Environment: I am part of it

In our society perpetuates a vision that sharply separates the human being of the environment. This is a convenient vision that makes us mere observers and takes away the possibility of co-creation, exempting us from responsibility. Most of the times we look at nature with romanticism, enjoying its beauty and quality, but at the same time we do not feel responsible, owned or dependent on it. We are able to enjoy all their attributes often without questioning how it affects them.

In general this behavior is by influences and behaviors acquired throughout our history, but at the same time it can also be gradually deconstructed through new attitudes and perspectives that are created in relation to what surrounds us, and with respect to our life.

Initially we visualize this development through the expansion of our consciousness, fostered by questions and reflections, which favor new understandings. And this expansion is rich in so many ways, from mental to those that make us feel physically present in the here and now.

In this sense, we can still glimpse what some call the "Environmental Awareness", which beyond to make us feel part of a greater whole, we give broader answers and critiques to behaviors and attitudes in our daily lives, for example, act of throwing trash in the street. This attitude goes beyond the simple mechanical act of kneading something and throw in the trash. When we are "Environmental Awareness", we can answer ourselves, consciously, why not throwing trash in the street and why I should keep this conduct. It goes beyond simple "responsibility" because it's time to feel part of it and feel the real desire to be part of a cause or take care of something that actually is vital!

Finally, we need to understand that in addition to worrying about the environment and mitigate the damage already done, we must understand that, in fact, we are part and also an extension of it and with greater responsibility, because we are aware. We must stop being just mere spectators eager for consumption and be active and conscious agents in our daily lives.

 

 

Anna Karolina (Translation: Fernanda Romero)

Image: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_J945IbjWR8M-lDLJEgPJrVajlgT4VFwgTjwPh02Xt1KaL1OfcynRxBCY3_4GTvzPs6Z7PXZ6c8CWGVPkiVWlp0BDb6fctF14mo2en5D6l_3NSYwZoPWc_WdpY-ANrwxvDUaa55njwI-/s1600/tumblr_lf2cmj6EUv1qe5o7vo1_500_large.jpg

 

MEIO AMBIENTE: EU FAÇO PARTE!

Em nossa sociedade perpetua-se uma visão que separa drasticamente o ser humano do meio ambiente. Esta é uma visão cômoda que nos transforma em meros observadores e nos tira a possibilidade da co-criação, nos isentando da responsabilidade.  Na maioria das vezes olhamos a natureza com romantismo, apreciando sua beleza e qualidade, porém ao mesmo tempo que não nos sentimos responsáveis, pertencentes ou dependentes desse meio. Somos capazes de usufruir de todos seus atributos sem muitas vezes se questionar o quanto isso os afeta.

De uma maneira geral esse comportamento se dá por influencias e comportamentos adquiridos ao longo da nossa trajetória, mas ao mesmo tempo também pode ser gradualmente desconstruído por meio de novas posturas e perspectivas que se criam em relação ao que nos rodeia, bem como com relação à nossa vida.

Inicialmente podemos visualizar esse desenvolvimento por meio da expansão da nossa consciência, propiciado por questionamentos e reflexões, os quais favorecem novas compreensões. E essa expansão é rica em tantos sentidos, desde mental até aqueles que nos faz sentir presente fisicamente, no aqui e agora.

Nesse sentido, podemos ainda vislumbrar o que alguns chamam de “Consciência Ambiental”, que além de nos fazer sentir parte de um todo maior, nós dá respostas mais amplas e críticas para comportamentos e atitudes em nosso dia a dia, como por exemplo, o ato de não jogar lixo na rua. Essa atitude vai além do simples ato mecânico de amassar algo e mirar no lixo. Quando temos “Consciência Ambiental”, somos capazes responder a nós mesmos, de forma consciente, o motivo de não jogar lixo na rua e porque eu devo manter essa conduta. Vai além da simples “responsabilidade”, pois está na hora de nos sentirmos parte e com isso sentirmos o real de desejo fazer parte de uma causa ou cuidar de algo, que na verdade, nos é vital!

Por fim, precisamos compreender que além de nos preocupar com o meio ambiente e mitigar os danos já causados, precisamos compreender que, na verdade, somos parte e também uma extensão dele e com uma responsabilidade maior, pois temos consciência. Devemos deixar de sermos somente meros expectadores ávidos pelo consumo e passarmos a ser agentes atuantes e conscientes em nosso dia a dia.

Anna

Fonte da Imagem:

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_J945IbjWR8M-lDLJEgPJrVajlgT4VFwgTjwPh02Xt1KaL1OfcynRxBCY3_4GTvzPs6Z7PXZ6c8CWGVPkiVWlp0BDb6fctF14mo2en5D6l_3NSYwZoPWc_WdpY-ANrwxvDUaa55njwI-/s1600/tumblr_lf2cmj6EUv1qe5o7vo1

_500_large.jpg

Should I turn on, turn off or switch it?

         At one point in my life my parents decided to replace all the lamps in the house, we would use , fluorescent, instead of incandescent, they said these are more economical. But all this change was not enough to save, and they always told me- Dani, when leaving a room, turn off the light !! So that's how I've always done. But I found that this may not be the best way to save.
         The incandescent light bulb, the one created by Thomas Edison in 1870 and used until the today, is definitely coming to an end as it has by the end of 2016 to be off the shelves. It is not at all economical because most of the energy produced is "lost" as heat and not transformed into light energy, as is the goal. Thus, fluorescent lamps are an alternative to economy since they have longer life and especially greater luminous efficiency.
          However, fluorescent lamps, also called compact fluorescent or electronic, require a large initial peak power, so it does not become so advantageous to connect them and turn them all the time. Furthermore, the less they are turned off, the greater the durability of the product.
          But, leaving the lights on will be the solution to economy ?? Well, the use must be always conscious. If there is no need to turn on the lights, we can avoid this expense. But if it is really necessary to turn on, we have to think a little before you turn it off, to prevent it from being connected and then spend more energy for nothing.
          So comparing the incandescent bulb with fluorescent, the second shows more advantages but has a negative environmental aspect. It consists of mercury, a heavy metal that causes damage to the environment, so it should not be discarded in the trash. In this sense, the National Policy on Solid Waste, in says the product vendor is responsible for "design and implement a reverse logistics system," that is, the supplier shall indicate disposal stations and collection of this material for it has an appropriate order.
          But anyone who thinks this story replacement end, it is a huge mistake. Considering the economy and the reduction of environmental impacts, we have the lamp LED (Light Emitting Diode) which means they work with diode emitting light. They have higher efficiency and longer service life compared to fluorescent lamps, according Cervi 2005. Therefore, the LED lamps one day dominate, meanwhile, in Brazil, we are still living in the era of the replacement of incandescent fluorescent, as happened at home.

Daniele Bispo (translation: Fernanda Romero)

Bibliographical References:

(Inmetro) http://www.inmetro.gov.br/noticias/verNoticia.asp?seq_noticia=3598 (Repórter Eco- TV Cultura)

http://tvcultura.cmais.com.br/reportereco/programas/reporter-eco-11-05-2014 (Artigo)

http://www3.fsa.br/localuser/energia/QEE%20E%20TECNOLOGIAS%20DE%20USO%20FINAL/ARQ_6.pdf (Política Nacional de Resíduos sólidos)

http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2007-2010/2010/lei/l12305.htm (Proteste- Associação de Consumidores)

http://www.proteste.org.br/casa/nc/noticia/lampadas-pouco-duraveis-e-de-baixa-qualidade

http://meninadenegocios.com/2014/02/21/com-que-lampada-eu-vou/

http://www.blogdrveit.com.br/lampadas-incandescentes-fluorescentes-e-led/

Planned obsolescence

The planned obsolescence is a strategy in which the products are scheduled to have a shorter life than the current technology could enable, or become exceeded for new releases. This system induces the individual to become a constant consumer and sometimes unaware of the buying cycle in which it was involved.

            As much as many companies are able to justify that come from the constant technological advancement, how can we accept or explain to ourselves that our products last less than a year, your repair cost is greater than that of a new device, or exchanged a in perfect condition with one that sometimes just has a different design?

            Currently mobile phones and smartphones are as less durable products, and some research argue that the most common habits among Brazilians after the purchase of a new product is to sell these previous or save it in your home. It demonstrates awareness that these products can be reused or that they bring risks when discarded into regular trashes.

                However, there is still a lack of awareness that the regular exchange of products increases the production of waste in a different scale, from manufacture to distribution; that there will be energy costs, raw material and emissions throughout the process. And so, you are not only paying money for this product, but with your health and well-being of the environment.

Image: http://www.savingadvice.com/articles/2013/03/20/1014539_planned-obsolescence-the-scourge-of-frugality.html

Anna Karolina Osório Pimentel (Translation: Fernanda Romero)

Entre les murs

            The school is where we spent most of our childhood and adolescence. It is there that we learn much of things, not only the content of formal education, but all that will take throughout our lives. There we begin to develop our character, to discern right from wrong and the teacher has a great influence on it. "Entre les murs" is a very provocative movie that brings a clash of cultures, not only between characters but also for those who attend.

            The problem brought by the students, the difficult relationship between teacher and students makes us think we should act as if we were both teachers and students.

            This movie is an excellent recommendation for those who do not want to stay stagnant and just settle for the problems without at least try to change the situation, since the basis of a society is the education that is offered to it, and you cannot build a good building if it does not have a base to support it. Think about it and watch!

• If you want to make the download, here is the website:

http://www.omelhordatelona.biz/drama/baixar-entre-os-muros-da-escola-2008-dvdrip-rmvb-legendado

Aline Midori (Translation: Fernanda Romero) 

Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Class_%282008_film%29

Nuclear Energy: should or should not be used?

Currently, it is known that many countries are investing in alternative and clean energy to try to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases, contributing thus to the environment. This way, the Nuclear Energy is one of which we can consider as a source of clean energy, it does not release these greenhouse gases.  However, as everything has pros and cons, there are some disadvantages that should be considered when we think about whether or not to use this feature.

Kyoto Protocol

     In 1997 it was held the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), in Kyoto, Japan. During the convention, was created the Kyoto Protocol, which entered into force on February 16, 2005.

     The aim of the protocol is to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, in order to stabilize the greenhouse effect. In all, 184 countries signed the agreement so far.

     Countries that joined the agreement were divided into two groups: Annex 1, which includes developed countries and Non-Annex 1, which comprises developing countries. Brazil is in the group of non-Annex 1.

 

<http://blogambientelegal.blogspot.com.br/2012/09/para-governo-brasileiro-e-preciso.html>.

     Developed countries are the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere so the Annex 1 countries signed the commitment to reduce by 5.2% the level of greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels. The deadline for the goal was to between 2008 and 2012.

     The countries of the Non-Annex 1 has not been established no mandatory target, however, they should assist in reducing the levels emitted by developed countries.

     For the treaty to be met, the Protocol proposes three Flexibility Mechanisms:

- Joint Implementation:
Implementing projects to reduce greenhouse gases by two or more developed countries.

-Emissions Trading:
The Annex 1 countries that have reached their goal, may sell the excess reductions to countries that have not yet reached the goal of reducing.
- Clean Development Mechanism (CDM):
Allows the participation of developing countries in the treaty. They can sell the credits to developed countries from projects that are contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions.

     The first part of the Protocol - period to achieve the goal of reducing developed countries - has ended, the second part should be defined by the competent agencies and it will comprise a commitment period that goes from 2013 to 2017.

      The Kyoto Protocol characterizes an important step towards reducing the emission of greenhouse gases.

Sources Research: Ministério do Meio Ambiente- <http://www.mma.gov.br/>

Ana Carolina de Assis Rocha( Translation: Fernanda Romero)