"For those who can't afford a Prius" panel offers conservation ideas

12/08/06Three environment-knowledgeable panelists told an Emerson symposium Friday that individuals can make a difference. "For those of us who can't afford a Prius: Everyday solutions to Climate change," was sponsored by Earth Emerson.

Beth Daley, the science and environment reporter for The Boston Globe said that we can reduce pollution from ten to 40 percent by changing the way we do things. She said her goal is to make people understand where they as individuals fit into climate change. She said it was difficult to change the behavior of the average person.

Daniel Glickman, a construction supervisor who specializes in green buildings, said that 50 percent of energy consumption comes from the construction and dismantling of buildings. He said that it is his job to take modern day building projects and make them as green as he can. He also said that Green houses end up saving a home owner money in the end.

Michele Goldsmith, Emerson's scientist in residence and professor of conservation and a primate specialist, talked about her work in Africa as a conservationist, and said that there are many misconceptions that people believe. She said that as students growing up with Green values "You should be an educated reader, and a critical thinker, and...don't always accept things as facts just because someone tells you."

The panelists agreed that when people do not see immediate results in their efforts they can be discouraged. The panelists also said scientists do not know exactly why the climate is changing and therefore cannot give a sure answer as to what to do, which may end up dissuading people to do their part.

The panelists discussed ways in which individuals can help save the environment by changing the way they do things in their everyday lives. They agreed, however, that many people are unsure of what they can do, which may discourage them from doing their part.

Some solutions the panelists offered were to bring a reusable mug when you get coffee, to avoid using plastic bags when at the grocery store, to reuse water bottles, and to recycle.

"I already do [follow these suggestions], my big thing is recycling.especially within my own suite, because where I'm from in Maine recycling is a big initiative in my town, and I just I grew up with it. So in my own suite when my roommates put plastic bottles in the trash, I'll slap them on the wrist and go recycle it," said Sam Clarke, a sophomore print journalism major.

Rael Ammon, a junior political communications major and an Earth Emerson leader said, "I think for the most part [the symposium] reinforced certain things that Emerson students already do, [like] the recycling over at Piano Row, or simple ways that we could conserve energy here at school and at home, so I think more so than highlighting new ways to be environmentally friendly, it's a way to reinforce what we already do.