Essay #2: A Light for the Future – Final Draft

America is slowly beginning to see the need to become a more energy efficient nation. As this process progresses, a large number of methods have been used to move towards lessening the impact on the environment. Among these methods, many people have turned to lighting management. This includes things like swapping to more energy efficient light bulbs, light timers, or motion activated lighting systems. Using one or more of these methods help people manage their usage of electricity, which therefore, lessens their impact on the environment as well as their pocketbook. These changes are taking place all over the country including Fairbanks, Alaska, but some businesses and individuals have yet to make the switch to more efficient lighting methods. Although it would require a small initial investment, the radiology department at the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital should install L.E.D. lights and automatic lighting sensors in their exam rooms and hallways because the bulbs would last longer, it would lower their electric bill, and therefore lessen their impact on environment.

A fairly new technology has hit the market and is revolutionizing the way people light their homes and businesses. Light emitting diodes (L.E.D.s) are the new and improved way to save money and the environment. In comparison to florescent tube bulbs, which are the industry standard in hospital settings, L.E.D. lights can last an incredible 50,000 to 80,000 hours longer. In addition to the type of light used, the amount of use is another important factor. The lights in many hospitals are on around the clock, which would make a system that turns on the lights when its sensors pick up movement and turns them off during periods of inactivity go a long ways in extending the life of any type of light bulb. Another added bonus to using L.E.D. lighting is that they contain no harmful chemicals or gasses. If the radiology department were to implement the use of L.E.D. lights, motion sensing systems, or both, it would be a way for them to lighten their impact on their budget as well as possibly leading the way to energy saving efforts for the rest of the hospital.

On average, hospitals dedicate approximately 25% of their budget on lighting. As mentioned above, florescent tubes are the primary method for lighting within a hospital. Before the development of the L.E.D. light, the florescent tube bulbs were considered to be the most efficient method – providing the most comprehensive lighting at the lowest cost. But now that L.E.D. lights have developed, this is no longer true because they use approximately 75-80% less electricity than florescent lights. This change would create a significant decrease the hospital’s electric bill each month. Even though the radiology department accounts for only a small percentage of the lighting in a hospital, it would still save money and hopefully set a trend for the other departments in the hospital. The first step would hopefully lead to more steps in the right direction.

Another great incentive for installing L.E.D. lights and motion sensor lighting systems is that they ultimately lessen the impact on the environment. Many of the power plants in America burn coal for power and this results in enormous carbon dioxide emissions every year. By limiting the lighting usage in a home or hospital, carbon emissions are prevented from entering the atmosphere. It is estimated that for every annual dollar saved on electricity, eight pounds of carbon dioxide emissions are saved from entering the atmosphere. The radiology department at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital can contribute to saving the environment from being slowly destroyed by carbon dioxide emissions with this lighting change.

The fairly simple task of implementing L.E.D. lighting and a motion sensor system in the radiology department at the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital can create several impressive benefits for the hospital and for the environment. L.E.D. lighting technology uses an amazing 80% less electricity than the florescent tube lights commonly used in hospital settings. They contain no toxins or gasses and are far easier to recycle. They also last five to six times longer than florescent tube lights. Because of their lower draw on electricity, L.E.D. lights can be directly linked to the reduction of carbon dioxide emission into the environment. It is thought that approximately eight pounds of CO2 emissions are prevented from reaching the atmosphere for every annual dollar saved on electricity. L.E.D. technology does cost more than other lighting options initially, but the money and emissions saved in the longer run make it well worth it. Small steps like these can go a long way in creating a greener future for America and the rest of the world. Imagine what would happen if every radiology department, and eventually, every hospital and home and business decided to make these kind of changes towards managing their use of electricity more efficiently.

Reference:

Obama Health Care Speech and Cost Reduction Opportunities. (2009, September 10). Retrieved from http://www.greenandsave.com/green_news/green-expert-tips-opinions/obama-health-care-speech-cost-reduction-opportunities-4937.

Essay #2 Proposal-Household Hazardous Waste: Proper Disposal is a Big Deal

For many companies in the United States and abroad, being kind to the environment, better known as being “green” or “eco-friendly,” has become standard business practice.  Not only is this practice beneficial for the environment, it can also be an effective business marketing tool.  Educating people on the proper way to dispose of hazardous household materials is one way that companies can greatly benefit their local communities.  Although many dangerous household items are improperly disposed of every day in Fairbanks, the office of XYZ Corporation should provide an education-based disposal program and a convenient drop point for residents who live in Fairbanks because the community needs to be informed of the proper way to dispose of hazardous household items, these materials need to be segregated, and transporting these items to the landfill will help keep Fairbanks a safe place to live.

It may not be widely known that many products used for cleaning, carpentry, auto repair and gardening may contain ingredients that can harm people and the environment.  The average home can contain as much as 100 pounds of environmentally harmful products, such as drain and oven cleaners, paint thinners, strippers and removers, automotive oil and fuel additives, grease and rust removers, glues, bug and weed killers, and mold and mildew removers (EPA.gov).  Pouring these chemicals down the drain, on the ground, or throwing them out with the trash may pollute the environment and can pose a health threat to the community.

Proper disposal of batteries, computers, and other electronic equipment is also an area of concern.  Many electronics contain mercury, lead, and other harmful chemicals that can harm if they are disposed of improperly (eHow).  Batteries that are thrown in the trash or left outside on the ground erode and rust, causing the dangerous battery acid inside to leak out. 

Prescription medications that are thrown into the trash endanger children, pets, or others who might consume them.  Also, disposing of prescription medications by flushing them down the toilet ultimately pollutes the water supply, causing people to unknowingly ingest dangerous pharmaceuticals.  Sewage treatment facilities are designed to filter out natural human excrement from water systems, but not the various chemicals and pharmaceuticals that become part of the water system.  This problem continues to grow as more people are using prescription medications and over-the-counter preparations (Musson, Townsend, Seaburg, Mousa, 2007, p.828-829).

Many communities have organized special collection days and have special drop-off sites for harmful household products (Dunn, 2008).  XYZ Corporation can provide valuable assistance to the Fairbanks’ community in this effort.  They can help educate the public on what constitutes hazardous household materials and how to safely dispose of them by providing funding for radio, television, and print advertising.

Education can also be provided on environmentally friendly alternatives to harsh chemicals.  There many less harmful products available for everyday tasks. The Environmental Protection Agency on its website, EPA.gov, has the following helpful suggestions:

• Glass Cleaner: Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in 1 quart of water.
• Toilet Bowl Cleaner: Use a toilet brush and baking soda or vinegar.
• Furniture Polish:  Mix 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in 1 pint of vegetable oil.
• Rug Deodorizer:  Sprinkler liberally with baking soda and vacuum for 15 minutes.
• Plant Spray: Wipe leaves with mild soap and water and rinse.
• Mothballs: Use cedar chips, lavender flowers, rosemary, mint, or white peppercorns.

In addition to encouraging community awareness, XYZ’s offices can serve as a convenient drop point for the residents of downtown Fairbanks.  While the Fairbanks North Star Borough Landfill accepts household hazardous waste from residents free of charge, many who live in downtown Fairbanks do not own adequate transportation, inhibiting their access to the landfill.  While the landfill charges fees to businesses for depositing hazardous waste materials, these fees are nominal, and within certain requirements, also free of charge (FNSB Solid Waste Division).

Everyone must be made aware of the danger that can be brought about by the improper disposal of hazardous household materials, as both a health and environmental hazard.  XYZ Corporation can provide a great service to Fairbanks by making the community more aware of this problem and assisting residents in their disposal of these items.  By doing so, XYZ Corporation can reap the benefits of positive publicity and neighborhood goodwill that can come from this very worthwhile endeavor.

References:

Environmental Protection Agency. (2006, October). Sure, your home is clean..but is it safe for your family? be smart about using household products! Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/cgi-bin/epalink?logname=allsearch&referrer=sure your home is clean|1|All&target=http://www.epa.gov/wastes/conserve/materials/pubs/hhw-safe.htm

Environmental Protection Agency. (2010, October 12). Household hazardous waste. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/materials/hhw.htm

eHow Contributor, Initials. (n.d.). How to dispose of household chemicals. Retrieved from Environmental Protection Agency, Initials. (2010, October 12). Household hazardous waste. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/print/how_2085744_dispose-household-chemicals.html#ixzz13RHRemrR

Musson, Stephen E., Townsend, Timothy, Seaburg, Kurt, & Mousa, John. (2007). A continuous collection system for household pharmaceutical wastes: a pilot project. Journal of the Air and Waste Management Association, 57, 828-835.

Dunn, Collin. (2008, March 12). Dispose of toxic household chemicals, safely. Retrieved from http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/dispose-toxic-household-chemicals-safely.html

Fairbanks North Star Borough, Solid Waste Division. (2010). Fy11 recycling hazardous household waste user fee schedule (july 1, 2010 through june 30, 2011) Fairbanks, AK: Retrieved from http://fnsb.us/solidwaste

Essay #2: A Light for the Future

America is slowly beginning to see the need to become a more energy efficient nation. As this process progresses, a large number of methods have been used to move towards lessening the impact on the environment. Among these methods, many people have turned to lighting management. This includes things like swapping to more energy efficient light bulbs, light timers, or motion activated lighting systems. Using one or more of these methods help people manage their usage of electricity, which therefore, lessens their impact on the environment and their pocketbook. These changes are taking place all over the country including Fairbanks, Alaska, but some businesses and individuals have yet to make the switch to more efficient lighting methods. Although it would require a small initial investment, the radiology department at the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital should install L.E.D. lights and automatic lighting sensors in their exam rooms and hallways because the bulbs would last longer, it would lower their electric bill, and therefore lessen their impact on environment.

A fairly new technology has hit the market and is revolutionizing the way people light their homes and businesses. Light emitting diodes (L.E.D.s) are the new and improved way to save money and the environment. In comparison to florescent tube bulbs, which are the industry standard in hospital settings, L.E.D. lights can last an incredible 50,000 to 80,000 hours longer (Obama). In addition to the type of light used, the amount of use is another important factor. The lights in many hospitals are on around the clock, which would make a system that would turn on the lights when its sensors pick up movement and turn off during periods of inactivity could go a long ways in extending the life of any type of light bulb. Another added bonus to using L.E.D. lighting is that they contain no harmful chemicals or gasses. If the radiology department we to implement the use of L.E.D. lights, motion sensing systems, or both, it would be a way for them to lighten their impact on the budget as well as possibly leading the way to energy saving efforts for the rest of the hospital.

On average, hospitals dedicate approximately 25% of their budget on lighting. As mentioned above, florescent tube lighting is the primary method for lighting within a hospital. Before the development of the L.E.D. light, the florescent tube bulbs were considered to be the most efficient method – providing the most comprehensive lighting at the lowest cost. But now that L.E.D. lights have developed, this is no longer true because they use approximately 75-80% less electricity than florescent lights. This would create a significant decrease the hospital’s electric bill each month. Even though the radiology department accounts for only a small percentage of the lighting in a hospital, it would still save money and hopefully set a trend for the other departments in the hospital.

Another great incentive for installing L.E.D. lights and motion sensor lighting systems is that they ultimately lessen the impact on the environment. Many of the power plants in America burn coal for power and this results in enormous carbon dioxide emissions every year. By limiting the lighting usage in a home or hospital, carbon emissions are prevented from entering the atmosphere. For every annual dollar saved on electricity, eight pounds of carbon dioxide emissions are saved from entering the atmosphere (1). The radiology department at Fairbanks Memorial Hospital can save the environment from being slowly destroyed by carbon dioxide emissions.

The fairly simple ask of implementing L.E.D. lighting and a motion sensor system in the radiology department at the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital can create several impressive benefits for the hospital and for the environment. L.E.D. lighting technology uses an amazing 80% less electricity than the florescent tube lights commonly used in hospital settings. They contain no toxins or gasses and are far easier to recycle. They also last five to six times longer than florescent tube lights. Because of their lower draw on electricity, L.E.D. lights can be directly linked to the reduction of carbon dioxide emission into the environment. It is thought that approximately eight pounds of CO2 emissions are prevented from reaching the atmosphere for every annual dollar saved on electricity. L.E.D. technology does cost more than other lighting options initially, but the money and emissions saved in the longer run make it well worth it. Small steps like these can go a long way in creating a greener future for America and the rest of the world. Imagine what would happen if every radiology department, and eventually, every hospital and home and business decided to make these kind of progressions towards managing their use of electricity more efficiently.