Monday, June 7, 2010

Environment

So, I am not an environmentalist. But, as I/we have been making choices, it has been interesting to see that something that is considered "green" may not always be the most green option. Here are two examples:

Cloth Diapering
Yes, there is less garbage with cloth diapering. But, you use more water and electricity washing the diapers. So, it terms of impact on the environment, it is really a wash!

Xeroscaping
Xeroscaping obviously uses less water. And, you don't have to mow anything! But, they have found that having grass near your house reduces the temperature inside. That means if you live in a hot climate, you will use less electricity cooling your house. I don't know if it is a complete wash, but it isn't as close as they would want you to see!

I wonder if similar things will come out about hybrid and electric cars. I know the batteries may already be an issue (how do you dispose of them?)...

Your thoughts?