Environmental and social aspects of domestic bathing

Cottey, Alan (2015) Environmental and social aspects of domestic bathing. In: Ethical Engineering for International Development and Environmental Sustainability. Springer, London, pp. 195-225. ISBN 978-1-4471-6617-7

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Abstract

This chapter sets domestic bathing in a broad context - the large and increasing overload of the planet's ecology by human activity. The domestic bathing practices of prosperous, westernised people are extravagant, mainly through the use of large amounts of water and energy. Ways in which bathing can remain pleasurable and hygienic, yet use an order of magnitude less water and energy are discussed. Such a reduction cannot be achieved through technical efficiency alone, because capitalism requires net economic growth of the historic kind. The fundamental questions are political. In particular, humanity must change from an ethos of domination and exploitation to an ethos of sharing our earthly home. The discussion of bathing is an example, drawing out ideas applicable to other cases of human profligacy. The role of engineers, as normal members of society but also bringing their talents and trained skills to the invention and development of useful arts, is apparent throughout the chapter.

Item Type: Book Section
Additional Information: Ensuring that their work has a positive influence on society is a responsibility and a privilege for engineers, but also a considerable challenge. This book addresses the ways in which engineers meet this challenge ...
Uncontrolled Keywords: bathing,sustainability,shower,co2e,energy,water,sdg 8 - decent work and economic growth ,/dk/atira/pure/sustainabledevelopmentgoals/decent_work_and_economic_growth
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Science > School of Chemistry
Depositing User: Pure Connector
Date Deposited: 14 Apr 2015 09:30
Last Modified: 20 Oct 2022 23:47
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/53106
DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4471-6618-4

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