The Domino Effect

By bringing a new species to an area, plant or animal, individuals run the risk of affecting the organisms that already depend on the land and resources of that area for survival. The dangers of this are so well known, they were once parodied in an episode of The Simpsons called “Bart, the mother.” In this episode, Bart inadvertently introduces a pair of bird eating tree lizards into the Springfield community. The lizards who have no natural predators in Springfield, begin to feed upon the city’s pigeons. While the pigeon population plummets, the population of lizards flourishes. In response to the growing number of lizards now living in the city, officials decide to introduce a species of snake to kill off the lizards. Officials in the city are also prepared for the eventual snake population explosion – with a proposed introduction of snake-eating gorillas to eliminate the snakes.

Keeping Out Invasive Plants
The eternal wisdom of The Simpsons illustrates the importance of keeping non-native species from invading an area and destroying its diversity. Here are a few things you can do to protect your community from these harmful invaders.

Know your plants. Do not buy plants that are clearly known to be invasive. Some communities are extremely fragile, and the introduction of an invasive species can put the inhabitants at great risk. Several organizations actually have lists of harmful invasive species of plants available on their web sites.

- Report nurseries that are clearly (and illegally) selling invasive species.
- Do not purchase seed mixtures. Many times, these mixtures may unknowing contain seeds for invasive species.

Aqueous plants are highly invasive. As such, it is best not to dispose of aquatic plants or water from an aquarium into local water sources. These aquatic invasive plants can flourish quickly, especially with the right conditions and plenty of nutrients. At the same time, do not use your neighbor’s yard or a local park as a site for disposing of unwanted plants and plant-based material. If your waste contains seeds or fruit, there is a chance that the invasive plant can establish itself in this new community.

Invasive Animal Species

The rules for invasive animal species are no different than the rules for invasive plants:

- Purchase animals from licensed dealers.
- Make sure the dealer has knowledge about the origin of the animal, as well proper and legal documentation, and knowledge of the animal’s health.

Like aquatic plants, aquarium fish should never be released into the wild. Some pet stores will gladly accept any animal that can no longer be cared-for by its owner as an alternative to simply letting it loose on society. Pets do not have to be from another country to become invasive. Allowing rabbits and cats to breed freely can have a dramatically negative effect on the other organisms in an area.

The need to develop a closer, more personal relationship to and with the environment led to the evolution of a second approach to ecology and the environment. Deep ecology was born in 1972, out of the philosophy of the Norwegian thinker by the name of Arne Naess (Barnhill 2001). Naess first introduced the term deep ecology in a paper in which he called for a new approach to the way people looked at and related to the natural world around them. Naess saw that any significant change to the way individuals felt about and interacted with the natural world was going to require a more personal and holistic opinion about the environment. The result was the idea of deep ecology.

Central to the idea of deep ecology is the seemingly radical belief that people are an essential part of the planet and not just separate and detached observers (Drengson 1995). Followers of this ecological philosophy feel that by making people understand that they are more a part of the planet, they will in turn be more willing to be involved in protecting, preserving, and caring for it. Deep ecology stresses the notion that we as humans are part of the planet, and thus have a responsibility to protect it.

It is important to clarify that the term deep ecology has several uses and meanings. In the most simplistic of views, deep ecology is a term that asks individuals to look deeply and closely at environmental issues and problems. Everything from the causes of environmental issues and problems to the fundamental changes that some believe are necessary in order to be able to find solutions to major environmental problems is considered at this basic philosophical level. This view of deep ecology asks individuals to reflect upon their perceived value of nature as well as how they interact with nature.

Deep ecology has also served as a platform that outlines several basic ideas and principles related to the environment and the role that humanity plays as a part of it. This platform involves several basic principles, including ideas like the intrinsic value of human and non-human life, and the idea that there is a need for humans to limit their interference with the non-human world.

Deep ecology also serves as a central ecological philosophy (Drengson 1995). As a philosophy, deep ecology draws from a variety of diverse sources, including religion, poetry, and the works of some of history’s most famous and influential naturalists and ecologists.

Whatever approach to deep ecology an individual takes, the philosophy stays the same. Deep ecology is a more complete approach to looking at and living in this world. Deep ecology involves more than just science, data, and numerical figures. It requires humans to incorporate real feelings, personal spirituality, religion, and a true love of nature in order to develop a deeper, more effective and personal approach to being a part of this planet.

References

Barnhill, D. & Gottlieb, R. (2001). Deep Ecology and World Religion: New Essays on Sacred Ground. Albany: New York University Press.
Drengson, A. (1995). The Deep Ecology Movement: An Introductory Anthology. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books.

The first thing to know about vegetarianism is what exactly it is. There are three types of real vegetarians, but many other people have reduced their intake of meat or given up eating red meat. To truly be vegetarian one must not eat any flesh, although some people eat no meat except for fish and consider themselves vegetarian.

Types of vegetarianism

The first type of vegetarian is a lacto-ovo-vegetarian. They eat both dairy products and eggs, but do not consume meat. It is fairly easy to get enough nutrients with a lacto-ovo diet. The second style of vegetarianism is a lacto-vegetarian who eats dairy but no meat or eggs. Very few people choose to be a lacto-vegetarian because most people think that eating eggs is very similar to eating dairy products in the way that each is produced. The third and strictest form of being vegetarian is vegan. A vegan avoids all foods that come from animals in any way, including both dairy and eggs. Many vegans also try not to use animal products in other ways such as wearing leather or furs because of their belief in animal rights. In summary, to be a true vegetarian one must avoid all meats and possibly dairy and eggs.

Reasons for becoming a vegetarian

The second thing one should learn is why a person would decide to eliminate meats and possibly other animal products from their diet. There are many benefits to one’s personal health involved in abstaining from meat. For example, a vegetarian has a twenty eight percent less chance of developing heart disease and a thirty nine percent less chance of acquiring cancer. Tiana Celesia, a registered dietitian at Brigham, said “Studies show that if you cut meat consumption by one hundred percent, you reduce your risk of heart attack by ninety percent”. This quote clearly states that many people would live longer lives by consuming less meat since the largest cause of death in the United States is heart disease. The average vegetarian consumes less saturated fat and cholesterol than an average meat eater, so the general health of a vegetarian is very likely to be better than that of a non vegetarian. Another reason one would choose to become vegetarian is to help the surrounding environment. Reducing or eliminating meat from one’s diet helps the environment by using less land and water for the development of food. Fifty percent of the land in our country is used for agriculture, and eighty percent of that land is used for either grazing of livestock or growing feed for the animals.

Fifty percent of the water consumed in the United States is consumed by livestock. Another example of how people could use less water by being vegetarian is shown in the fact that a vegan uses only three hundred gallons of water a day for the production of their food while a meat eater uses four thousand two hundred gallons of water in one day. Many people have chosen to eliminate eating meat because they feel like the data shown above demonstrates how being vegetarian is an environmentally sound choice. A third reason why people don’t eat meat is because they feel that each animal has a right to live and should not be killed for one’s intake. Religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism either require or strongly recommend a vegetarian diet because of the belief that they have been or could become an animal through reincarnation. Yet another reason why some choose to abstain from meat is that they feel humans are biologically herbivorous beings. They feel that we are not supposed to eat meat because of differences in human and carnivorous animals bodies. Some examples of these differences are that we have pores on our skin, well developed salivary glands, alkaline saliva, and stomach acid twenty times weaker than that of a meat eating animal while meat eaters have no pores on their skin, very small salivary glands, acidic saliva, and a strong hydrochloric acid in their stomachs. To summarize, one might choose to be vegetarian because of health, environmental, moral, and biological reasons.

How to become a vegetarian

Finally, people should know how to properly change one’s diet to eliminate meat and maintain or produce a healthy body. Mr. John Vandereen, the director of the food and drug administration’s office of plants and dairy, said “The more you restrict your diet, the more difficult it is to get the nutrients you need”. This means that while becoming vegetarian, one must be careful to create a nutrient rich diet. One of the first problems met by the potential vegetarian is how to get enough protein. This problem can be easily taken care of by consuming items rich in protein such as legumes (beans), nuts, seeds, tofu, peanut butter, and in some cases dairy products and eggs. It is important to get a variety of proteins since the only complete protein that is not from an animal is soybeans. By combining many sources of protein all the essential amino acids that the body needs will be consumed. The second problem one may find in becoming a vegetarian is getting the proper amounts of all vitamins and minerals. The answer to this problem also lies in eating a variety of foods, including many fruits and vegetables. In a vegan diet, protein and vitamin supplements may need to be taken in order to maintain proper health. The numbers of servings of each type of food for a vegetarian has not been agreed upon by nutritionists, but most dieticians recommend basing one’s diet on grains high in fiber, having about two or three proteins, four or more servings of vegetables, between two and four fruits, and between zero and two servings of low fat dairy products. As shown above, there are vitally important nutritional issues to address when becoming vegetarian.

In Conclusion, three significant topics about vegetarianism are understanding the definition and types of vegetarians, knowing the causes of people becoming vegetarian, and realizing how to eliminate meat from one’s diet in a safe and wholesome way. Today, more and more people are choosing to become vegetarians, and these people are changing society for everyone. Restaurants are carrying more meatless dishes, airlines offer vegetarian meals, and the basic consciousness of what is eaten is growing as a result of the increasing number of vegetarians and others reducing their intake of meat for health reasons. The increase in number of vegetarians is directly linked to society’s expansion of information and the spread of it. As technologies and other advancements take place in the “information age” health and environmental consciousness will also grow, and an increase in vegetarians will be soon to follow. I encourage you to at least cut down your consumption of meat in order to help your personal health, the environment, and also take part in the growth and spread of knowledge across the world.

Benefits of Industrial Hemp in Paper Industry

Hemp is an ideal material for making paper. In fact the oldest papers of the world were made using hemp. Early Bibles were written on hemp papers, and it was in wide use in Egyptian and Greek scrolls. Hemp was even accorded one of its greatest honors when Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence on paper made using hemp.

There are certainly many reasons why hemp has been used in such a major way in manufacturing paper. The following are some of the prime benefits of the use of hemp in paper manufacture:

1. Hemp fibers are counted among the world’s strongest fibers.
This is ideal in making paper as it doesn’t tear easily.
2. Hemp is free of acids that can turn paper yellow with age.
Paper made with hemp fibers can remain white for a long period of time.
3. Hemp paper has natural flexibility.
It does not get brittle with age.
4. Hemp can be bleached till it is almost perfectly white.

Both long and short hemp fibers can be used in the manufacture of paper. Longer hemp fibers can be used in making long books and stationery, while shorter hemp fibers find a very useful application in making tissue papers, packing papers and newsprint. Hemp is very popular in making telephone directories.

Hemp is also a very economical option for making paper. It can produce much more fiber than ordinary wood pulp and is seven times more recyclable than other pulps used in making paper. Hemp is also agriculturally a better option because the same amount of land can produce at least four times as much hemp as wood trees within a time span of twenty years.

Benefits of Industrial Hemp in Textiles

Hemp has been used since very ancient times in the manufacture of textiles. Records of hemp use in textiles date back to about 3000 BC. It was considered to be a cheaper and more durable option for linen in Middle Eastern culture such as Egypt and Mesopotamia. Hemp fabrics are very much similar to flax fabrics and indeed, both of them were used quite interchangeably in the past. Hemp, being a very strong fabric was used in building masts and sails of ships, and even used in the manufacture of heavy rope which the ships use for rigging.

The following are the prime benefits of industrial hemp for which hemp is used as an ideal fabric for the manufacture of textiles:

1. Hemp fibers are strong and they do not break easily.
2. They have elastic and tensile strength, which give them great flexibility.
This is a prime requisite in making textiles.
3. Hemp fibers are smooth and hollow.
They are longer than other fibers. This makes them ideal fibers for weaving.
4. Hemp is resistant to mold and mildew. Hence, hemp fabrics remain fresh for a longer period of time.

Other Industrial Benefits of Hemp

The use of hemp is definitely not restricted to paper manufacture and textiles. Hemp has been used since very ancient times in the manufacture of several traditional medicines. The culture of using hemp for medicines is still prevalent in China. Hemp cosmetics are also quite popular. These cosmetics are proven to be very good for skin and hair, and they aid in the natural healing process.

But the biggest reason why hemp is so popular in industry is that it can be cultivated by a very simple process. It takes about 90 days to attain full maturity, which makes it very ideal to grow even as crop rotation. Hemp also grows in a variety of climates and can be found all over the world. For more info visit Industrial Hemp

Perception of an eco friendly home

Today, the perception of what an eco friendly home is has changed dramatically, and the results have brought the idea into mainstream society. There is more to an eco friendly home than a series of solar panels. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, an eco friendly home is one that “uses less energy, less natural resources, and releases fewer toxic chemicals.” Additionally, an eco friendly home should be indistinguishable from traditionally constructed homes (Max).

Demand for eco friendly homes

The demand for eco friendly homes is rising across the world. In some places, eco friendly homes are being built from the ground up, while in others, individuals and families are simply upgrading existing homes by using insulating foam, painting with non-toxic paint, and installing wooden floors from sustainable yield forests to make them greener. The benefits of these eco friendly homes can be seen in the amount of money that is saved on energy costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical home can lose anywhere from 15-20 percent of its cool or warm air as a result of air duct leaks. Eco friendly homes save money by reducing the amount of energy that is wasted through the use of energy efficient appliances and construction materials.

The popularity of eco friendly homes is not limited to the United States. In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the demand for eco friendly homes and housing in Canada (Davis). Across the country, individual homes and larger housing complexes are making the decision to go green. In South Ottawa for example, real estate developers are working together with architects, engineers, homeowners, and eco friendly housing experts to help build new eco friendly homes. The goal is to eventually move from building individual green homes to building entire green communities. In this particular South Ottawa effort, the eco friendly homes feature everything from a method of harvesting rainwater to be used for irrigation and a built-in recycling center, to natural ventilation, and fluorescent lights throughout the home.

Another program in Toronto is taking existing homes and converting them to eco friendly ones. The project, known as The Now House project, is taking homes built during World War II and converting them to eco friendly homes. The push toward green homes is so strong in Canada that there is a strong effort not just to create green homes, but to create near-zero or zero energy homes. These homes are designed to produce just as much energy as they use, making for an overall energy use of zero. In fact, the goal is to have every single home in Canada be zero-energy by the year 2030 (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation). The goal seems extremely ambitious, but with contests that boast $50,000 and $100,000 awards for the winning design, the Canadian government feels that a net zero energy house design is not too far away (Dunn).

More and more individuals across the planet are becoming willing participants in the move toward greener, more eco friendly living. Whether it means driving a hybrid vehicle or living in an eco friendly home, the general goal is to minimize the amount of energy wasted and the amount of carbon that is released into the environment. With a drive toward eco friendly homes and housing in Canada and everywhere else, progress is definitely being made.

Written by Martin Jauregui

REFRENCES:

Davis, K. “Eco Friendly Prefab Home Gets Attention.” The Toronto Sun 01 October 2005.
Dunn, C. “All Canadian Homes to be Zero-Energy Homes by 2030.” Design & Architecture 18 July 2006.
Max, S. “Your Home: Is Going Green Worth the Cost?” Money 21 June 2007.
United States Department of Energy. 5 July 2008. U.S. Department of Energy. 1 July 2008 http://www.doe.gov/energyefficiency/
United States Green Building Council. 7 July 2008. U.S.G.B.C. 7 July 2008 http://www.usgbc.org/

The companies are looking to take advantage of the fact that consumers today have become more and more educated and concerned about the damage being done to the environment. The growth in numbers of environmentally-educated consumers has led to a strong push on the part of industries everywhere to create products and services that will attract these environmentally savvy consumers. Although economics is one motivating factor for these companies, there are some obvious benefits to the fact that these companies are looking to provide products and services that are environmentally friendly.

The movement towards producing environmentally friendly products has led to the birth of “eco companies”. Based on the purpose they serve, an eco company can be defined as a company, corporation, or organization that produces products or provides services that among other things:

- Burn cleaner
- Are made of recycled materials
- Are biodegradable
- Use less packaging
- Are made from/with renewable resources

Cleaner Burning Products

Some eco companies believe that cleaner burning products release less toxins, carcinogens, and pollutants in comparison to other products. These cleaner burning products, which are often made of natural materials, contribute less to the overall problems associated with pollution (United States Environmental Protection Agency).

Recycled Materias

Most eco companies also make strong efforts to make products or packaging out of recycled materials. According to the American Forest & Paper Association, in 2006, Americans recycled 53.5 million tons of paper (United States Environmental Protection Agency). By making or packaging products in materials that is completely or partially recycled, these eco companies not only eliminate tons of material from landfills, but they also help reduce the amount of resources used.

Less Packaging

Another recent trend with eco companies has been the use of smaller or less packaging. In the past, a great deal of material was wasted in the packaging of products. Often times, this material serves no useful purpose beyond aesthetics. The trend toward smaller or fewer packaging has been adopted by companies ranging from those that produce plastic water bottles to those that make fast food packaging. Even music and movie companies have jumped on the eco bandwagon, using minimal materials to package their products.

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Biodegradable Products

With so much material waste being produced each day, eco companies are always looking for ways to reduce the amount of waste that has to sit in a landfill. Some materials can take hundreds if not thousands of years to break down, while other materials can remain in a landfill forever (Stevens). As a result, eco companies often make use of biodegradable materials in their products.

Biodegradable materials have the ability to decompose in the natural environment. The very nature of these materials allows for faster decomposition, especially when the materials make their way into a landfill. In addition to speed of decomposition, biodegradable materials often release useful by-products like methane when they decompose (Stevens).

Renewable Resources

The speed at which some resources are being used up has led many eco companies to commit themselves to making their products from renewable resources. Eco companies looking to appeal to consumers who are concerned about the state of the environment often develop deals with other organizations that provide them with source materials that come from renewable or sustainable resources. Usually, this means using wood or paper products that originate in sustainable yield forests.

Sustainable yield forests meet strict environmental standards and are often certified through government or environmental organizations that attest to their commitment to not allow a resource to disappear. Most of the time, this means planting trees to insert those that have been cut down.

Written by Martin Jauregui

References:

Stevens, E.S. Green Plastics: Introduction to the New Science of Biodegradable Plastics. New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 2002
United States Environmental Protection Agency. 6 June 2008. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 23 June 2008 http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non- hw/muncpl/recycle.htm

Eco Friendly Furniture

As companies become more aware of the effects that they have on the natural world, they also become more willing to use and employ eco friendly products in their everyday practices. The simplest way for a company to go green and make itself more eco friendly is by using eco friendly furniture. Furniture pieces represent some of the most popular eco friendly products for companies looking to jump on the green bandwagon.

Eco friendly furniture is made with environmentally friendly materials, and created in an environmentally friendly manner. Some companies may reduce the amount of material that they use in producing a piece of furniture. Other companies may use natural, raw, and/o renewable materials when manufacturing their furniture. Some parts of the furniture can be made out of recycled materials or wood from sustainable yield forests. Some furniture manufacturers have begun using bamboo, for example, in many of their products, especially since bamboo is a renewable resource that is both visually appealing and functionally sensible.

In some companies, the production process matters more than the actual materials used. These companies take a different road to going green by producing their furniture in ways that produce little or no emissions. Manufacturers may choose to use non-toxic colors or dyes in their upholstery material, or they can also elect to put their furniture together with natural glues rather than with synthetic ones.

Other Eco Friendly Products for Companies

Besides making a move to using eco friendly furniture, companies of any size can make themselves greener in a variety of ways. The changes do not have to be as dramatic as developing a new manufacturing process, but even the smallest change can have dramatic effects on a company’s efforts to help the environment.

- Depending on what products a particular company produces, it may consider using materials that are biodegradable, recyclable, or made from other recycled products in its own manufacturing process. By doing so, companies can do their part to make sure that resources that are already limited are not overused.

- Additionally, eco friendly products can be introduced to other aspects of a company. For example, a company can choose to be cleaned with green or natural products (Miller). Most companies that manufacture cleaning products are taking note of the changing attitudes toward the environment and are doing their best to develop natural-based cleaners for home and office use.

- In the company restroom, companies can choose to use eco friendly soaps, recycled toilet paper and paper towels, or hand dryers that do not use paper towels. In most cases, the installation of one electric hand dryer can save as many as 34 trees in a single year (Muhlhausen)

- Another easy way for a company to go green is to insert old light bulbs with what are known as CFL’s, or compact fluorescent light bulbs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, just one compact fluorescent light bulb can save a home or business up to $30 a year (U.S. Department of Energy). For a small business, making the change to fluorescent light bulbs can mean a savings of more than $1300.

Written by Martin Jauregui

References
Miller, L. “Products to Break the Chemical Habit and Get Eco Friendly.” The New York Times 19 July 2007.
Muhlhausen, E. “So, what’s with those electric hand dryers?” University of Columbia News Service 15 April 2008.
Roosevelt, M. “Going Green May Be L.A. Law.” The Los Angeles Times 16 February 2008.
United States Department of Energy. 5 July 2008. U.S. Department of Energy. 7 July 2008 http://www.doe.gov/energyefficiency/index.htm

The idea behind an eco challenge is relatively simple. Teams of challengers are placed in an outdoor setting and asked to compete in a variety of activities, both mental and physical. Besides testing the team members’ intellect and physical strength, the activities are designed to build teamwork and bring the individual members closer together.

The number of team members can vary, although generally, an eco challenge team typically consists of 1-5 team members. The events last several days, and can cover many miles of natural terrain.

A Brief History of the Eco Challenge

The idea of an eco challenge evolved from an older concept known as an adventure race (Caldwell). Although there are many who dispute the origins of the idea, most point to an event that dates back to the late 1960′s as the event that led to the evolution of today’s eco challenge. The event, known as the Karrimor International Mountain Marathon, consisted of a team of two people covering an area twice the length of a traditional marathon over the course of two days (Adamson).

Several other events came out of the Karrimor, including the Alpine Ironman in 1980, the Alaskan Marathon Wilderness Classic in 1982, and the Raid Gauloises in 1989, which is considered the true predecessor of the modern-day eco challenge (Caldwell).

Eco Challenge and Father Mark

The father of the modern-day adventure race known as the Eco Challenge is generally considered to be Mark Burnett. Burnett, who is credited with creating some of the greatest hits in the short history of reality television, was inspired to create the Eco Challenge after reading an article describing the Raid Gauloises. Although the idea of such a competition was not new to the people of his native London, Burnett made the decision to bring the idea to the United States.

To ensure the success of his own race, Burnett put together a team and competed in several editions of the Raid Gauloises between 1992 and 1994 (Adamson). In 1995, Burnett successfully pitched his idea to television executives and the Eco Challenge was born. The initial version of the race covered an area of 370 miles within the state of Utah. More than fifty teams took part in the initial event that required them to ride horses, swim, and even hike across the desert.

The grueling nature of the Eco Challenge led to it being known as the “toughest race in the world” (Caldwell). Beyond testing the physical skills and limits of a human being, the Eco Challenge builds character, teamwork, and exposes the viewing public to some of the most magnificent natural backdrops in the world. Today, Eco Challenges have become popular with people everywhere, including schools, neighborhoods, and even businesses, which have all taken up the challenge of developing these events for the benefit of all.

Written by Martin Jauregui

References
Adamson, I. Runner’s World Guide to Adventure Racing: How to Become a Successful Racer and Adventure Athlete. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2004.
Caldwell, L. Adventure Racing: The Ultimate Guide. Colorado: Velo Press, 2001.
“Mark Burnett.” Encyclopedia of World Biography. 2007.

Eco terrorism is generally conducted in benefit or in the name of ecological, environmental, or animal rights causes. Incidents of eco terrorism usually center on issues related to animal rights, protection of resources, or disruption of specific services, and while most incidents take place within the border of the United States, eco terrorism in the UK and other countries is becoming more and more prevalent. The growth of eco terrorism in Europe is illustrated by the fact that 110 official acts eco terrorism were reported in 2002, in comparison to only 39 in 1999 (Levin).

History of Eco Terrorism

Although groups and organizations designed to defend and protect the environment have been around since the late 19th century, the concept of eco terrorism was born sometime in the 1970′s, when a few members of the organization known as Greenpeace decided to attack a series of fishing vessels. According to most environmental historians, the actions of the individuals who later became known as the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society are what changed the environmental defense movement forever (Liddick).

From the actions of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, several other eco terrorist organizations were born, including Earth First!, the Earth Liberation Front, the Animal Liberation Front, and Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty, all of which are active today. Many of the previously mentioned organizations, including the ELF, the ALF, and SHAC all originated in England.

Eco Terrorism in the UK

Although eco terrorism in the UK generally focuses on the same targets and the same causes as eco terrorism in the U.S. and the rest of the world does, there is a difference in the amount of violence that European eco terrorists will condone and conduct in order to make a statement. Generally speaking, European eco terrorists do not shy away from any amount of physical violence.

Eco terrorism in the UK still targets logging companies, laboratories that experiment of animals, slaughterhouses, oil rigs, construction companies, meat packing plants, and stores that sell products made from certain animals, but they do so in a more extreme and physically violent manner. While eco terrorists in the United States and across the world tend to focus on the destruction of property and facilities through arson, European eco terrorists seem to have a greater tendency toward violence. In the past, members of the SHAC have taken to firebombing cars, mailing out letter bombs, and physically beating people with clubs (Liddick).

Future of Eco Terrorism in the UK

Although extreme environmental organizations continue to protect and defend the planet from “traditional” forms of environmental abuse, as the abuse evolves, so do the acts of eco terrorism. The majority of the acts of terrorism in the UK in the late 1990′s and early 2000′s were committed in the defense of animal rights, specifically targeting laboratories and factories.

Today, most of the acts of eco terrorism in the UK have taken place in the agricultural arena. From attacking farms and farming equipment on sites that grow genetically modified crops, to targeting stores that carry and sell genetically modified and enhanced products, and laboratories that conduct genetic research (Nuttall), it does indeed appear that eco terrorism in the UK is changing with the times.

Written by Martin Jauregui

References
“Eco Terrorism” Encyclopedia Britannica Online, 2008.
Foreman, D. Confessions of an Eco-Warrior. New York: Crown Publishers, 1991.
Levin, M. “Flushing Out Eco-Terrorism” The American Enterprise. 30 October 2003.
Liddick, D. Eco-Terrorism: Radical Environmental and Animal Liberation Movements. Connecticut: Praeger Publishers, 2006.
Nutall, N. “Attacks on GM Crops Spread to U.S. and France.” The London Times 02 August 1999.

Today’s employees however, are looking for more than just financial perks when choosing the company that they will give their time, energy, and talents to. There is a growing group of individuals, in particular new workers entering the workplace as well as those looking for a career change, who are considering working for companies on the basis of a company’s environmental policies. As today’s workforce becomes more environmentally educated, some of the more sought-after employees are choosing to work for companies that are pro environment – and companies are taking note. A representative from the Canadian accounting firm Fuller-Landau, which recently involved its employees in an environmental clean-up project, stated that these events are beneficial in “boosting workplace morale and will improve [the company's] efforts to attract eco-conscious workers” (Aschaiek).

Eco companies are experiencing great levels of success in recruiting

More and more, eco companies are experiencing great levels of success in recruiting smarter employees, mainly because of their environmentally friendly policies, products, and services are attractive to a new generation of environmentally conscious employees (Gunther). To these employees, eco companies represent a belief and a philosophy. As employees of an eco company, these individuals want to feel like they are part of something bigger and better than just a traditional nine to five job.

The reason for the improvement in the quality of the recruits being hired by eco companies is more than just a result of philosophy. As with any industry that experiences tremendous growth or improvement in the quality of employees, the environmental industry is full of promise and potential. As the world moves toward a more eco friendly state of existence, some of the more intelligent members of society are looking to apply their knowledge and skills to a cause that is more worthwhile. The environment needs help, and the world’s smartest people are finally starting to realize that they can help.

Eco companies are involved in making the world better for all of its residents. In many cases, employees enjoy the feeling of knowing that they are doing their part to contribute to the betterment of the environment. One Harris Poll that was given to young job-seekers found that 33 percent of Americans would be more inclined to work for a green company in comparison to one that lacked environmentally conscious policies and practices (Challenger).

Eco companies are following certain strategies in their efforts to recruit smarter, better employees. After recognizing just how important the environment is to these new recruits and potential employees, some eco companies are redesigning their websites to include a list of environmental policies that can include information on company recycling statistics, environmental awards and recognitions, as well as links to the websites of environmental organizations they support. By using focus groups, eco companies are also trying to grasp what employees are looking for in an eco company. Through surveys and questionnaires, eco companies are looking to mold their interview procedures to attract environmentally conscious employees. Changes to mission statements can also serve as an effective recruiting tool, especially considering that many potential employees will not look at a company if they cannot make it past the company’s mission statement. Some eco companies are also using extensive and strategic promotion of their environmental policies through television, radio, and the Internet to help bring in smarter employees.

Written By Martin Jauregui

References:
Aschaiek, S. “Greening the Workplace.” The Toronto Sun. 2008.
Challenger, J. “Young Job Seekers Drawn to Eco-Friendly Employers.” California Job Journal. 01 July 2007.
Gunther, M. “Tree Huggers, Soy Lovers, and Profits.” Fortune. 23 June 2003.