Trowel Talk: It Just Makes Cent$

I was recently confronted by someone who believes this whole “global warming” thing is just a big lie. They said that we shouldn’t waste any time, effort or tax dollars on reducing our carbon footprint because “CO² is nothing but plant food …”

OK, I get it. Al Gore has become the poster child for the green movement and liberal groups, such as Green Peace, have been hollering about saving the environment for decades, so some folks are suspicious that this must be about leftist politics.

Let’s, for the sake of argument, say these folks are right. There have been a several Ice Ages in the Earth’s history and each time it’s bounced back to the point it now successfully sustains a whole bunch of us Homo sapiens. Are there other (non-political) reasons to go green? Yes.

* Breathing cleaner air, drinking cleaner water, and eating food that is not loaded with growth hormones or toxic pesticides will help us all live longer, healthier lives.

* We have depleted most of our old growth forests to meet the housing boom of the 1950s and 60s. We have continued to consume fossil fuel like there is an unlimited supply. When we begin to recognize that we have finite amount of most natural resources, doesn’t it make sense to better manage what we have left to insure the next generation, and the next, will have the ability to enjoy the fruits of our world?

* By using EIFS and other high R-value claddings we better insulate our structures and reduce energy consumption and the cost! Not to mention putting some of our good wall and ceilings craftsmen back to work.

* By using pervious concrete, we allow rainfall to naturally enter the aquifer and reduce the amount of water needlessly being diverted down the storm drain, depleting our water supply or worse yet, into a water treatment facility where we pay to clean rainwater.

* If we can reduce our energy consumption and develop alternative methods to meet our energy requirements, then we wean ourselves off sending boatloads of cash to Middle East countries-that sounds like a good thing to me. 

So as far as I am concerned, it’s not about politics; it’s about common sense. If you agree or disagree, share your perspective.