Green is Not Just Smart, It’s Really Common Sense
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For Blog Action Day I debated myself about what to write. I have written several posts on environmental topics and my thoughts seem to have run dry at the moment. I would bet that there are several blogs written about Global Warming and what everyone should do to slow it down or counteract greenhouse gases. There will probably several bloggers referring to Al Gore and his movie.
However, in a recent post I discussed how a different approach should be made toward environmental topics. I believe that all of the hype and controversy of Global Warming have shut the door on some people and made some lose sight of what Environmental Topics are really all about.
So, let’s forget about Global Warming for a moment. The topic of my post is that it just makes sense.
Let’s consider Renewable Energy. Many people around the World are starting to utilize Solar and Wind for Electricity and GeoThermal for A/C and Heat along with other sources for both. How fantastic is it that we have found a way to use what is given to us freely for what has become our necessities? Instead of using coal which is mined, we pay for, and that in turn negatively affects the Environment in more ways than one-we can use the free sun, free wind and the ground’s free natural cooling and heating. You can even sign on to get electricity from companies that use Renewable Energy for your service at a comparable rate as coal. As technology takes us closer to using these at a reasonable cost, it just makes sense.
Energy Efficient and Healthier Homes- Let’s think about Low VOC paints and glues, High Efficient HVAC systems combined with the tighter construction of homes, Double/Triple Pane windows, and so on. All of these lead to a healthier level of indoor air quality and lower utility bills. This means allergy and asthma sufferers can lead a better quality of life, rates of cancer and other diseases would be expected to decline and not only that, you can save a significant amount of money on utility bills. These homes, as a system, are in the end better for the environment as well. Why not reap the benefits of healthier and energy efficient homes? It just makes sense.
Locally Grown Organic Fruits and Vegetables- I remember as a child going across town to the Farmer’s Market where we could choose our fruit. It tasted so much better than what we could get in the store, not to mention the price was less. It was always the highlight of my week to go there. How does this help the environment? So many ways. Consider the fuel and shipping from across the nation or out of the country, consider the fertilizers used in large crops that cause a domino effect whether it is when we eat it or when it rains and goes downstream. Why don’t we support our local farmers? Instead of buying fruit that was picked before it was ready, buy local to get it fresh and cheaper? It just makes sense.
My list of how going green should just be common sense could also go on and on. Conservation of water, cutting down trees that everyone loves to live around, etc. It can be related to every aspect of Environmental issues. No one needs to change overnight, no one really needs to be told how many squares of toilet paper to use. Let’s just remember what Stewardship means and make an effort to be better. Let’s turn around our approach for Eco issues. Instead of weighing heavily on the negative aspects of our current lifestyle, let’s explain how changing and using new technology can benefit everyone.
For more posts on how Green Building can benefit everyone, feel free to read the following links:
