Home Sweet Home

After the shock of the oil crisis, there was a surge of activity from governments and industry in the fields of conservation and the use of alternative energy sources. But the recent oil glut and the fall in oil prices have lulled many back into the old belief that cheap energy is here to stay.

At present, three-quarters of world energy consumption comes from nonrenewable “hard- energy” sources - a third of this amount is oil, a quarter coal, and the rest from natural gas. The other quarter of world usage is supplied by amixture of nuclear power, hydropower, and biomass. In developing countries, however, there is heavy dependence on biomass, and the burning of fuelwood and animal dung is resulting in serious environmental destruction. (more…)

The living room is a place for relaxation and entertaining. But it also poses potential health dangers and is a serious polluter of both the indoor and outdoor environment. The traditional focal point of the home, the hearth, has made a welcome reappearance after decades of unpopularity, but its very presence poses a dilemma. Air pollution is increasing and global climate is threatened by the greenhouse effect caused, to a large degree, by carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. We must ask ourselves whether it is responsible to burn fires in our homes or should we settle for clean energy sources. The furniture in our living roe ms is often badly designed and filled with plastic foams that are very real — and fatal — fire hazards. Synthetic paints, wallpapers, fabrics, and carpets as well as chemical cleaners contain toxic substances that damage our health and pollute the indoor atmosphere. And, finally, the TV, computer, stereo, and video all contribute their own, unseen, electrical hazards. (more…)