Hope 9/2

As part of the Post-Modernism discussion in class, we listed and explained how certain moments in time helped to define and signify a change in thought. For example, we discussed the “May 68” uprisings in France and the change from conservative to liberal thinking. Another example of an important shift in thought that is currently occurring is the “Green Revolution”. The “Green Revolution” comes in response to the previous destructive thought and complete disregard for the environment.

A monumental moment for the “Green Revolution” came with the release of Al Gore’s An Inconvenient Truth. The film popularized the concept of how we are destroying our environment and inspired people to physically react and change their lifestyles. Although the process is extremely slow, and most of the larger problems associated with global warming and pollution have yet to be solved, there are small examples of thought change and reaction everywhere.

One constant reinvention dramatically changed by “GR” is that of transportation. Car companies are switching from trying to create the largest “gas guzzling” SUVs (ala Hummer, Escalade, etc.) to competing for the most efficient gas mileage (smart cars, hybrids, etc.) on their vehicles. Electric and solar vehicles are being researched, as are more efficient air plane engines.

Statistically, only one bottled water out of ten is recycled (Chan, 1). Noting this, many cities, including Seattle and San Francisco, are banning bottled water from city institutions and city-sponsored events. Reportedly, the city of Seattle will save as much as fifty-eight thousand dollars a year- which means this environmentally friendly action is also fiscally responsible (Chan, 1).

Even at Rollins, eco-friendliness is becoming more and more accepted and encouraged. In the campus center, the plastic cups for drinks are now made out of one hundred percent recyclable corn. Around campus, all of the dorms and most of the buildings have recycling bins located adjacent to the trash cans for extra convenience.

References

“City of Seattle Won’t Buy Bottled Water.” Chan, Sharon. The Seattle Times. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004280866_webwater13m.html