Are We Really Going Green?

The transition from newspapers to digitally based media could potentially lower the need to destroy forests for paper. In response to “Internet Killed the Newspaper Star” the Internet may bring about new ways to “go green” but there is another side to the story.

How the Internet affects the environment-
Some benefits of using the Internet to reduce harm on the environment would be reducing the need for printing and paper and the delivery of these newspapers. Less transportation means lower fuel emissions. Treehugger.com says that 1 to 10 grams of CO2 emissions result from one Google search. The average computer’s use of electricity produces 40 to 80 grams of CO2 emissions.

Many new forms of technology that disperse information have become useful. But the problem is what to do with them when they become unusable. 3 million tons of commodity and electronic waste is thrown away each year in the US. Natural resources are put to waste. But some corporations are attempting to make an impact.

Take the Apple Corporation for example. Although the company is constantly introducing new and improved electronics that promise advancements from previous models, they do provide a environmental plan. 6.1% of products sold in 2005 were recycled, 41.9% in 2008.



The biggest problem is that the majority of the human race, especially the US, has become excessive consumers. In relation to the news everyone wants to be informed. Oral tradition, the most effective way to avoid harm on the environment, has become impossible due to the amount of information today and the population of the world. Is there really any solution?