Coffee Thursdays
Recycle, Reduce and Re-use: Philosophy 101
The era of escalating waste is of mankind's current enterprise, which leads to environmental peril and a danger of global warming poses a bleak future and imminent reality. How hard it is to do our part and lend a hand to save the environment rather how easy it is to watch this plight go through? We know the consequences of our actions and we nonchalantly observe from a distance how this earth is abused, neglected and damaged by man's innate selfishness. Why not turn around now and a better way to contribute to a greener world is by living an example in our very homes?
Recycling is not a new concept to us, yet we are too occupied with our menial ordeals that time is rather spent to keep our own. Reflected in Thomas Hobbes' theory of self preservation, man should be aware this effort should be done concertedly. Don't we aspire for a sweet sounding reverie of a unified cleaner society? Think Green! As recycling conserves energy, natural resources and minimizes landfill spaces, consequently we profit from our excess. Begin by organizing recycle bins into parts: paper products, aluminum, metals and glass, plastics and other waste materials. Old newspapers, card boards and cartons should go back directly to use and local recycling centers are pleased to buy them, also a self fulfillment of stacking a four foot paper is equivalent to saving a life of a grown tree. Furthermore, Aluminum cans and metals are valuable recycling products; just think how these soda and beer cans be transformed to essential things like wheelchairs that can uplift the quality of life of a handicapped. Interestingly, recycling one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for 3 hours. In addition, derelict electronics such as worn out printers and hardware can be passed on to people or community that can utilize these junks. Ultimately, these easy solutions provide a new direction with our role in giving back to the social order.
Reduce our negative energies and worries by altering our lifestyle. Gradual changes may cause initial stress but becomes a dramatic and rewarding experience. Abandon commercialism, and focus on what you need rather than your want. The ancient Greek Stoics and Cynics who interpreted man had to be free from material luxuries. By reducing our clutters in life and unsubstantial things not only improve our savings but change our perspective of a simple meaningful life. Moreover, we must reduce our carbon footprints; walk instead of a short drive to the store, eat organic and healthy meat and vegetables, avoid products that contain CFC and by doing so we are transforming a fine rendition of ourselves and doing a great deal to our surroundings. The English Philosopher John Locke once said: a sound mind in a sound body is a short but full description of a happy state in this world.
Reuse the plastic and cloth bags in the grocery or in our routinely trip to the market. It is a known fact that plastics do not break in landfills and takes hundreds of years to decompose. Also, curtail the use of these materials and advocate recycled products. If we are sending our waste to be recycled, but not looking for recycled content in the products that we buy, then, in theory, we are not completing a cycle, and are not truly recycling. More so, investing in rechargeable items is smart plan when using in flashlights, gadgets to digital cameras. In the long run it is cheaper and better for the environment.
As the Renaissance humanists behaved as if the whole world had been reawaken, there is no excuse of implementing these suggestions in our households and incorporating them to our lifestyle. For what purpose that it benefits us and the future generation? The answers remain positively endless. In the final analysis, it remains to be a matter of choice. Then if our choices in life define who we are, perhaps being green becomes an act of comforting contrivance of only paramount goodness.
Recycle, reduce and reuse reinforces the teachings of Socrates about the right insight leads to the right action. In this exigent world and polluted society we live in, man must return to the basic philosophy of living: "He who knows what is good will do good."
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