Basics Of Carbon Offsetting

12/01/2010

Carbon offsetting deals with reducing the effects of greenhouse gas emissions by individuals or corporations caused either unknowingly or with awareness. In this system, you take measures to nullify whatever adverse effects your emissions have on the environment by stopping atmospheric pollution in some other place in the world. This way the total emissions across the globe will remain within prescribed limits, which will reduce the damage to the environment.

In theory, leading or participating in ecological campaigns in your locality, planting saplings in your backyard, or doing anything that will negate the harmful effects of CO2 and other toxic gases in the atmosphere, are good ways to practice carbon offsetting. Personal action is not always practical, and thus the carbon offset system was suggested, in which people who consider themselves guilty of polluting the environment can contribute money to an organization to compensate the damage done to the environment. Your money is then donated by the organization to companies running environmental projects.

Companies and governments play a lead role in carbon offsetting and under the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol, the developing countries are generally paid by the more advanced countries for keeping the total rate of emissions within prescribed limits.

Sceptics believe that carbon offset fails to rectify the problem of the ecological harm that an an organization is responsible for. In both carbon trading and carbon offsetting, you just make a monetary compensation for your harm done to the environment without actually preventing it.

However, the supporters of theses systems argue that monetary incentives in carbon trading are adequate to motivate firms to adopt greener methods of carrying on business. Likewise, in case of ordinary people, a system like carbon offset permits them to promote their eco friendly image and spread awareness about this issue. People have been inspired to opt for carbon offset as several public figures have endorsed and embraced it. The success of the system is reflected in its fast growth over the last few years and most people now acknowledge the immense potential that it holds.

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By Brandy Russel | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Building Eco Friendly New Homes

18/12/2009

The majority of scientists and other experts now agree that human activity is having a negative impact on the planet. Global warming, increased pollution, and our diminishing natural resources have resulted in an urgent need to change our lifestyles. One way of creating a more sustainable environment is by building eco friendly homes.

By building eco friendly new homes we are protecting our forests and reducing the amount of toxins and green house gases being released into the air. For instance, bamboo is becoming popular as a source of wood for building homes. Bamboo is durable and it grows quickly therefore we are replenishing forests quickly instead of depleting them. As well, it absorbs four times as much carbon dioxide as most trees.

Another method of obtaining wood is through harvesting wood from sustainable forests and from recycled wood. One should consider using “green” lumber certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Acquiring furniture made from eco-friendly methods is another way of protecting environment. There are many companies that recycle old furniture into beautiful products. As well, waste wood from lumber yards and wood from sustainable forests are also used to make eco-friendly furniture.

For concrete foundations, fly ash, the residue from coal-fired power plants, can be used to replace at least half the cement used to make concrete. Utilizing fly ash reduces the cost of concrete, and produces a superior quality product.

One main source of indoor pollution is carpeting and rugs. They are known for collecting toxins, dirt, dust, pet dander, pollen, and bacteria. Using an eco friendly carpet made from eco friendly materials helps reduce the amount of indoor harmful toxins in the home.

Other methods of making a home eco friendly include:

- Make sure windows are air tight to reduce energy consumption. – Use recycled and environmentally friendly insulation that do not contain any chemicals. Baled straw is a good choice. – Bricks can be recycled and reused with very little processing and energy consumption. – Concrete countertops made from recycled newspaper and fly ash – Paint walls with an eco-friendly paint. – Use energy efficient light bulbs. – Install ventilation systems to remove dust, dirt, and toxins that are in the air. – There are a host of energy efficient appliances on the market such as refrigerators, washers, water heaters, etc. – Install cabinets that do not contain any toxic substances – Install fans in the bathroom to remove moisture and install exhaust fans over the stove to remove gases. – For flooring, use either cork, bamboo, hardwood from certified sustainable forests, or biodegradable linoleum. – Install low flow shower heads and water conserving toilets.

According to the Worldwatch Institute, an independent organization that evaluates serious global issues, “one-fourth of the world’s wood and one-sixth of its fresh water are used in building construction”. More companies are now responding to consumers’ demands for an eco friendly lifestyle. Because there are now such a wide range of earth friendly materials available, building an eco friendly home is one way we can reduce our carbon footprint.

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By Adriana Noton | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

The Sustainable Water Crisis

02/12/2009

The definition of Sustainability is the ability to management of resources. The Green meaning of green is comparatively about health issues within any facility. Even though these environmental issues are closely related, they are obviously distinct segments of the environmental problem. When the public thinks of sustainable issues, they usually think of oil, gas, coal, or other commodities. There is growing concerns that water (drinkable water) will become the next world crisis issue. Even the present mania about climate change could be overlooked by a more devastating and practical problem such as the supply of water which is now becoming a scarce resource. Researchers say that there is 1.1 billion people in the world that don’t have access to clean water. Something that a lot of us take for granted.

The world has a renewable but limited supply of water. The latent problem is that world population is still growing to new and alarming rates. As the chart herein shows that global water demand will grow 40 percent from the present 4.5 billion m3 to 6,900 billion m3 by 2030. Since the world population is expected to quickly exceed 7 billion people and then reach 9 billion people by 2025, some areas will exceed water supply by 50%.

This is a worldwide urgent problem that has impact on many areas of world market. Such as India, China, South Africa and Brazil which account for about 40 percent of the world’s population. The global water problem includes competition for scarce water from multiple uses within a river basin, urbanization, sustainable growth in arid and semi-arid regions, and the relationship between water and energy. This is a world problem that will certainly impact the majority of countries in the world. Those countries also represent 30 percent of the global GDP as well as 43 percent of projected water demand in 2030. Water supply also directly affects agricultural concerns for feed, food, fiber and bio-energy as a key demand driver for water

The solutions for meeting this anticipated water solution are speculated to cost $40 to $60 billion in spending to close the gap on this pending issue. Once again, we see the impact of environmental problems have financial impact on already trouble economies. The financial impact will not be pure localized. World crisis issues will put a premium on commodities that we all use. Note how cheap oil was years ago, and how supply and demand drives up the cost of commodities for everyone.

The strain on natural resources brings us to the issue of sustainability. The present application of sustainable practices is most often shallow and weak. Mainly because businesses and people in general don’t know where to start when it comes to a sustainable program. We have seen it many times before when a business decides to “Going Green” or applying sustainable practices, the full application of a sustainability plan is too often trivial and weak. Greenwashing is a common practice for almost every business since there is no way to accurately measure environmentally credible sustainable progress.

There is a program that stands out from all other Green programs, which offers a standard of performance that is comprehensive and nationally recognized authority. The Green Business league differs from all the Green certification imposter websites offering a Green certification for a fee and a simple self-assessing application. The Green Business League makes it a requirement for all businesses to attain a 100 point system that credits points for a wide variety of Green Practices. To validate these Green Practices on a regular basis the Green Business League does an annual audit of a Certified Green Consultant.

Water management is part of a proper Sustainability plan that can be designed by a trained Sustainability Officer or a Certified Green Consultant. President Obama recently signed Executive Order-514 that requires a Sustainability officer for every government agency who is required to prepare a comprehensive sustainability plan. It is important that self-proclaimed Green businesses step up to the commitment of the hour and train a Certified Sustainability Officer or hire a Certified Green Consultant. These professionals are able to prepare a sustainability plan that will also allow the company to achieve a Green Business Certification that can be respected by the public and contribute the real problems of our lifetime.

To have Green Business there must be a proven, trust worthy, and valid certification. There is large number of companies that are doing greenwashing, green hype, and green lies programs, but Green businesses must be avoid. Green businesses can do this by being varified through Green Business League, which is a nationally renowned authority. Remember, Green businesses are earned not buy.

categories: Green,Business,Company,Environmental,Eco-Friendly,Green Business,Green Company,Water Conservation,Water Efficiency,Sustainability,Water Crisis,Green Certification,Green Certified,Green Business League

By R. Michael Richmond | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Advantages Of Carbon Credits

17/11/2009

The Kyoto Protocol mandates that signatory countries should be on the forefront when it comes to taking measures to lower emissions of greenhouse gases. Carbon offset and carbon trading are the two ways to reduce emissions, as was suggested by the protocol.

Certain financial instruments known as carbon credits are sold and bought in markets worldwide in the carbon trading method. One ton of carbon dioxide or a similar amount of other greenhouse gases can be released into the air by a person who buys one carbon credit. There are many benefits of making use of carbon credits to deal with the problem of global warming.

The carbon credits concept immensely aids in putting a limit on the uncontrolled release of greenhouse gases across the globe. Reward for organizations that do not pollute the environment and fines for those who do is what this system is all about. Therefore businesses and governments are motivated to opt for ecological methods to ensure that unabated emissions of greenhouse gases don’t take place.

As carbon credits are openly traded in the market, they make it very easy for companies to follow the system. The procedures of the system are uncomplicated enough which makes this system a favourite among businesses and ensures its success.

More than the penalty awarded to erring firms, the rewards and recognition given to green firms is what makes this system so well-known and exclusive. This means that organizations with restricted emissions will devise ways and means to further reduce emissions so that they can sell more carbon credits in the international market and thereby increase their profits. Hence, this system contributes to a less polluted and greener environment.

A majority of countries across the world have welcomed and embraced the system of carbon credits trading, and this is perhaps its most important benefit. Many noble methods don’t end up being successful as a result of poor acceptance from people. As carbon credits have received global acceptance, they can go a long way to make sure that our environment is made pollution free.

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By Emerry Khan | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Carbon Trading

17/11/2009

Considering the growing concern about global warming and greater carbon emissions into the air, national administrations and other organizations are trying to find viable alternatives to lower pollution. Among several strategies for resolving this problem, carbon trading and carbon offset have been highly successful.

Carbon trading deals with organizations purchasing carbon credits from the market. These credits decide the quantity of greenhouse gases that companies can emit above their allotted quota without paying a fine.

Carbon trading encourages companies to check their emission levels by providing economic rewards for doing so. The aim is to make companies realize that the cost of carbon credits is much higher than the expenditure on opting for environment friendly ways of doing business. If a firm is made to pay for releasing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere then it will try to embrace ways that are less polluting if it desires to stay competitive. As a greater number of businesses adhere to this system, with the passage of time the total emissions around the world will decline gradually, having a positive change in the environment.

One more benefit of the carbon trading method is its free market system that permits any company to buy carbon credits or place them for sale. As a result of non intrusion from the governments such as imposition of fines or making regional laws, this method is more successful.

The greatest disadvantage of carbon trading is lack of a comprehensive and structured global framework for its trade. As most of the trading happens in the international markets, it is difficult for some regional businesses to follow this system.

Some businesses are disinclined to adopt this system, as they do not want to make expenditure that cannot be passed on to their products’ end buyers. In addition, it is very tough for small companies to get the advanced machinery or devise new ways to lower the levels of greenhouse gases released by them. Therefore, they are caught in a situation that makes them incur the costs of carbon credits continuously and thus they lose out in the race against bigger organizations.

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By Demy Oswald | Posted in environmental | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Why Are Ethical Policies Essential For An Organization?

08/11/2009

Everything has to be carried out, following some rules and regulations, in an organization. These rules and regulations help in making sure that all those who are employed work in an organized and co-ordinated manner, in order to reach the goals of the organization. Every organization has exclusive rules and regulations, which have to be followed by all its members.

But, these rules and regulations, known as policies, are not only restricted to the co-ordination of employees. Actually, rules and regulations for the code of conduct of the employees with each other, their customers and the outsiders also exist.

With the impossibility to survive having only one person, an organization needs other members to make joint efforts in order to achieve its goals. These organization members have to communicate with one another and the outside world; therefore, appropriate rules and regulations have to be developed, so that members can learn how to interact among themselves and with outsiders, by consulting these guidelines.

Ethical policy is the name given to these rules and regulations, which are used to govern the behaviour and interaction of members of an organization with the outside world and amongst them. Ethical policy is necessary for every organization as without this policy, there is no fixed outline for the behaviour of the members, and each individual will act on his own accord and thus, create a communicational disharmony in the organization.

In case of an organization carrying out the business of investment financing, handling hundreds of customers every day, an adequate ethical policy is required to monitor the behaviour of the employees with the customers; it also governs the activities of the company in reference to its customers.

The ethical policy has a direct impact on the investment of the customers in the company, as the objective of a company with a limited ethical policy is to have its employees deal with customers in such a way so as to influence them via their services; thus, the consequence is more customers and obviously, more investment.

According to the ethical policy, the actions of the company and operations are decided upon. If a company has an ethical policy that implies that customers will be their first priority, with the organization not allowing operations violating basic rights of their customers to occur, the company will definitely be more successful than a company having a weak ethical policy. An example would be: the ethical policy of an investment company would decide if the company would appropriately utilise the money invested. Moreover, the use of the money and its safety with the organization is referred to by the ethical policy.

Therefore, an ethical policy is necessary to ensure smooth operation of an organization and its acceptance and goodwill among its customers. A company with a weak ethical policy, which is easily violated, will not be able to secure such a position in the market that can ensure its success and progress.

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By Sarah J Jones | Posted in ethical | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)