Over the years Greenpeace has maintained that it is possible to meet all
human needs that have been serviced by ozone depleting substances
without using chemicals that harm the ozone layer or the global climate.
Over the years Greenpeace has maintained that it is possible to meet all
human needs that have been serviced by ozone depleting substances
without using chemicals that harm the ozone layer or the global climate.
In 1992, Greenpeace published two extensive reports, "Climbing Out of
the Ozone Hole" and "Making the Right Choices" which surveyed the then
existing alternatives to CFCs and other ozone depleting chemicals.
Taking it a step further, in 1992, Greenpeace initiated the development
of the world's first ozone safe and climate friendly domestic
refrigerator technology --Greenfreeze. Greenfreeze technology has
revolutionized the domestic refrigeration industry. It has spread like a
prairie fire throughout Western Europe and to other parts of the world,
such as Australia, China, India, and Latin America. Furthermore, it has
inspired industry in other sectors to develop new alternatives to
fluorocarbons.
Since '92 there has been a flurry of technological activity, with new
products that utilize environmentally safer technologies penetrating the
market place in rapid succession.
Today there is absolutely no need, nor excuse, for the on-going use of
ozone depleting substances. Safer alternatives exist for virtually
every application of CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs.
Presently there is a lag time between technological development on the
one hand, and sound environmental policies and business practices on the
other. The availability of these safer products has yet to be translated
into tighter phase out dates and restrictions on fluorocarbon use.
Businesses in both industrialized and developing countries are still
being encouraged by the chemical industry, governments and international
financial agencies (such as the World Bank) to invest in obsolete
fluorocarbon technologies. And yet, one doesn't need to be a rocket
scientist to realize that investing in fluorocarbon technologies is not
only environmentally irresponsible, but is also poor business .
The present Greenpeace report, "No Excuses", is an update of some of
the safer alternatives in sectors where CFCs have been or will soon be
eliminated. The examples cited are commercially available. Their
inclusion in this document should not be construed to mean Greenpeace
endorsation of any of the products or manufacturers.
