", Pollan's "Botany of Desire", Armand Marie Leroi's "Mutants". I'm looking for other books that offer interesting narrative accounts with natural history as their theme. I would especially love to run into a good study of mushrooms (edible, not psychedelic).

I can browse through Amazon's recommended category, but I would love to hear some personal recommendations.

Fifteen years ago I heard that we had ten years to turn the world around or it would be too late. When can I stop caring about the Environment?

Sully — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 11:37:04 -0800

In high school, I remember a teacher who taped some news show and showed it to us in class and it said that we had like, ten years to turn the planet around or global warming and our First World lifestyle where ten percent of the planet caused fifty percent of the emissions or something would push us past the point of no return. Anyway, my question is, have we passed it yet? When can I stop caring about the Environment? Is the planet finally, mercifully irretrievable?

It seems like every five years I see something on the news where it says we have only ten years left. How is this different than a doomsday cult that keeps revising when the End of the World is when the day comes and they are still there?

I am ready to stop recycling and re-using and reducing. I want to stop resenting The Environment for making me feel guilty when I live like a First Worlder, when some paper makes it into the trash, when I order in a Thai combo in its styrofoam container, when I throw away a computer monitor.

When can I say, "It's too late for us. Global Warming is a reality and it's here and there's nothing we can do to stop it... What a relief." And live my life, without having to be conscious about the choices I make with respect to how it impacts the Environment?

I know this is not politically correct.

How to engage the public with environmental education?

Delfena — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 10:58:21 -0800

Does anyone have ideas/leads about effective environmental education and outreach programs? I work for a program that is trying to promote sustainable stormwater practices and watershed health. I am looking for new ideas about how to engage the public at outreach events. Specifically, I would like to find short activities that will be informative and interesting. I've found activities aimed at school children, but nothing for adults. Does anyone have experience in this, or know of websites that might be helpful? Thanks!

Where could I find a ranking of foods by their carbon footprint?

GIMG — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:28:49 -0800

Where could I find a ranking of foods by their carbon footprint? I remember hearing that cheese, fish, and tomatoes, even have a higher carbon footprint than chicken.

Does anyone know where I could get an extensive and reliable list of foods by carbon footprint?

Green Jobs? Events?

paris2000 — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 11:43:49 -0800

Looking for Events: So the stimulus package is getting out there. Does anyone know of any events (any where in the US) that are advocating for the money for green jobs? I want to get involved and am looking for some organizations to connect with that can help me get into green collar work. Any one have any connections, ideas or heard of anything? Are there any events to get the money to local businesses, communities for green jobs? Looking to get connected! I want to know how the recovery package can reach me at a local level and I can make something happen and get involved!

The Downside to Litter

mccarty.tim — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:40:57 -0800

My friend and I are having a bit of a debate: Is litter harmful for the environment, society, or other aspects, as I've been led to believe? Legality is not the issue. While eating out at a sandwich place with no indoor seating one night, my friend spilled sauce on his new coat, took a napkin to clean his coat, and angrily tossed the napkin out the car's window. I told him that he shouldn't litter, especially when there's a trash can 10 feet away. He then demanded that I explain why it matters if he, or society at large, littered. I was taken aback as I had never really thought out reasons for it, accepting it to just be a bad thing to do. Thinking hastily, I mentioned broken window theory, animals getting sick from the litter, and it generally making the community look worse. He said I was overstating the impact and/or the chances of each of those things happening, and said that life was too short to worry about litter and that none of his friends in his hometown cared either. To be fair, this was in a suburb of Trenton, NJ, and there aren't really any woods or too many animals nearby. Still, it just felt like he was doing something really wrong, and I was taken aback because he's a very strong democrat and usually is in favor of environmentalist policies. It struck me as at least a bit hypocritical.

Anyway, I decided to google if there were problems with littering, but I mostly found websites listing the legal penalties behind littering, or websites on kitty litter. What are the real, tangible downsides and consequences to littering? I'm not looking for an excuse to litter, as I find it no big deal to find a trash can and act accordingly. Nor am I expecting to find many personal consequences outside of shunning from strangers and tickets from police officers. Rather, I'd like evidence that litter is a serious problem for the environment. Information on urban and suburban littering would be most relevant, although I've seen it's particularly rampant out in the country.

Do I accept a Greenpeace Internship? But first, $4000 More Student Debt!

Risiko — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 19:58:50 -0800

I'm an Environmental Policy & Planning Major (3rd year). I've been applying to internships over the past weeks for Spring and Summer positions. Great news: I've already been accepted to Greenpeace's "Organizing Term" and I have two other positions I will soon hear a yes/no on for Spring. Bad News: The Greenpeace Organizing Term program will cost me $4000. The program itself is an intensive mix of activities, virtually on a full-time basis (for 2 months of summer, out of 3), including classroom trainings, expeditions to other states (as well as another country for meeting with other international activists), media trainings, and some readings. All of it is included with the cost (including flight/transport/food for a week). What to do? (More in the extended explanation): My Dilemma: I want to be a part of this program for several reasons. But the most salient ones are: (1) This seems like it would be excellent experience, whether I choose to go on a career of political advocacy or otherwise -- environmental consulting, or non-profit office-type work, or government agency type work, or what have you. I know that my public communication skills will undoubtedly improve through the program. By undertaking the program itself, it shows initiative and passion. The not only improves my skillset in a personal sense, but it enhances my job prospects post-graduation too. Moreoever, while only 15 people are accepted for the program each summer, "hundreds" (I'm told) have applied. Might there be a prestige factor that helps my future prospects? Keep in mind, I plan on relying on internships more than most because my GPA is relatively mediocre (I'm working hard to change that though) (2) But also importantly is that I know I'll learn a lot from the experience, and will therefore very likely enjoy it, in general. And, if I find that I don't like it, I will have learned something very useful about myself also, and plan for my future accordingly! (3) Frankly, I have a lot of passion for environmental protection, especially the more I've study it. My generation and even progressively more so, future generations, will have to work harder to protect what is here for us.

On the other hand, I don't want to be a part of the program for the following reason: I don't have the money. Nor do my parents. Trust me, I've pleaded. Moreover, I have almost nothing to my name (despite that I am a sprendthrift compared with most of my peers.) I've worked part-time for part of my college experience. My student debt scares me but my parents have pledged do cut it down dramatically from where it will stand, so I am hopeful. So they're doing all they reasonably can already. Nor can extended family help, as far as I'm aware, but I plan to find out anyway for certain, through 'fundraising' that Greenpeace suggests financially-strapped acceptees to undertake. I've never independently fundraised before, but it'll be a learning opportunity. I'm hoping to scrounge $500 (with wide error margins) that way. Maybe I could do more, who knows -- but my relatives are middle class, and they're getting hit like everybody is now. I can also work part-time from March-May, so that'll net me $1000 more. Beyond that, I've been looking for scholarships through my University and otherwise. The program doesn't qualify for what's available, and there isn't much available right now anyway (says my University Counselor). So there is a big gap. I'm still exploring options, but that leaves me at a shortfall.

So.

I thought some sager advice, over and above my parent's significant uneasiness about it, might be out there.

Which path do you suggest?