Tai chi is the art of attuning to the way of things,
of using with instead of against.
Timing is crucial. Instead of struggling against things,
Tai chi finds the opportune opening into the within of them.
People who are not skilled in the art of learning,
who experience seeking as frustration,
asking as humiliation and yielding as defeat,
battle endlessly with the ordinary.
They are victims of themselves.
(Ray Grigg)
Harm or harmony?
Historically, science and commerce have plundered the
planet, damaged the eco system and cared nothing for the consequences.
Technology does not have to harm our
world.
It can work in harmony with the environment.
It is simply a question of intent.
Green technology
'Green technology' is about the management of resources and curbing the
negative impact of humanity upon the environment.
It addresses
sustainable development, and the importance
of finding solutions that are environmentally friendly, economically sound
and socially acceptable.
Renewable energy and
recycling are major issues.
Compassionate technology
In recent years there has been a move towards more economical, compassionate
technology - hybrid cars, biodegradable plastics, detergents, washing liquids
and fabric softeners.
People are increasingly aware of how harmful technology can be. They are
seeking alternatives.
Alternative energy
There are many energy-producing options available to humanity:
Fossil fuels
Nuclear
Hydroelectric
Wind
Wave
Biomass
Hydrogen
Geothermal
Tidal
Solar
They all have pros and cons.
Some forms of energy production have serious environmental consequences.
Others are more agreeable but potentially impractical due to the
availability of climactic requirements e.g. waves.
Innovation
Innovation is the key to eco technology. New options must be found, new ways
of thinking, new ways of doing.
The potential for viable technological solutions is immense:
Green building
- improved use of products
- more considerate location
- energy efficiency
Green science
- the application of knowledge for practical purposes
- the invention, design and application of new chemical products and
processes
- aim to reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances
- biologically considerate alternatives
Source reduction
- reducing waste and pollution by changing patterns of production and
consumption
Viability
- creating a centre of economic activity around eco technologies and
products
- seek solutions that benefit the environment
- speed their implementation
- create new careers that address the planetary ecology
Environmentally preferred purchasing
- only buying products whose contents are
ecologically sound
- seeking out methods of production which have the smallest possible
environmental impact
Appeal
The success of ecological technology rests upon its ability to appeal to
people.
If no one is interested, then it will flounder.
Not everyone is persuaded by compassion or eco sensibilities.
Many people are led by commerce and fashion - they follow trends and the
media.
For eco technology to take off properly, it needs to offer innovative
solutions that appeal to the general public.
Financial
The first concern is financial. People are usually interested in saving
money.
If new technologies offer a tangible financial reward, then it is far easier
to persuade people to invest in it.
Social
People do not like to 'stand out', unless doing so is widely perceived as
being a good thing.
Ecological solutions are unlikely to garner much public interest if the use
of the technology attracts adverse attention.
Environmental
If the implementation of eco technology produces a marked change in people's
quality of life, then they will be interested in it.
Substantive changes are necessary. Things people can see, feel and
experience.
Concepts and compassionate ideologies are too abstract for many people.
They have no interest in global consequences or environmental issues.
Media
If the media promotes the positive benefits of being ecologically-minded,
then people will take a greater interest in the subject.
Scare stories concerning global warming are too clichéd to be
effective anymore.
A more simple strategy should be adopted - outlining clear financial
benefits, and then elaborating upon the overall environmental impact.
Links
Here are some eco technology links:
http://www.eco-web.com
http://www.greenprogress.com
http://www.cleanergytalk.com
Page created 5 April 2000