Top Five Green Myths

A Fresh Squeeze has published the first part of their Top Ten Green Myths on their website. You can check the myths out below. Make sure to check out A Fresh Squeeze as well.

Myth 1: Since trees absorb carbon dioxide, we should plant trees wherever we can to combat global warming.Fact: While trees do sequester carbon from the atmosphere, this impact is lessened and in some cases reversed by the albedo effect. For the most bang for your bark, support tree planting in the tropics and avoid planting trees in latitudes above 50 degrees.

Myth 2: Since hybrid cars get better gas mileage, we should sell our current cars for a hybrid.Fact: The true test of your car’s eco-friendliness is gas mileage, which is sometimes better with a standard engine. For instance regular compact cars often get higher MPG than hybrid SUVs. If you’re considering buying a new hybrid to replace an older model, remember that it takes energy to manufacture a new car. So you won’t start saving energy until you’ve gotten 10,000 - 12,000 bonus miles out of the improved gas mileage. If you drive rarely, consider investing in other green technologies—like improving your home’s energy efficiency—instead.

Myth 3: Since paper is made from a renewable resource and plastic is made from a nonrenewable resource, paper bags are better for the environment.Fact: Paper actually creates more pollution, takes up more landfill space, and uses more fossil fuel in transportation than plastic. But if you recycle your paper bags, then the eco-impact is greatly reduced. The better choice is to avoid paper and plastic bags altogether by using a reusable shopping bag.

Myth 4: It doesn’t matter how much we conserve, because unchecked population growth is going to destroy the Earth’s resources anyway. According to the UN, the Earth’s population is expected to level off between 9 and 11 billion around 2050. With fears of uncontrolled population growth abating, we still need to figure out how to sustainably support 2.3 to 4.3 billion more people on our planet.

Myth 5: Since bottled water is regulated by the FDA, it is safer to drink than tap water.Fact: A study by the National Resources Defense Council found that 25% of bottled water is actually just packaged tap water, sometimes without any additional treatment. Municipal water is subject to EPA standards and is as safe as or safer than the bottled variety.