The Environment

While the question of man versus machine has been asked for over a century now when it comes to all facets of business, each decade brings a different perspective to the debate. While in the past the query revolved around the balance of issues such as costs and labour, today the question is being put through a new filter, that of the environment.

When it comes to the environment, we can look at the use of man or machine under two different topics. The first is in our efforts to beautify the spaces around us. Humans in all cities are concerned with the way their living spaces are perceived, and modify their environments through various forms of landscaping. Burlington, Toronto, Washington, and all other cities large and small employ small armies for making sure their cities give a favourable impression to residents and visitors alike.

And just as with real armies, those used to make the most of the spaces around us combine both man and machine labour. While machines may be used to bring about ideas in landscaping, it is the individual person who is responsible for conceiving the idea as well as operating the machinery which provides the majority of the work. From purchasing growers supplies to using those supplies to clean up a municipal garden, man power is essential when it comes to beautifying our environment.

When it comes to the task of keeping our larger environment healthy, however, the answer to our question may tip slightly in favour of the machine. When it comes to this side of the equation, we are usually talking about the use of machine or man power when it comes to making sure industries reduce the amount of pollution they put back out into our living spaces, and that means precise control is needed.

That type of control can only really be provided by machines. Many industries have strict limitations and regulations that must be observed when it comes to the use of water in their plants. Not only is the appropriate amount of water closely regulated, so is the way in which that water is treated. Water treatment chemicals can best be monitored and controlled through automated systems, although those systems in turn usually require some type of human observation.

Machines can also mean that many of the nastier parts of industrial cleanup can be avoided by humans, thus ensuring a more complete job. Lagoon cleaning and grease trap suction are good examples of jobs which most humans would prefer to avoid, and which can be done in a more complete fashion by machines.

When it comes to the question of man versus machine from the environmental perspective, then, the result is a tie. While landscaping efforts such as those at the municipal level may favour human labour, deeper jobs at the industrial level like those which must be done by a corrugated plastic box manufacturer require the precision of machines. Thus, the important topic of our environment is best addressed by both man and machine.

This web article is proudly sponsored by Moishe Alexander, Canadian Funding Corporation. We thank him for his generous support.