There are many things people use which are causing harm towards our planet. Many of these products are used every day by millions of people in large increments. Most of these harmful substances have caused an increase in global warming and most of them are also sources being used in America. Since America is known to be a rich country, many feel it is ok to consume as much as they want; as long as they are able to. Although America's society is formed this way, they do not realize how much their consumption and waste has caused destruction towards our planet and it also jeopardizes our lives. In the past few years, there have been reports about global warming; but many people did not pay close attention to it. Since it is hard to ignore the signs of global warming now, more people are now trying to create ways to save our planet.
There are many sources we used that have caused global warming such as fossil fuels. These different types of energy increases global warming by interfering with the function of greenhouse gases. There are few greenhouse gases which are, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and also fluorinated gases (there are a stem branch of fluorinated gases). According to the Union of concerned Scientists, fossil fuels are accountable for more than ninety percent of America's electricity (2007 p. 2). There are different types of fossil fuels; one example is coal, and it is explained how coal burning is the leading cause of acid rain, and one of the largest sources of global warming emissions (p 2). In regards to oil, a large amount of nitrogen oxide and carbon dioxide is produced from it which is a green house gas that can come from products after being disposed. Most of the things that people purchase are manmade, which means they are not recyclable. When it is time to dispose these products, they are usually burned, which turns into the carbon dioxide gas. Once these materials are burned, the carbon dioxide rises into the atmosphere causing an imbalance of the greenhouse gases. Natural gas is another type of fossil fuel, but one difference between this source and others is that it is cleaner, but UCS explains how it also produces global warming emissions (p 3). There are so many things we do in our daily lives which increases global warming.
Although there is not a perfect solution to this problem, changing some of our actions can be a start to saving the planet. One person who has taken the stand to make a difference is Robert Congel. Congel's idea of helping to save earth is by creating a mega mall with the theme “going green”. 
This project is going to be an additional part of the mall carousel which is going to take up one-hundred acres. The name of this project is Destiny USA; what makes it green and also different from other designs is that Congel is trying to help limit the use of fossil fuel by only using renewable - energy such as the sun, wind, and plants. According to Amanda G. Little, author of NY megamall aims to run on clean energy, Destiny USA is going to consume a minimum of thirty-two mega watts of solar electricity (2005 p 1). UCS explains how solar power captures the heat and light of the sun to generate electricity. Little also explains how this project will consume one hundred-twenty mega watts of biodiesel and biomass combined. Bio-energy is positively affective because its energy comes from trees and plants. Last but not least is wind power which will be consumed by forty-four mega watts. This energy converts the power available in moving air into electricity (p 1). Amanda G. Little explains how Robert Congel believes this change will attract people from different parts of the world and it will also be a model that can direct people towards becoming green.
Although Destiny USA is making a step towards saving our planet, there seems to be contradictions within the project. Many may believe Destiny USA is an example of green washing because, they are using the theme “going green” as a way to manipulate people into visiting the mall and increase their chances of spending money.One contradiction that is noticeable is the design itself which is a mall. When I think about a mall, the first thing that comes to my mind is consumerism. When people are at the mall, many times they will buy things they really do not need, and usually these items will end up in a pile with other unusable items which will eventually get thrown away. I really do not find anything green about consumption and waste. As of today, Carousel Center consists of over 150 stores and mini shops. When Destiny USA is complete, there will be hundreds of hotel rooms, more restaurants and three times as many stores. This shows that once there are more places created, the percentage of people consuming will increase and the amount of stuff that will be thrown away increases also. Another issue that contradicts Destiny’s 100% renewable energy use is transportation. When tourist come from all around the world to visit Destiny USA, they have to find a way to get there, and I doubt they are going to use renewable energy such as wind power to blow them there. Most likely people are going to use planes, buses and cars to get to this destination, which consist of fossil fuels. Within this project, there is going to be a park that represents 365 days of spring. Who would have ever believed Syracuse out of all places could have 365 days of spring. A concern I have about this park refers to the people that live in Syracuse. Taking winter away would change the way people view Syracuse. Another concern I have deals with changing mother nature. Why are we trying to change mother nature? I thought that was the reason why we are in the predicament we are in now (global warming). Although it may make people feel better since they do not have to worry about being cold; but it will ony add more worries about our planet.
This project is going to be an additional part of the mall carousel which is going to take up one-hundred acres. The name of this project is Destiny USA; what makes it green and also different from other designs is that Congel is trying to help limit the use of fossil fuel by only using renewable - energy such as the sun, wind, and plants. According to Amanda G. Little, author of NY megamall aims to run on clean energy, Destiny USA is going to consume a minimum of thirty-two mega watts of solar electricity (2005 p 1). UCS explains how solar power captures the heat and light of the sun to generate electricity. Little also explains how this project will consume one hundred-twenty mega watts of biodiesel and biomass combined. Bio-energy is positively affective because its energy comes from trees and plants. Last but not least is wind power which will be consumed by forty-four mega watts. This energy converts the power available in moving air into electricity (p 1). Amanda G. Little explains how Robert Congel believes this change will attract people from different parts of the world and it will also be a model that can direct people towards becoming green.
Although Destiny USA is making a step towards saving our planet, there seems to be contradictions within the project. Many may believe Destiny USA is an example of green washing because, they are using the theme “going green” as a way to manipulate people into visiting the mall and increase their chances of spending money.One contradiction that is noticeable is the design itself which is a mall. When I think about a mall, the first thing that comes to my mind is consumerism. When people are at the mall, many times they will buy things they really do not need, and usually these items will end up in a pile with other unusable items which will eventually get thrown away. I really do not find anything green about consumption and waste. As of today, Carousel Center consists of over 150 stores and mini shops. When Destiny USA is complete, there will be hundreds of hotel rooms, more restaurants and three times as many stores. This shows that once there are more places created, the percentage of people consuming will increase and the amount of stuff that will be thrown away increases also. Another issue that contradicts Destiny’s 100% renewable energy use is transportation. When tourist come from all around the world to visit Destiny USA, they have to find a way to get there, and I doubt they are going to use renewable energy such as wind power to blow them there. Most likely people are going to use planes, buses and cars to get to this destination, which consist of fossil fuels. Within this project, there is going to be a park that represents 365 days of spring. Who would have ever believed Syracuse out of all places could have 365 days of spring. A concern I have about this park refers to the people that live in Syracuse. Taking winter away would change the way people view Syracuse. Another concern I have deals with changing mother nature. Why are we trying to change mother nature? I thought that was the reason why we are in the predicament we are in now (global warming). Although it may make people feel better since they do not have to worry about being cold; but it will ony add more worries about our planet. Little, A. G., (2005, June, 10). N.Y. megamall aims to run on clean energy. Grist Magazine. Retrieved April 12, 2008, from http://www.msnbc.msncom/id/8048486/page/2/print/1/displaymode/1098/
Union of concerned scientists. Retrieved April 20, 2008, from http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/
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