| 正在学习这篇文章，近似于这种情况啊，感兴趣可以看看 I don't think anyone would consider me an environmentalist but I'd like to believe that I try to do my part. I recycle fanatically. I use low-energy light bulbs. I pack my lunch in reusable containers. I've turned off the heat dry cycle on my dishwasher. In addition to individual actions, I also believe that corporate environmental policies can have a substantial impact on the environment. That's why I'm usually a huge proponent of positive environmental business practices. But recently, one corporation has initiated a new green policy that I just can't get behind. A little over one year ago, I acquired a new garbage can when I moved into a condo downtown. The garbage can, while perfectly sized for my kitchen, posed one overwhelming problem: It was much too big to be lined by a standard grocery store plastic bag and much too small for a large black garbage bag. As I sat in my parents' kitchen contemplating the solution to this dilemma, my mom had a stroke of genius. With a flourish, she triumphantly brandished a plastic Ikea shopping bag: wider and longer than the ones at grocery stores, with large handles that would later prove to be perfect for securing trash. I tried it out. It fit like a glove. Best of all, it also fit down my building's garbage chute. Since that day I have been a frequent customer at Ikea, bagging my purchases liberally and encouraging my family members to do the same. Because of me, my oldest brother Henry had to endure the shame of being chastised by a checkout lady for using too many bags. It was on this same trip that Henry was informed of Ikea's new environmental initiative. As of Oct. 22, Ikea has started charging for its plastic bags. The proceeds from the sales of these bags will go to a non-profit organization dedicated to planting trees throughout Canada. A quick inventory reveals that I have four plastic Ikea bags left. If used judiciously, they might last me two weeks, but no longer. Talk about an inconvenient truth. Many of you will point out that I can purchase liners sized appropriately for my garbage can from a variety of grocery and hardware stores. This is undoubtedly true. However, having lined my garbage bins with free grocery bags all my life, I balk at the idea of paying money for a product whose express purpose is to be thrown away. Large black garbage bags are different; those take me eons to fill (besides, I just swipe them from my parents). Lately, however, I have started to feel ashamed about my vehement opposition to a green policy that clearly has the potential to do a lot of good (we won't talk about how much money Ikea stands to save from not giving out free bags). Ikea claims that if it reaches its goal of reducing plastic bags by 50 per cent, the money raised would be enough to plant 153,150 trees. Galvanized by guilt, I decided to make a list of all the other things that I can do to reduce consumption and promote environmental sustainability in my own life. I can lobby for the quicker implementation of green bins in my building. I can research the different types of energy-efficient green roofs my parents can install when they redo their roof next year. I can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by driving less and taking public transit more often. I am energized and excited by my list. Especially the last item. If I take the bus to Ikea, do you think they'll let me have my plastic bags for free? | 
发表于 2007-12-23 17:23
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发表于 2007-12-24 18:13
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发表于 2007-12-27 20:21
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