There are lot’s of potential sources of renewable energy sources and plans out there, but few are as comprehensive as the concepts that William McDonough and Michael Braungart propose in their book, Cradle to Cradle: Remaking The Way We Make Things. This book explores the concept that simply being less bad is not necessarily good. Basically, simply recycling, or using renewable energy sources is not going to be enough if we truly want to find a way to sustain ourselves while also being eco-friendly. Along with embracing renewable energy, the Cradle-to-Cradle plan proposes that we recognize and embrace the fact that in nature, everything is a RESOURCE for something else. We too can find ways to make our progress mutually beneficial between mankind, and the planet as a whole. Just as trees provide both shelter, and benefit our planet, we could in theory design buildings that, instead of hinder our environment; provide it with both biological and technical nutrients. Cradle-to-Cradle also calls for us to celebrate diversity. Instead of erecting the uniform skyscraper clad cities that have become the norm, why not (just as in the natural world) build our structures to be locally specific. Designs that embrace the unique environments of its surroundings will prove to be more visually pleasing, and ultimately be more efficient models.
Another, more one-dimensional plan, is proposed by T. Boone Pickens. He recognizes that we (the USA) are “addicted” to OPEC oil, and suggests that we look to natural gas for a substitution for fossil fuels for means of transportation. Pickens understands that we as a nation are suffering with a struggling economy, however he points out that we are lucky enough to have an abundant supply of natural gas right here on domestic soil. We could cut down on foreign spending, while also addressing the problem of depleting fossil fuels if we chose to adopt his plan. As for non-transportation use, Pickens’ plan calls for the development of wind and solar power. Ideally, incentives would be given to both homeowners and business owners alike who are willing to upgrade their buildings with more effective and efficient insulation. This new insulation would help to cut down the need for energy at all in these buildings, helping to cut costs in the big picture. (Pickensplan.com/theplan/)
Under our current plan with the Obama administration, most of the focus is placed on decreasing dependency on foreign energy sources, and increasing our own efficiency with what energy we do use. According to Executive Order 13514, we are planning to cut vehicle petroleum use 30% by 2020, become 26% more efficient with our water use by 2020, and raise recycling 50% by 2015. However, I just don’t think that cutting back on use and dependence will be enough to solve our energy problems. If we use less of a finite source, we will still eventually run out of said source. We’re just putting off the in-evitable.
