In Box 15.1 the authors of the text report on Connie Bullis's work in environmental communication. Bullis argues, "our greatest challenge maybe to change our personal choices while also looking to innovative organizational approaches" in addressing environmental issues. So cycling to the grocery store instead of driving, not buying products with excess packaging, and raking up the leaves in the yard rather than using a leaf blower.
Going green at the organization can prove challenging. When I was acting chair this past spring and summer, I decided the department would no longer buy water in 16 or 20 ounce containers. We already had a water cooler in the copy room (old pipes in HGH make the tap water suspect), so I ordered one for the COMM Lab as well (old pipes an issue in the Clark Building as well). Then I set about trying to find a "green" reusable water bottle that the department would purchase and sell at cost to students, faculty, and staff (with the department's new tagline stamped on it). First I thought we could use bottles made out of recycled plastics. But there were concerns about chemicals leaching into the water. Then I checked out the popular naglene bottles, but similar issues with those. I finally settled on a stainless steel bottle. More expensive, but no leaching issues. Now I'm trying to find out if it's made in the U.S. (lower carbon footprint).
Of greatest concern in Bullis's comments is the symbolism associated with going green. It's become the "in thing" to do, so companies use language associated with sound environmental practices but may not actually be implementing such practices at all. "Green" is used because it sells, not because the organization is concerned about the Earth's future. I found when searching for water bottles that "eco-friendly" and similar terms were associated with products that didn't seem to be good for the environment at all.
~ Professor Cyborg
Managers as Friends?
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I believe title already sounds pretty weird but I would still like to
provoke this idea. Have you ever become friends with your manager? Does it
really w...
15 years ago
1 comment:
I found the report (Bullis, Box 15.1) regarding what corporations will do about products, “…corporations are merely creating the products that consumers demand” quite logical. I believe there seems to be a cycle to the life of new trends. They mention the trend in the interest for SUV’s and how popular they became and how families were buying them (myself included). Today, I do not see myself purchasing any vehicle unless it has some: alternative fuel; hybrid combination; or powered by other means, attached to it. The price of fuel, and the idea of being dependent on foreign oil, has left a bad taste in my mouth.
I know that business has let the innovations for alternative fuels or other energy sources die on the vine of future progress. But business is seeing new Green opportunities to make money. My high school teenagers are very environmentally aware; conserve when they can; and call us on wastefulness around the house.
Recently, I went out to place my garbage cans out for pick-up and as I pulled open the lid for the black can I noticed it was empty. I called the family out to show them what we had done. My son was beaming, as he took responsibility for showing us the way to reducing waste in our home. I was amazed.
No we try and live in a Green shade: we bring our own bags to the grocery stores; I ride my bike to the local store; we decline a bag from a store if they ask. Going green will take some getting used to, but so far it seems to be making us feel better. Now where did I put that brochure on solar panels for my roof?
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