What would you say if you heard that the hypothetical leader of a hypothetical group of 535 people took important steps to reduce their carbon footprint? They decided not to have foam-plastic coffee cups or plates in the cafeteria. They took several major steps like converting the heating and cooling from coal to natural gas. Compact fluorescent lighting and energy-efficient vending machines were introduced in their meeting space.
The leader even figured out a way to compost the new office biodegradable coffee cups to fertilize the big lawn in front of their office building.
Now what would you say if after four years of environment-friendly initiatives, a new leader was chosen and suddenly foam-plastic coffee cups made a comeback? The four separate recycling and sorting stations that were installed by the previous leader have been removed. No more composting. No more “green” cafeteria.
Why would someone do that? Why would somebody reverse four years of progress toward a cleaner environment? Good question.
Now would you say if this reversal scenario actually happened in the United States Congress?
The about-turn on environmental steps was announced by a press aide to John Boehner, the speaker of the House of Representatives. The aide tweeted a week ago: “The new majority – plasticware is back.”
What would happen if all the individuals, families, schools, churches, and businesses in America who are actively “going green” decided to reverse their action? What would this mean for our planet and our future?