Eco-Friendly Chesapeake Bay Foundation

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/24/AR2011012404669.html

The article describes that measures taken by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to create the most eco-friendly building. The purpose of this building was to set an example for others to showcase alternative energy options and "green" living. The building was finished in 2000 but still is a gleaming example of how construction can be changed to better protect the environment.

a) This is an effective form of action because the Chesapeake Bay Foundation is not just helping the environment by building a eco-friendly building but it gives an example of what actions are possible to save the Chesapeake Bay. The bay is threatened by many different environmental factors, including human and animal waste. The building for the foundation eliminates waste flowing into the water by composting it.

b) This action comes from civil society. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is made up of individuals that want to donate their time and money to a cause they see as dire. The government tends to get involved with Chesapeake Bay conservation, but the construction of the foundation's building was strictly funded by civil society.

c) This action is replicable in some ways. It is not realistic to assume that all new buildings will be built like the foundation's building, especially for ones around the bay. The building was very expensive, although some prices have gone down since its construction in 2000. The components of the building that can be replicated in new construction are things such as composted waste and alternative ways of heating a building. It is also more plausible that these types of changes to construction are possible in a large building then in individual homes.

d) This article only provides some hope for me. I really enjoy reading about the advances in eco-friendly technology. It is also encouraging to read that this technology has reduced in price over the years. This may mean that the technology is accessible to more people. The primary issue that causes me to have some doubt in this action is that is was completed by individuals that were are concerned and aware of environmental issues. I believe that is was a great investment and a good example to others but I don't think that it will produce much change. It seems as if there are groups of people that care to make their lives as eco-friendly as possible and they participate in such actions as constructing green building. Then there is the rest of the population in America that does not take the actions necessary to change their behavior and positively impact the environment. I would have a lot more hope is this was a developer in a suburban area that was building environmentally friendly homes.