THINKING AND LIVING “GREEN”

SOMETHING SMELLS

Negros Daily Bulletin

By: Lourdes J. Ledesma

      Environmentalists and societies like Geenpeace, Earth 911, Conservation International, Rainforest Alliance, to name a few, have helped raise awareness around the world, of the need to protect our environment and wildlife, decrease pollution of the air, seas and natural resources and promote a more healthy lifestyle. In all areas and modes of life, there are directions toward a “green” approach in choice of food, materials, transportation, housing, garbage disposal, and so on. Corporations have been embarking on “green” projects as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) to the communities where they are drawing their livelihoods as a way to alleviate poverty, improve the quality of life of their workers, and protect the environment as well. An example of a favorite project is digging wells to provide clean drinking water. Another is to provide toilets to poor communities and places to recycle garbage. Speaking of garbage, there is an ongoing drive now to educate school children and barangay communities on solid waste management.

     Moving on to dwelling places, which is the environment closest to us, human beings, have we brought the green principle to focus on the materials we use for our houses? The things we use inside the home? Are we aware of the carcinogens and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) contained in current building materials used in the construction of a middle-class home? Plywood, compressed wood products, for instance, and wood finishes contain urea formaldehyde in its adhesives, and it takes some time for this and other compounds to off-gas or evaporate. Not only is plywood considered hazardous waste, but  homes containing it burn faster in a fire. Paints contain VOCs also that affect the respiratory tract. Pthalates, a synthetic toxic compound, is also found in PVC pipes, while lead is in older metal plumbing in the kitchen and bathroom. While wood is a most desirable building material, our forests are dwindling faster than they regenerate. There are substitutes for framing, such as steel, insulating concrete forms, and metal hangers. For paneling, non-lumber material such as gypsum board (drywall), plasterboard, hardiflex (cementboard) have the advantage of not having formaldehyde adhesive and are not susceptible to termite invasion. Gypsum board is also considered a fire retardant material. New bathroom technology has produced dual-flushing toilets, reducing the consumption of water, while solar panels have also reduced power consumed to heat it. The trend in lighting is away from wasteful energy-consumptive incandescent bulbs. CFLs or compact fluorescent lights are energy-savers, but are also considered hazardous household waste like the long fluorescent bulbs, when it is time to dispose of them. Avoid using vinyl tiles for flooring, which contain plasticizing chemicals and pthalates. Opt for concrete or tiles, using no-VOC grout or glue. Treated bamboo is emerging as a new type of flooring material, as well as laminated and engineered wood-looking flooring, which is  wood veneer built on a wood core.

       If you are about to construct a new home, consider the elements of a green home: site location, use of energy and water, design of the interior to allow free circulation of air and light, use of healthier construction and insulation materials, recycling, use of renewable energy and protection of your surrounding natural resources. Smart home design ensures that air conditioners run as little as possible. Choice of energy-saving appliances can also reduce your electric bill, which tend to go up every year. And having plants inside and even a tiny garden outside will give your home beauty to refresh the spirit as well as oxygen to give you energy.

        For those who already have homes, it is not too late to green your home. You can get rid of old appliances that consume a lot of energy. Change your light bulbs to energy-saver CFLs. If you are thinking of remodeling your bathroom, change your showerheads, faucets and your water-closet to water-savers. If you can afford it, install a solar energy system to heat your bath water or get rid of the big water tank heater and opt for a tankless water heater. Look at the Energy Factor (EF) in shopping for one. Do the same when looking for a new clothes washer and dryer. Just like buying a car, check the fuel consumption rating. Conserve energy and water…as well as your pocketbook!