Sustainability Ethic

Mike McKirgan 12/10/08 SRS480-Schwarte Sustainability Ethic Admittedly, my knowledge regarding sustainability prior to enrolling in this senior seminar was limited to the very base fundamentals of the field. Even so, I possessed a rudimentary sustainability based on this knowledge. This primarily consisted of simple tasks such as turning off lights as I left the room or shutting the water flow off as I brushed my teeth. My ethic had a basic practical element because I possessed only the knowledge to generate basic ideological concepts. Throughout this seminar, I have discovered that sustainability is an expansive topic that covers a wide range of issues and fields. As my knowledge base has increased, my sustainability ethic has as well. Compared to merely three months ago, my opinions on the topic have become considerably more informed, validating my ethic beyond the level of most individuals. This paper chronicles the evolution of that ethic, breaking down the process by the various fields of sustainability discussed throughout the class. The class began by discussing a general overview of sustainability. An article by John Ferguson entitled, “The Expanses of Sustainability and the Limits of Privatarianism,” helped form my general understanding of sustainability, particularly the economic element. The author delineated the difference between a business centered, collective approach to approaching sustainability in contrast with the individual approach. Further, the author ultimately came to the conclusion that the individual method is the superior means of achieving sustainability economically. The author articulates and defends his case effectively, however I am of the conviction that an initiative of this magnitude requires the effort and cooperation of both entities. While I ultimately did not come to the same conclusion as the author, the article exposed me to a

divergent viewpoint while giving me theoretical knowledge about the economics of sustainability that I did not previously have. The class next discussed the sustainability of transportation. Throughout the unit, we chronicled our nation’s dependence on motor vehicles and the devastating impact that this has on our environment. One article, authored by Chris Lagan, entitled “Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Transportation,” progressed this notion father. The author continued to suggest that the solution to these problems must start with the government. He posited that it should be the government’s responsibility to regulate the automotive industry, as it will surely not regulate itself. This furthered my ethic and also built upon the author’s point from the previous article that the solution to sustainability concerns is expansive and must come from numerous sources. However, this proposed solution does arouse political concerns. Should the government have the authority to set production guidelines and requirements to corporations in a capitalist economic structure? Is this a gross misuse of governmental power? These are questions that I still have yet to develop answers to, but the journey towards these answers has certainly helped to shape my sustainability ethic. The class also devoted a great deal of time towards issues concerning sustainable architecture. I had not previously realized the impact that architecture could have on the overall issue of sustainability, as greenhouse gas emissions from buildings represent the largest amount of emissions from any segment. Several videos and readings helped to alter my perspective on the issue. One article in particular helped direct my sustainability ethic. Matthew Knight, in his article, “The Floating Ecopolis,” describes a radical conception by Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut called the Lillypad. This artificial habitat is intended to be a self sustaining, amphibious ecosystem capable of housing up to 50,000 individuals. While the premise of the

ecosystem itself may be infeasible, the notion behind its conception is the truly inspiring part. Regardless of whether or not this conception ever sees reality, it is the progressive element of the design that is notable. The architectural status quo must be changed in order to prevent further damage to the long term sustainability of our planet. In order for this to happen effectively, architects need new, radical ideas to replace conventional wisdom. This is not an unreasonable goal, as the status quo has been challenged and altered in this specific industry with the movement away from asbestos as the primary means of insulation after recognizing its harmful qualities (“What is Asbestos?”). Architects must understand that this crisis is even more pressing than the asbestos predicament and adopt an avant-garde attitude to the problem. The final major area we discussed in class critical to the development of my sustainability ethic is sustainable agriculture. Prior to this class, I did not concern myself with the origin of my food, nor the processes that were used in the cultivation, packaging and transportation of it. Several readings, as well as field trips to the Tomato Head and Liles’ Acres farms provided further knowledge about the issues at hand with sustainable agriculture. An article entitled, “The Battle for the Soul of the Organic Movement,” sheds light on the issue by discussing the economic element of sustainable agriculture. The article focuses on the proliferation of the organic food industry, noting the meteoric rise in organic food companies and profits over the past thirty years. This notion sheds light on an issue of organic food, but also on a more broad issue concerning sustainability, greenwashing. As sustainably conscious consumers, we must be aware of the concept of greenwashing and have the ability to see beyond the superfluities of environmentally driven advertising without environmentally friendly products. It is the responsibility of the individual consumer to research further and understand specifically which products are truly organic or sustainable and which are merely presented that way.

The enhanced knowledge base discussed thus far merely represents the ideological and theoretical portion of my sustainability ethic. It is one thing to be knowledge about something or believe in something; it is something else to act on it in one’s daily life. There must also be a practical element to any meaningful ethic. Where will this theoretical and ideological knowledge present itself in my daily life? In terms of sustainable transportation, the key is consciousness on the issue. Obviously, I do not personally have the cognitive ability nor the funding to individually develop alternative fuels or methods of transportation. There are alternative means of living sustainably without literally creating more sustainable fuels. Perhaps most importantly, support those companies that are actively seeking sustainable and alternative fuels by purchasing their products. Without an influx of funding, these companies cannot afford the research and development necessary to create these alternative fuels that will be necessary for the sustainability of our world. Further, it is critical to utilize the alternative fuels that are available today and attempt to limit exhaust from motor vehicles as much as possible. This includes purchasing hybrid vehicles, walking or biking wherever possible and using public transportations when available to reduce total emissions. Again, sustainable architecture seems like the type of field that would require one to be an architect in order to have any influence in the field. This, however, is again not the case. An individual without any training in architecture can increase the sustainability of his or her home. In my home, I plan to utilize sustainable appliances in order to cut down on energy costs. Of course, this is not enough. Many sustainable elements of residential buildings are instituted in the initial building process, making it difficult to implement them when moving into a previously owned home. This is not always the case, however. For example, sustainable vinyl and polymer siding can be installed after the home’s initial construction and can dramatically reduce carbon

dioxide emissions, eliminate the use of harmful paints and caulking and can be produced from recyclable materials (“Sustainability Begins at Home”). I can implement strategies such as these in order to fulfill the practical aspect of my sustainability ethic. Additionally, one should research the types of paints, caulks and chemicals used in the home in order to ensure that they do not contain harmful additives and toxins. These toxins can leak into the water flow and cause severe detrimental effects. Perhaps the easiest way to practically implement a sustainable ethic is in the realm of organic food. Despite the fact that it is often more expensive, it is essential to support the organic food industry. This is because constant support and an increase consumer base will drive the prices down and make it more affordable for people to eat sustainably. It is important to research all of the products one consumes, as many food products are advertised as environmentally friendly, but are not when reviewed further. One should analyze the packaging to see what types of certifications it has. Also, and perhaps more importantly, one should note the distance from which the product traveled. The easiest way to eat sustainably is by consuming local products, which cuts down on transportation costs and emissions. I plan to frequent local farmers markets in order to adhere to this principle. A sustainability ethic requires two key components. The first is a theoretical, knowledge based understanding of the major issues involved in sustainability. This seminar has set the foundation for this knowledge, providing a framework and essential information necessary to understanding sustainability. We must understand that this knowledge is nearly boundless, and we as students have not nearly dried the well in terms of knowledge regarding sustainability. In order to have a true sustainable ethic, one must be constantly researching and learning new ideas and perspectives concerning sustainability.

The second element of a sustainability ethic is the practical approach. This practical approach cannot precede the theoretical element. It is through this theoretical knowledge that an individual determines his or her place in the continuum of sustainability. It is key to note that it truly is a continuum; there is no standard that all can abide by. Rather, we must understand what our individual place is in the world of sustainability. I have outlined where I believe my place to be and the next several years will show my accuracy in predicting my place in solving the issue of sustainability. If each person were to conduct a sustainability ethic and determine his or her place in the continuum, the world would be on a much faster road to recovery.

Works Cited Ferguson, John R. "The Expanses of Sustainability and the Limits of Privatarianism." Canadian

Journal of Political Science. 30.2 (1997). pg. 285-306. Knight, Matthew. “The Floating Ecopolis.” CNN. 19 September 2008. Lagan, Chris. “Sustainable Cities, Sustainable Transportation.” 16 November 2008. “Sustainability Begins at Home.” CertainTeed. 9 December 2008. “The Battle for the Soul of the Organic Movement.” CNN. 3 October 2008. “What is Asbestos?” Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center. 9 December 2008.