Does Arguments Make Any Good to Green?

The world first green city.
The world first eco-friendly city.
The world first carbon neutral city.
The world first ............... and, now... solar city.

Every single time, when there is such a initiative, a big plan to do something for green, we will see voices of objection.

"They should use the money to do retrofit to the existing city."
"All these plans, when in execution, will create environmental hazards."
"This are all marketing, to sell their properties!"

All this happened again, when Babrock Ranch, planned to be the world first 100% solar power city.



Everytime when I see or hear this kind of critics, I feel terrible.

Mankind population is increasing, and for that reason, we will definitely have to build more living spaces for all. And, we can't avoid to build new city, or expand the existing one.

While argue on retrofitting the existing city, I believe we should be grateful that these new developments are planning from the beginning stages to be eco-friendly, and green.

Why argue, critics when both side are trying to do good for the earth?

Let's look at what LEED had been doing for the past decade. They started with Green Labeling system for new buildings, then existing buildings, and now even for a complete neighbourhood development.

All these means different people, at different position, should do their part for green. It really doesn't matter if it is a new city or an existing one.

I strongly urge people to use more of their time to do more good for earth, despite spending time on arguments.

Have a Green day ahead.

Mark
Way2Green
P/S: If there is one thing that good about this critics, I believe that is the buzz that it creates. That get people to talk, think and hopefully act on doing more green, and live a green lifestyle.

Solar Panels - Kill One To Save A Thousand?

I read a post recently about the dark side of solar panels... that it produces tonnes of wastages from its manufacturing processes.

When I see the post, I just couldn't resist to put my comment to it.

Have you heard of this quote "Kill one to save a thousand"?

The solar panel production is just one of these things that does so.

Let's not only looking into the solar panel manufacturing process, try to look at it at a broader picture.

In the process of solar panel manufacturing, there's different chemicals being used, and highly toxic waste is the byproduct from this results. (also note that the silicon tetrachlorite can be recycled and handled safely)

But, a typical solar panel can last for over 25 years. Which means it will generate electricity that is needed for 25 years, WITHOUT buring coal!

Researches shows that for every single unit of power that we use, the coal power plant use 3 unit of raw power (ie coal, gas etc). And that means tonnes of green house gases.

As more and more BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic) system is being installed, which transmission is highly efficient, every single unit of power generated by solar power is producing 3 times its contribution to reduction of green house gases.

So, if we look at the benefits of solar power, it really outshines the dark side of the manufacturing process.

I must say, while energy efficiency is still the cheapest way to cut down carbon footprint, there are still lots of things that we can avoid to use energy. In this kind of circumstances, it will be better to use green energy.

Let's hope that the solar panel manufacturers can soon produce solar panels in a more effective ways with more competitive pricing. And, we will all benefit from it.

Have a Green day ahead.

Mark
Way2Green
P/S : Let me find some cool gadgets to share next time. :)