Carbon Footprint

“Becoming carbon neutral is only the beginning. The climate problem will not be solved by one company reducing its emissions to zero, and it won't be solved by one government acting alone. The climate problem will not be solved without mass participation by the general public in countries around the globe.” - Rupert Murdoch

The question of what we as individuals will choose to make our carbon footprint, whether by ignorance or intention, on this earth is an important one. With increasing attention via media onto the impending crisis of excessive carbon emissions depleting our earth’s ozone layer and in turn causing our planet to warm, a far greater number of people are aware of the problem and are then left with a choice to make. And such a choice comes down to the issue of how concerned we are about the collective good of our fellow neighbors on this planet. What are we willing to sacrifice in terms of convenience and indulgence in order to lessen our carbon emission.

One such example can be the very cups we use to put our drinks in. Based upon resent research, a Styrofoam cups requires tremendously less energy, thus less carbon emissions, in order to be produced than a re-usable clay mugs. In fact, a mug must be used well over one thousand times to just break even with the carbon emissions produced from the manufacturing of a Styrofoam cup. As an individual now confronted with this truth, what would I do?

Well to begin with, I am striving to become increasingly aware and proactive in my efforts to lessen my carbon footprints on this earth. However, with regards to the issue of a Styrofoam vs. clay mug, I see the issue as having two sides. Though using a Styrofoam cup versus a clay one makes more sense, in terms of the effects on the atmosphere, as someone who has spent a great deal of time hiking and camping in the great outdoors, I value objects that are more readily biodegradable or even burnable. Materials such as Styrofoam are not biodegradable and when left at a campsite, as an example, with remain there for ages if not eaten by a wild animals- which would, of course, be harmful to the animal’s health. Also, when Styrofoam is burned, it releases noxious fumes.

Therefore, when addressing this issue, it’s important to take into account the context in which these two objects are being used. Though Styrofoam cups are better for the atmosphere, they can cause tremendous direct harm to animals and plants when left in nature. Therefore, carrying a clay mug or even paper cup when in nature is better. However, while at a social gathering, why not use Styrofoam cups and lessen, even in a small wall, the negative effects on the atmosphere of our earth.