Palm | Kelapa Sawit

Our group here at Ecomerge has written at random on several issues, each issue in some fashion relating to the threat of corporate or legislative 'greenwashing'. From fuel-efficient cars, to alternative fuels, hopefully you-the viewing public-have grasped some helpful information on the topic of 'greenwashing.'

Where I believe we have fallen short thus far, is failing to provide, you, with a primary source of 'greenwashing' and the damage that it actually can do overall. If you understand what 'sprawl' is, then you understand that it alone contributes to the overall collapse of our landscape, ecology, habitat, economy, and community. Through the unnecessary expansion of development, which is 'sprawl', the small low-density population that can afford to move into the suburban life-style; one which not only pulls housing away from city limits, it opens the need for extra driving. Driving, the mandatory mode of transportation, that we have all become accustom to. The one form of transportation that we all cannot live without; the one that contributes to the highest amount of greenhouse gases and pollutants in our air that enter the ozone. Yes, that transportation. Only a small part of the greed that developers and home owners try to justify in these small rural developments. Private lives that are granted, now open up the doors for higher emissions of these greenhouse gases and other pollutants. Exactly what we have been trying to eliminate since the so-called Clear Skies Initiative. The one that has had to be revised several times for not meeting emissions guidelines. Another story for one of our nations greatest 'greenwashers.' Remember, with power comes the ability to manipulate the minds of others. Hence, the power to 'greenwash' the nation.

Let's not forget the economic factor that 'sprawl' poses on the American communities. 'Sprawl' raises the costs of infrastructures and services (e.g., roads, schools). As the development spreads, so to does the need for roadways, sewerlines, waterlines, policing, and firefighters. Thus the costs will rise as well.

Don't be fooled by the fast-talking salespitch; if you have to try to sell it to someone, generally what you are selling has some loose ends. So the developers want you to think that the projects are 'new green projects', but no matter how green they make them, you cannot overcome the damage that they are creating through 'sprawl.' After all, all things being equal, if they really cared about being 'green' they would have stayed around the city limits.

For more on this topic go to the google page; (www.greenwashing/sprawl)

Steven Campbell

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