When we as Americans think of the oil industry and the subsequent energy crunch coming in the years ahead, we tend to think of only the automotive industry as the one needing reform. Certainly there as been much ado over the various companies racing to create cars that run on renewable energy such as biodiesel, ethanol, and the Holy Grail of eco-cars, hydrogen power. As anyone that reads this column knows, there are already cars on the market that are either oil/electric hybrids (Toyota Prius), or some other combination of ethanol/biodiesel et. al.
While renewable energy in the automotive industry is certainly one concern it is not the only concern. What people don’t realize is that socio-economic topics like energy or the environment are islands of concern simply isolated from one another. Cars that run on finite sources of energy also cause environmental damage and health problems. It’s a vicious circle. We support products that are cheaper in the short run but inevitably harm us and the environment, costing homeowners more money down the road (in health costs, environmental clean-up costs, and weather-related catastrophic damage to communities). Between the cars we drive, the food we eat, and the seemingly innocuous products we purchase (like beauty products containing carcinogenic ingredients or even t-shirts made with cotton most likely containing large amounts of herbicides and insecticides, many of which are known carcinogens) modern society has driven the cost of living sky high.
Beyond food, oil and consumer products lies an even greater source of mans economic and environmental woes. The very house you live in is probably toxic to one degree or another. That very same house is costing you extra in utility bills by running all of its various parts (appliances, heating/cooling apparatus, electricity etc.) on finite energy. In other words, the very homes we live in are killing us and stealing our dough.
A study of vacuum dust by he Citizen's Environmental Coalition and the Learning Disabilities Association of New York found the following results:
According to the Citizen's Environmental Coalition and the Learning Disabilities Association of New York, our homes are full of at least six dangerous chemicals.
The study examined vacuum dust from 70 homes throughout seven states.
According to the report, all 70 homes had evidence of the six chemicals.
The chemicals have been linked to cancer, developmental disorders and according to doctors -- may even alter the hormone levels in young children.
Sick of Dust report: Alkylphenols: found in laundry detergents, textiles, hair-coloring, pains and all-purpose cleaners.
Organotin Compounds: Found in PVC, polyvinyl chlorid, water pipes, PVC food packing materials, glass coatings, polyurethane foams, and many other consumer products.
Perfluorinated Organics: Used to make Teflon, Goretex and other oil-, water- and stain-resistant materials for nonstick frying pans, utensils, stove hoods, stain-proof carpets, furniture and clothes.
Pesticides: apply in and around homes for controlling infestations of various insects and used in carpets.
Pesticides include a wide range of chemicals.
Phthalates: Used primarily in vinyl products such as shower curtains, raincoats, toys, furniture and flooding.
Polybrominated dephenyl ethers: applied to textiles or incorporated into plastics, foams and electrical goods to prevent or slow the spread of fire.
Group leaders said the chemicals come from everyday products, such as house ware and cleaners.
16 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the energy used in houses nationwide. It is estimated that 50,000 people in the United States die each year from heart and lung disease due to air pollution linked to the burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity for their homes.
Even if our homes weren’t cancer batteries, the cost of fueling them is causing many to go broke or avoid buying new homes in a labor environment where consumer costs is outpacing wages at an exponential rate. In short, even if the homes weren’t killing us, younger generations of workers are finding it infinitely more difficult to maintain them once we’ve moved in.
Like all problems there is a viable solution and its color is green. Green homes are not only environmentally friendly but the long term costs of fueling them will greatly lighten the economic burden we’re all carrying as well.
Built Green, is one of the growing numbers of companies dedicated to building healthier, safer, and energy efficient homes in the US. “Built Green promotes use of more durable building products. This not only saves resources, but also reduces maintenance and replacement costs and saves the owner valuable time.”
According to their site there are many features they employ to accomplish the above stated goals:
Quality Enhancing Features Of Built Green
Controlled Ventilation and Filtration - goes beyond code to provide a safer and healthier indoor environment.
