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October 2011
Welcome to our new Eco-Corner. Each month we will share information in various formats about the latest trends in ecology and sustainable programs.
We have become aware that more and more people are wanting to reduce their carbon footprint due to the recent debate on global warming. As a result, there has been a increase of conscientious people working to minimize their negative effects on our environment. As this population grows, there has been a change in advertising to try and capture this market. It got us thinking. It has become so popular that it is now commonplace to see terms like ecological, sustainable, eco-friendly, organic, eco-chic ... but what does it all mean? Are they really what they say they are—or are they simply trying to attract more people? And should just anyone be able to toss around these "eco" terms to promote their businesses?
So, first let's clarify what it means when we say these "eco" terms by starting with some basic definitions. Eco comes from the word ecology. Ecology is the branch of science concerned with the relationships between organisms and their environment and the study of the detrimental effects of modern civilization on the environment, with a view toward their prevention or reversal through conservation. Ecological describes the practice, policy or product tending to benefit or cause minimal damage to the environment. Following the basic definitions, a business which is "eco" should be using methods to reduce its negative impact on its surrounding environment.
Let's look at the word sustainability: the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance. Ecological balance over the long term means for generations. That is the key, and often very difficult to evaluate and promote given the short-term mentality of many businesses.
Let's assume consumers are in the driver's seat. Businesses will advertise to make the buyer happy. Along this line if we can become more educated as consumers, then we can start holding businesses to a higher standard. Well, let's take some basic first steps in trying to do that, by looking at ways we can reduce our footprint. Then the next step would be to hold businesses accountable.
 1. Solar – Clearly we can prove that solar uses a cleaner source of energy with fewer detrimental effects than gasoline. Ask the "eco" hotel/restaurant, "Are you using solar?" And if so, how much solar—10%, 50%, 80% or 100%? One might question that if they have solar panels but only use them for 10% of their energy needs, are they meeting high-enough standards to be considered "eco?"
2. Wind – Wind energy is another clean source of energy. Again, the questions would be what percentage of a business's energy is coming from wind and are they optimizing the system by installing and maintaining it properly?
 3. Reducing, Recycling, Reusing – Examples are reducing water use by washing towels less or providing glasses for water instead of water bottles, recycling materials at a local recycling center, and reusing supplies like shampoo that are not used by refilling bottles or by installing large dispensers. Those small bottles we all have taken for granted are not an effective way of reducing.
4. Water – Is the business reclaiming water by retrofitting greywater systems to feed artificial wetlands and property gardens, collecting rain water to use later, and reducing water use in general?
 5. Bioplastics – It is important to eliminate the very harmful effects of plastic in the environment by using bioplastics which are made from 100% compostable products and also by reducing dependence on oil.
 6. Sealife Conservation – Responsible activities to reduce our negative impacts on turtle populations include turning off beach lights, removing lounges from the beach, and leaving important sand dunes ecology alone. Protection of all sea life includes serving only sustainable seafood.
If we start to break down what it means to be "eco," as consumers we can now make educated choices about what businesses we decide to support. If everyone starts to do this, businesses will have no choice but to follow the market. This is one way we can start changing the world for the better! Traveling, especially flying, leaves a large carbon footprint, so you can help offset it by following these steps.
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