Josh_7_I
This post builds upon the post by JJ below:
I agree that environmentalists, Al Gore in particular, paint a pretty dismal picture of the future. I also agree that they should try a different approach. Former Sierra Club president, Adam Werbach, recently teamed up with Wal-Mart because he felt his environmentalist peers weren't getting anything done. The outcome of his relationship with Wal-Mart is a broad reaching plan for the transition of the mega-chain, from mega-wasteful to mega-green. The plan he helped foster will have a global impact when completed. The grumbling of his peers fosters little to speak of.
JJ mentioned spinning the positives, instead of the negatives. I have to agree with him. [This is where I start trying to tie this into Chapter 7.] Businesses are just beginning to realize that being green can make them money. This positive has encouraged many businesses to make an effort. The more this positive is promoted, the greater the effect will be.
As storytellers, we have to keep in mind that our first attempts might not always be successful. Given the near certainty of the arrival of such a situation it is also good to keep in mind the possibility of trying a different approach. If you started out with the negatives, try the positives.
JJ also mentioned responsibility in his post and ultimately that's what a lot of things in life come down to. Sustainability could just as easily be called responsibility. Architects have a responsibility to create efficient buildings. Storytellers have a responsibility to disseminate vital information. We all have a responsibility to the future of our planet.
[Here's where I really start to drive the point home.] In Chapter 7, Simmons talks a lot about persuasion, but she doesn't say much about responsibility. Simply being able to persuade someone isn't the point. The reason behind the persuasion and the responsibility of the storyteller should be the point.
P.S. Anyone interseted in the inadequacy of the LEED standards that JJ alludes to and the Letterman building flaunts can click here.
Labels: Joshua
posted by Joshua @ 10:16 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
I don't know that it has happened yet, but from what I understand the Letterman Building hasn't been certified yet. BSU has applied for LEED certification.
The effort seems to be there.
I heard last week that Wal Mart is selling it's own brand of compact flourescent light bulbs. It will be cheaper so more people will be able to use them. Of course Wal Mart profits when they sell more of anything too!
I just read this and thought it might be related to our discussion.
Wal-Mart will track some suppliers' energy efficiency
Unrelenting in its quest for eco-domination, Wal-Mart has announced a plan to keep tabs on some suppliers' energy efficiency. Through a partnership with the Carbon Disclosure Project, Wal-Mart will request emissions data from about 30 companies that collectively supply DVDs, toothpaste, soap, milk, beer, vacuum cleaners, and soft drinks. (Sure they're all commonly used, but -- random, anyone?) The project is very much a wee first step, as Wal-Mart has about 68,000 suppliers; the company has not yet determined whether it will use the information gleaned to actually demand that suppliers reduce emissions.
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