Sunday, August 17, 2008

Rethinking a Green Approach

I'm not an environmentalist. I whole-heartedly believe the radical environmental movement around the world has brought progress to a screeching halt. Many have good intentions but the road to hell...

I do, however, propose a new approach to green thinking.

If you truly desire to show the benefits of green thinking to an ungreen society, you must change your paradigm. I'll tell you how this ungreen conservative found the wonders of green thinking. It was actually a different type of green that made me start looking at alternatives.

With the price of fuel at record high prices, and the failure of our home climate control system on a Southeast Texas summer day, I knew I needed to start finding another way to live a non-Amish life. I began to research alternatives that could not only save me money, but perhaps increase my own. My research included:

  • Solar Power
  • Wind Power
  • Hydrogen Power
  • a Cistern
  • Proper Construction

I started with Solar Shingles. Though an initial outlay of $25K-$50K, I will pay zero for my electric bill. In fact, the law says that the electric company has to buy back my excess - which means I'll make a profit in the long run. Then I looked into Wind power. The cost is between $15K and $50K - though I am certain I won't need the high end system.

It started getting interesting when I looked into Hydrogen Power. According to Motor Trend, a residential hydrogen station will run about $500. Add that to a hydrogen car, and I'll be able to drive for free. The cistern provides water for the hydrogen station.

Finally, I looked at proper construction for a house. Older houses, built before air conditioning, had high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that provided cross-ventilation no matter which way the wind blows. So, if I build a house with high cathedral ceilings throughout, I should be able to cool the house for less. Add a close-able roof vent and the warm air will go out during the summer. Since we have extremely long summers (generally from June 1 to May 31), this construction will serve us well.

What does this have to do with big business? Simple. We've all been stupid in our devotion to mechanics. Let nature do the work, and we'll all save a fortune. In addition to that, the environment will be greener.

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