Brief History of Recycling

The concept of recycling is hardly new; as a matter of fact there is recorded proof that Plato practiced it as far back as 400BC. Another sign of proof has been discovered by archaeologists who have been able to see how ancient dump sites register less waste during times when resources were known to be scarce: people were re-using what they had when they couldn’t get it new.

Prior to our own industrial age evidence has been found to support that scraps of bronze and other metals were collected throughout Europe to be melted down and used again. During those times in Britain ash and dust from coal and wood burning fires was collected to be “recycled down” by a group of men called the “dustmen” who used them as base material in the brick making trade. Some of the urgency for recycling during these times was that there was no public service that handled waste removal. By 1813 a process of making rags into “shoddy” wool was developed by Benjamin Law in Batley, Yorkshire.  The process involved taking the recycled fibers and combining them with virgin wool. This process was so successful that the West Yorkshire shoddy industry lasted until 1914.

As the Industrial Age moved on so did the demand for affordable materials. Scraps of ferrous metals were sought on every side since they were easier and cheaper to get than those made straight from the ore. During the 19th century as the railroads grew across the nation they both sold and purchased scrap metal. Also during this era the steel and automobile industries grew up and they too sought after scrap metals. Though scrap metal was a burgeoning recycling industry many other means of collecting and processing it grew into occupations.  Peddlers emerged by the thousands scouring dumps and the streets, some even going door-to-door searching for pots, pans, old machines, and any other cast-off forms of metal. While the First World War raged this occupation filled the streets as more and more of these peddlers took advantage of the market that paid to recycle old materials back into useful production.

Filed Under: Environmental Issues Tagged With: , ,

Natural Gas: An Oil Alternative?

Let’s face it: refined oil is on its way out as an energy source. It is difficult and expensive to produce, damages the environment when it is collected, when it is refined, and when it is used, and on top of all of that, it is located in politically charged areas of the world and is a non-renewable resource. But how can we replace refined oil? Electric cars are one idea, but how will we produce the electricity to run these cars?

Natural gas is highly touted by politicians and business leaders as a potential replacement for much of our current oil consumption. But is it all it is cracked up to be? First of all, natural gas is not a new fuel source. It has been used since the 19th century, and is currently in use all over the world. Natural gas is more dangerous than oil in some ways– it can build up in the air and ignite, for example. Additionally, some methods for extracting natural gas have come under close media scrutiny, like “fracking,” a technique which may have potential to damage underground supplies of water. Still, techniques for “mining” natural gas have improved over time, and it is a much cleaner, safer source of energy today than it once was.

But what about the cost? Natural gas is generally considered to be cheaper, depending on the application. Additionally, there are reservoirs of natural gas in the United States, as well as massive reservoirs throughout Russia, which is a leading producer.

The relatively low cost and plentiful supply make natural gas a tempting replacement for some of our current oil consumption. More and more, individuals, companies and nations (especially throughout Europe and Asia) are using more and more of this popular fuel source. How will this switch affect our environment? We’ll have to wait and see.

Filed Under: Energy Tagged With: , ,

The Business of Going Green

Have you ever wanted to start a business? Right now, one of the hottest sectors of the economy is the market for so-called “green” products. Many entrepreneurs are using their existing skill sets to create new businesses that take advantage of customer demand for environmentally conscious products and services.

Can green business really bring in the green? Consider this: some of these start up companies provide energy audits– that is, they review a customer’s existing consumption of energy and other resources and suggest ways to improve upon it. Savvy entrepreneurs from accounting or business backgrounds are taking advantage of their experience to start up this type of company which not only reduces the amount of energy being used, but can potentially save the customer a great deal of money. Because of this, the market for energy audits is rapidly expanding.

What about those of us with a background in construction, manufacturing or as a general contractor? There may be the greatest opportunity here. Those with experience in these fields can take advantage of consumer interest in “green” home and business products like solar panels, bio diesel, recycled products, and other “green” building materials. Many contractors and business owners have created niche products or services to appeal to this portion of the market for eco-conscious consumers.

Until recently, consumers might not have seen the fiscal value in going “green.” In fact, many consumers had, and may still have, the perception that “green” means “expensive.” However, there is a growing trend towards mainstream acceptance of “greener” products and services, indicating that a shift has taken place amongst the public. Could it be that consumers have equated saving money with saving the planet? It may be an overstatement, but consumers are certainly beginning to understand that businesses can now tread lightly on both the planet and their wallets.

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Is Natural Gas Mining Safe?

As the world becomes more and more conscious of environmental and ecological issues, alternative sources of energy become a more and more important topic of debate. But is there really a debate? Almost everyone agrees that alternatives to fossil fuels are necessary. After all, refined oil comes at a high environmental cost, creates foreign policy dilemmas, and is not a renewable resource. So what are our alternatives?

One increasingly popular source of alternative energy is natural gas. Like refined oil, natural gas is not renewable, but it can be used more cleanly than it’s energy cousin. There are several ways to “harvest” the “crop” of natural gas, but in the United States, one common method is mining using controlled underground explosions. This type of mining is referred to as “fracking.” Fracking has recently come under scrutiny, as several documentaries and media exposes have questioned its efficacy and environmental toll.

Spokespersons for the natural gas industry and government officials deny that it is dangerous or polluting the environment. However, there may be mounting evidence to the contrary. According to those interviewed by documentary film makers, fracking has the potential to damage the underground water supplies which we all rely on. Additionally, natural gas companies are accused of using “hard ball” tactics to acquire land which may be rich in natural gas resources.

But is fracking really deleterious to these water reservoirs? One particularly shocking claim is that the fracking has introduced dangerous chemicals (used in the explosives which are part of the process) into the water supply, actually making the water flammable. This claim is documented on video, with documentary film makers capturing water being lit on fire by lighting a match next to a tap.

In spite of this, the debate rages on– and as with any hot button issue, it is important to carefully consider natural gas mining from all viewpoints.

Filed Under: Mining Tagged With:

Going Green is Going Global

While it may seem like a fairly recent trend, the phenomenon of “going green” is becoming more and more widespread every day. Environmentalism began as a relatively small movement comprised of activists. Today, the concept of “going green” has moved well beyond this niche. Have you tried to make changes in your own life to become more “green?” Many of us wish that we could take the steps necessary to consume less resources and tread more lightly on the planet, but getting there can be
difficult.

Some experts suggest making small changes. There is a common misconception that we use the most energy and resources in transportation (cars). However, the home is one of the easiest places to begin “greening”, as it is actually the largest “energy hog” in most of our lives. Changing light bulbs to more efficient, new bulbs, purchasing “green” appliances (such as those with the Energy Star label), and simply using less energy at home are all simples steps in the right direction.

However, other “green” proponents take a more drastic route. Some cut out their cars, travelling instead by bus, bike or carpool. Others try to live “off the grid” by producing energy to power their homes by solar, wind or other energy sources. Living “off the grid” means not utilizing any energy from “the grid,” which is the system by which electricity reaches homes and businesses from a central source. This is especially important in parts of the world where energy is expensive, difficult to generate, or difficult to deliver due to poor infrastructure.

But whether we begin with simple steps or make major changes to our lives to “go green,” there is no doubt that the “green” movement has truly gone global.

Filed Under: Environmental Issues Tagged With:
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