In an average week, how many bags of garbage do you throw out? One, maybe two? Well, Annie Leonard, founder of “The Story of Stuff”, a website, book, and presentation series similar to Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” says that for every bag of garbage we throw out, 70 more are thrown out by industry. Seven-zero. 99% of things we buy are thrown out within half a year, and not only that, but things that we keep can also create a huge amount of garbage: one gold ring represents 20 TONS of mine waste. David Suzuki says it can be attributed to Moore’s Law, which, when simplified, basically says computing power doubles every two years. Says Suzuki: “When you start looking at the turnover because of Moore’s Law, there’s always a better one… and you’re lusting for more…. Growth has become the definition of progress.” Richard Zurawski, a prominent Nova Scotian environmentalist, reminds us that even if all private citizens in Bridgetown never emit any greenhouse gases again, industry such as that in Fort McMurray, Alberta will still emit more in a few weeks than we would in a lifetime. So, what is the answer? According to Suzuki, products should be forced to bear their “cradle-to-grave” cost to the environment. He mentions that batteries may cost $100, “Well, yes, if you’re going to throw them away, that’s what it should be.” To find out more on this topic, check out the November 20 issue of Computer World Canada or go to ucobserver.org and search “When green isn’t green enough.” To learn more about Annie Leonard or The Story of Stuff, check out http://www.storyofstuff.com/.

On another note, Pen Hadow, whom I have featured in previous Environmental Access’, is reporting his latest expedition – which was meant to test Arctic ice thickness – was unsuccessful because the ice was too thin.

Carsten MacLean is President of the BRHS Climate Change Committee and is involved in various other community organizations, including the BRHS School Advisory Committee and the Junior Achievement Company Valley Views.