Abstract-DoingTheRightThing-Cazier

=Doing the “Right” Thing for the Environment Just Got Easier, With a Little Help from Information Systems=

Joseph Cazier, Brandy Hopkins Appalachian State University, Boone, NC



Abstract
When it comes to the environment, most people want to do the right thing; they just need help in getting there. No one really wants their friends to perceive them to be careless polluters. Businesses don’t really want their customers to believe that by buying their products’ they are destroying the planet we live on. Most people claim that they will pay more for a “green” product, they just need a little help with the follow through. Information Systems can play a critical role in helping people and business follow through on their good intentions when it comes to the environment. Below are just a few of the ways that Information Systems can help us do the right things.

//Efficiency Systems//

Perhaps the easiest and most adopted ways to date that information systems can help us save the planet is through developing and using efficiency systems. Efficiency systems help us get more mileage out of things that we are already doing by using our resources more efficiently. Some examples include:
 * UPS using systems to modern technology to route their trucks in a way that reduces the amount of fuel needed to make their scheduled deliveries
 * ·Lumber industries using computer-scanning technologies to reduce waste and increase yield rates when harvesting trees, yielding more lumber per tree.
 * ·Farmers using geographic information systems to put less fertilizer and pesticides on crops, reducing the amount of energy needed to grow food and reducing pollutants released into the environment

These types of systems are usually an easy sale to companies, as in addition to saving the planet, they also save money, making it a lot easier to get a company's attention.

//Reporting and Awareness//

Information systems can also help by letting us know when we are doing the right thing. For example, imagine an iPhone app that scanned a barcode for a product you were thinking about buying. The app could then tell you how much carbon is generally used to produce this product and if there are any other known issues such as child labor to be aware of. Just knowing this information could go a long way to helping people make the right decisions.

//Behavior Modification//

Another forefront on which information systems can help people do the “right” thing for the environment is by helping them modify their behavior. What if we had applications that rewarded us for doing thing that benefit the planet? We have some now, such as applications that encourage us to walk or lose weight, why not develop systems that give us reminders or encouragement when we do something good for the planet? Perhaps the systems could even tie in peer pressure by having contest with friends and giving praise as we recycle, bike to work, reduce our carbon footprint or any other beneficial activity. The article calls on professors, educators and citizens of the world to develop and use information systems to help people do the “right” thing.