Time for a Change

Americans throw away 26,800,000 tons of food; 3,650,000 tons of junk mail; 2,230,000 tons of newspapers and 6,330,000 tons of clothing and footwear annually.

In one flush of the toilet, Americans use the same amount of water sub-Saharan Africans use in one day to drink, cook and clean.

If everyone lived like Americans, it would take four earths to sustain people’s habits.

With figures like these, Penny Bonda, interior design expert working in environmental communications, said it is time for a change.

Bonda, who spoke Wednesday as part of the Interior Design Program Lecture Series, pushed for sustainability in all things-power sources, community designs and everyday lifestyles.

She called people the “incredible green growing machine,” having the ability to change the world and protect its future. However, she said the needed change requires caring and real understanding from people.

“You need to build your knowledge, vote with your conscience and nourish your passion, but most importantly, pass it on. We are the incredible green growing machine,” Bonda said.

To help the current state of the environment, Bonda said people should recycle more, support smart growth development and conserve resources. People around the world must simply lead a better way of life, she said.

Bonda compared sustainability to the space race 50 years ago. As countries are again racing against one another, this time for land and resources, sustainability is key to America’s success.

Referencing the work of Tom Friedman, columnist for The New York Times, Bonda said the country is facing three threats-energy-efficient vehicles made in foreign countries, nuclear power and climate change.

While the country has some green factories, Bonda said there is room for improvement to decrease the threats put forth by Friedman.

If the United States made more fuel-efficient vehicles, people would not be funding the development of nuclear bombs in Iran by purchasing fuel, she said. Using low cost vehicles would also reduce the impact of global warming.

Bonda said people must seriously consider what sort of thinking got the world to this point. With thorough understanding, sincere concern and a dedication to sustainability, she said the incredible green growing machine can protect the world and its resources.

-arie.k@aggiemail.usu.edu