UNIT – 3
Industrial Processes and their effects on Environment
3.1 CONCERN FOR ENVIRONMENT IN: PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTION PROCESS, PACKAGING, DISTRIBUTION, MARKETING
The magnitude of environmental problems has expanded considerably over the past several decades, from pollution and solid waste issues to deforestation, soil erosion and other forms of natural resource depletion and degradation, to global concern such as climate change and the thinning of the ozone layer. It has been suggested that there is a need for a new economic paradigm in which environmental issues have a more important role than they have at present. It is important to understand this shift since not only governmental actions, but also the individual acts of several decision-makers in the industrial sector will, in large part, determine whether or not society is capable of taking effective actions in environmental matters.
The current shift is from the traditional managerial thinking to environment related management, with higher emphasis on environmental aspects. Environmental preservation has become a central value, alongside traditional economic values like profit and growth, directing and strategy making. The paradigm shift is reflected in the concept of the product, as well as attitudes towards the industry, competitive advantage, relationship between the product and the environment, economy and nature, responsibility for the environment, and the relationship between environmental policy and management.
3.1.1 Product Development
Development of products in an environment-friendly way is a major concern of many people these days. Where to get started is amongst the most difficult steps in the initiation of a green product development strategy. The green knowledge base for product development is widely distributed and not readily available within the organization, in the design or process teams. The supply base has varying degrees of experience with green methods and processes. Several alternatives are available to bring this knowledge into the company. Grooming the individual(s) within an organization, hiring experienced green professionals, or engaging consulting services are some of the alternatives that help in advancing the knowledge. Each alternative has its own benefits and drawbacks.
Internal green competency development takes time, and the choice of the individual( s) is very important. There are two elements to the green competency, which are as follows:
(i) The knowledge of the regulations-be they local, national or international.
(ii) The knowledge of the process steps, the chemistry, and analysis tools required to evaluate the material properties for hazardous materials and their proposed green replacements.
Larger companies need individuals that would have two sets of skills, viz., knowledge about rules and regulations and coordination with the appropriate agencies and material and chemical knowledge. Any individual with the former set of skills could be in the process, regulatory or quality departments; while the latter could be a highly educated expert in materials as well as complex analysis methods. Usually, it is preferred to have one individual with both the qualities. However, this dual-skilled . individual will be dependent on outside experts and their points of view when forming his or her opinions on green alternatives.
I 3.1.2 Production Process
As more and more people migrate from rural areas to cities to find work in developing countries, the plight of the urban poor is more visible, and the environmental and I health problems associated with these population shifts become increasingly intractable. Greater industrial growth is key to improving the economic well-being of urban populations. The challenge of achieving the desired growth in industrial production is even more difficult, due to the need to reduce pollution from industry and other municipal sources because of the adverse effects on public health and the environment.
Industrial efficiency can be improved by using several models based on the principles of cleaner production. They postulate that in order to achieve success in improving industrial efficiency and environmental performance, it is necessary to consider the institutional framework, the influences from the economic conditions and market trends, the availability of technical assistance and information and the existence of a supportive government framework.
Traditionally, international aid agencies have taken a bifurcated approach to environmental protection in developing countries. Their primary concern has been on protecting natural resources and conserving biodiversity. These' green' projects have received the majority of development resources designated for environmental projects, while 'brown' investments-those that focus on improving environmental conditions in urban areas, reducing industrial pollution-have claimed a much smaller share of aid resources.
It has been seen that small investments in 'brown' projects yield significant benefits, especially for the protection of downstream ecosystem.
Cleaner production
Cleaner production is the continuous application of an integrated, preventive environmental strategy to processes and products to reduce risks to humans and the environment. F or production processes, cleaner production includes conserving raw materials, water and energy, eliminating toxic raw materials, and reducing the quantity and toxicity of all emissions and wastes before they leave a process. For products, the strategy focuses on reducing impacts along the entire life cycle of the product, from raw material extraction to the ultimate disposal of the product. Organizations achieve cleaner production by applying know-how, improving technology, and changing attitudes.
3.1.3 Packaging
While designing a product and its packaging, it is important to ensure that there is minimum waste of materials (if possible, no waste at all). Following are the reasons
why waste should be kept to the minimum:
'" .
. When a company manufactures a design, the materials used are often expensive. Any wasted material means that the company is also wasting money. In a competitive world, waste must be minimized.
. If there is little waste of material, then less material is needed to manufacture a design. This helps conserve the environment;-for example, if a manufacturer of card packaging keeps waste to a minimum then less trees need to be cut down to provide the card.
. Energy is required to drive machinery in order to manufacture products. If waste material is produced, it means that energy has been wasted in cutting, shaping or removing this useless material.
. Recycle as much waste material as possible and use it again. This saves money and protects the environment.
Product manufacturers are the ultimate source responsible for making packaging changes. The combination 0 regulatory and economic demands forced many manufacturers in a variety of industries to re-evaluate and implement environment friendly packaging for their products. One industry sector that has many environmentalists concerned is the electronics industry. What happeflS'il0t,only to the packaging but to the products themselves after consumer usage? For example, consumers are disposing of older computer models at a significant rate. What kind of hazards does this pose for the environment? Fortunately, electronics manufacturers are conscious of these issues and are modifying their packaging materials and products accordingly.
For many years, computers were packaged in expanded polystyrene or polystyrene foam. This material is declining as a packaging choice because it does not decompose. As an alternative, air envelopes or air bubble packs ranging from small bubble wraps to air bubbles the size of softballs are now being used. One major computer manufacturer has gone so far as to package its printer cartridges in molded fiber or pulp inserts. When consumers purchase the cartridge, they remove the old cartridge, place it into the box with the inserts that the new cartridge came in, apply a piece of tape over the top, and UPS will pick it up for recycling. It is these types of initiatives by manufacturers that will improve the environmental impact of recycled content.
Packaging does play a vital role in the supply chain for the selection of the raw materials to its final disposal. As domestic supply management organizations reach out globally, they will be subjected and expected to adhere to strict packaging regulations and fees that may be avoided if they consider the same packaging requirements in their own supply chain. Packaging can serve many purposes for organizations. However, these purposes should serve not only the organization and its end-users but the environment as well.
Environment
Environmentalism has played a large role for several decades and continues to produce new things. For example, the current move towards bottled water is producing 1.5 million tons of plastic waste each year. In many areas of the country, the most conspicuous kind of trash on the street is plastic water bottles. This is going to create a huge problem if the industry does not start tapping into the environmental issue this will cause.
The different levels of mine waste heaps are not only becoming a chronic nuisance for the society but are also affecting terrain, aquifers, and flowing water. While society finally tries to deal with the situation; the waste heaps will continue to grow larger. Something will have to be done to clean them up.
Globalization
Globalization is quite a different trend. As American firms globalize, what they are going to find is that in much of the world there is a tremendous desire and demand for reusable packaging: not necessarily to reuse it for packaging, but to reuse it for domestic or household use. Supply management organizations moving into Europe will find severe stresses by law on the nature of packaging. There is also going to be the opportunity to look at local products and how they might be differently packaged.
Another factor that is important with globalization is symbology-the significance of color, names, numbers, etc; for example, in China, the number four is a bad number and the number eight is a good number. In different parts of the world, orange, yellow, and green are positive or extremely negative colors. As businesses globalize, they must accommodate their packaging to reflect the culture.
Distribution
Environmental issues are being considered while making business decisions, and it is gaining popularity for many reasons. In that light, the following tips for helping companies achieve both environmental and operational benefits by focusing on 'green' initiatives in their distribution centers (DCs), are being offered:
(i) Maximize efficiency of conveying and handling processes: Integrating material handling and warehouse management systems enables manufacturers and distributors to move and touch products fewer times and reduce forklift usage. In addition to reducing handling costs, these advances help to reduce energy consumption and reduce emissions.
(ii) Increase flow-through: The use of advanced warehouse management systems also enables companies to streamline warehouse processes to achieve higher levels of cross docking, which, in turn, helps to minimize inventory and increase product turns. With more flow-through, companies manage their business with smaller distribution centres. In addition to containing expenses, this helps to reduce energy consumption and limit the use of construction materials, which are not needed because existing DCs have increased capacity.
(iii) Optimize transportation processes: The use of transportation management solutions to create a more efficient transportation network helps reduce the number of empty hauls and dead-ends in the movement of goods. This reduces fuel consumption and extends the usefulness of trucks and trailers for reduced material usage.
(iv) Enhance planning, forecasting and replenishment: Using best-of-breed planning, forecasting and replenishment solutions drive more efficiency in manufacturing and distribution for reduced energy and materials consumption, as well as improved operational efficiency.
3.2 STRATEGIES FOR ENSURING ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Instituting environment - friendly practices does not mean sacrificing your competitive edge. Business owners are realizing that they can make a bigger impact by changing their business policies than by changing their personal behaviour, and this has lead to a change in corporate culture over the last few years that has resulted in a notable environmental impact.
In the past, efforts to institute eco-friendly business practices were admirable, but these efforts appear negligible compared to the changes that are being made today. Minimizing the consumption of paper products and electricity are still effective ways for companies to save money and help the environment at the same time, but many companies are stepping outside these standardized boundaries to effect big changes.
Many companies are choosing to enact organization-wide policies that take enormous effort and patience, and the results of these efforts are just filtering in. Leaving the choice in the hands of consumers often results in poor choices, but when companies choose to be careful about what they produce and how they produce it, the impact can be tremendous.
In the Great Lakes area of the United States and Canada, wind energy is becoming an increasingly viable source of power for companies of all sizes. Wind powered electricity costs only slightly more than standard electricity for the consumer, and many conscientious business owners are willing to pay the premium. For the producers of electricity, using wind power makes sense as a way to help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Reducing dependence on one commodity allows the producers to further diversify and create a more sustainable financial future for their company. Thus, both the producers and consumers of wind powered electricity benefit from the creation of this clean, environmental-friendly energy source.
Simple changes in business practices and purchasing can make an enormous impact on the environment, and the cost of the choices is usually minimal or nonexistent. Whether or not you believe that carbon emissions are the culprit behind our increasingly unstable global climate, there are simple changes that can be made that would make a big impact on the health of our planet.
F or new businesses that are still finding their feet in a highly competitive market, the size of their profit margin may be more of a concern than the size of their carbon footprint. The advent of the Internet era has enabled businesses to cut costs whilst also building an environment-friendly philosophy across the organization, however, traditional energy-saving methods should not be ignored either. Some of the easiest methods are as follows:
(i) Keep travel to a minimum: One of the biggest expenses many companies have is transporting people for meetings. A lot of valuable time is wasted 'in transit' at airports and stations and 'time', which means wastage of money. However, with Internet technology, travel can be kept to a minimum. Using VoIP software, instant messaging, and e-mail and telephone conferencing services, it is much cheaper than flying a team of executives cross-country for a one-hour meeting.
(ii) Use web-based technology: Companies that have clients or other offices across the world should use web-based technology to keep costs down. Documents can be stored remotely in a secure central hub in cyberspace, with passwords enabling only authorized people to gain access. Using such a technology reduces the need to post or courier or fax any documents. Remote storage saves on office space, furniture and staff time. With encryption it is just as safe as physical storage.
(iii) Run a paperless office: Similarly, digital storage is a cost-effective and environmentally- friendly way of managing important documents. Anything from portable USB hard-drives to large, networked storage facilities can cater for companies of all sizes, which cuts out needless paper waste.
(iv) When printing is unavoidable: In case printing is unavoidable, ensure a printer is compatible with refillable ink cartridges and has a duplex printing function. Many print shops will give significant discounts on fresh cartridges in exchange for your used cartridges. And by printing on both sides of a piece of paper, you can halve the amount of paper you need to use.
(v) Online marketing: Marketing is central to the success of any business. While hard copies of marketing material will always have a place, it is important to optimize online operations. A company's website is often the first port of call for customers-so it must be informative, well presented and easy to navigate. It is required to target new customers on forums, make business listings, and most importantly, have electronic versions of information brochures-many customers prefer mailing information. Having a strong online marketing strategy will boost sales, cut costs and also save a lot of money on printing.
(vi) Turn off equipment: Many companies leave their computers on standby overnight and at weekends, which is a massive waste of energy. Instill a company-wide policy that insists that everyone must tum their computers off if not in use. The same applies to coffee machines, heaters, etc.
(vii) Energy-saving light bulbs: Energy saving light bulbs are very effective, they conserve energy and thus help the environment. They use up to 80 per cent less electricity than a standard bulb, but produce the same amount of light.
Through a combination of Internet technology and a genuine desire to make a difference, all businesses-new or otherwise-can adopt environment-friendly principles and reduce needless financial waste at the same time.
3.2.1 Green Funding
Green funding is a mutual fund or other investment vehicle that will only invest in those companies that are deemed socially conscious in their business dealings or
directly promote environmental responsibility. A green funds can come in the form of a focused investment vehicle for companies engaged in environmentally supportive businesses, such as alternative energy, green transport, water and waste management, and sustainable living.
A green fund's strategy can be based on avoiding negative company criteria (businesses such as guns, alcohol, gambling, pornography, animal testing, etc.), choosing positive company criteria (environmental programs, energy conservation, fair trade, etc.), or a combination of both strategies.
Based on performance, it is not yet clear whether green funds and socially responsible investing can consistently create better returns for investors. However, they do represent a proactive step towards environmental consciousness, which many investors appreciate.
Socially conscious investing is on the rise, which is due largely to increased worldwide exposure to the issue, as well as increased federal funding for alternative energy and other programs.
3.3 ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
Environmental ethics refers to the issues, principles and guidelines relating to human interactions with their environment. It is rightly said, 'The environmental crisis is an outward manifestation of the crisis of mind and spirit.' It all depends on how we think and act. If we think 'Man is all powerful and the supreme creature on this earth and man is the master of nature and can harness it at his will', it reflects our humancentric thinking. On the other hand, if we think 'Nature has provided us with all the resources for leading a beautiful life and she nourishes us like a mother, we should respect her and nurture her', this is an earth-centric thinking.
The first view urges us to march ahead gloriously to conquer nature and establish our supremacy over nature through technological innovations, economic growth and development without much botheration about the damage done to the planet earth.
The second view urges us to live on this earth as a part of it, like any other creation of nature and live sustainably. So, we can see that our acts will follow what we think. If we want to check the environmental crisis, we will have to transform our thinking and attitude. That in turn, would transform our deeds, leading to a better environment and better future.
These two world-views are discussed here in relation to environmental protection.
3.3.1 Anthropocentric Worldview
This view guides most industrial societies. It puts human beings at the centre, giving them the highest status. Man is considered to be the most capable for managing the planet earth. The guiding principles of this view are:
1. Man is the planet's most important species and is in charge of the rest of the nature.
2. Earth has an unlimited supply of resources and it all belongs to us.
3. Economic growth is very good and more the growth, the better it is, because it raises our quality of life and the potential for economic growth is unlimited.
4. A healthy environment depends upon a healthy economy.
5. The success of mankind depends upon how good managers we are for deriving benefits for us from the nature.
3.3.2 Ecocentric Worldview
This is based on earth-wisdom. The basic beliefs are as follows:
1. Nature exists not for human beings alone, but for all the species.
2. Earth's resources are limited and they do not belong only to human beings.
3. Economic growth is good till it encourages earth-sustaining development and discourages earth-degrading development.
4. A healthy economy depends upon a healthy environment.
5. The success of mankind depends upon how best we can cooperate with the rest of the nature while trying to use the resources of nature for our benefit. Environmental ethics can provide us the guidelines for putting our beliefs into action and help us in deciding what to do when faced with crucial situations. Some important ethical guidelines known as earth ethics or environmental ethics are as follows:
. One should love and honor the earth since it nurtures life.
. One should keep each day sacred on earth and celebrate the turning of its seasons.
. One should not hold one above other living things and has no right to drive them to extinction.
. One should be grateful to the plants and animals which provides food.
. One should limit the number of off springs because too many people will overburden the earth.
. One should not waste resources on destructive weapons.
. One should not run after gains at the cost of nature, rather should strive to restore its damaged glory.
. One should not conceal from others the effects that have been caused by one's actions on earth.
. One should not steal from future generations their right to live in a clean and safe planet by impoverishing or polluting it.
. One should consume the material goods in moderate amounts so that all may share the earth's precious treasure of resources.
If we critically go through these ten commandments for earth ethics and reflect upon the same, we will find that various religions teach us the same things in one form or the other. Our Vedas also have glorified each and every component of nature as gods or goddesses so that people have a feeling of reverence for them. Our religious and cultural rituals make us perform such actions that would help in the conservation of nature and natural resources. Even the various festivals envisaged by Hinduism also prescribe the participation of humans in the celebrations through nature. (Nisarga Pooja is what we perform during celebrations of our festivals, e.g., Satyanarayana Pooja, Vatapournitma, Baishakhi, Ganesh Festival, Dusshera).
The concept of ahimsa in Buddhism and Jainism ensure the protection and conservation of all forms of life, thereby keeping the ecological balance of the earth intact. Our teachings on 'having fewer wants' ensure to put 'limits to growth', and thus guide us to have an ecocentric lifestyle.
No comments:
Post a Comment