
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
The first time I heard about Earth Day was when I was in the eighth grade and my well admired and clever science teacher opened up a discussion on the cons of earth day stating it was some sort of liberal nonsense and a hoax. This agitated most of the class. He further stirred the pot by claiming that it didn’t matter how much pollution we caused, that the planet could take care of itself. He went on to say that the oceans were so vast and deep enough that we could go on dumping in them for hundreds of years and never have a negative impact. We could continue to let industry spew out pollutants into the air and never face any consequences. He was insistent that we could deposit waste where ever and how ever we wanted and that the earth and environment would, as if by magic, absorb it all.

Again, nearly all of my classmates passionately and respectfully disagreed. He was deliberately trying to start a spirited debate on how important this day really was and a reminder of how we would have to fight to protect the environment and in return the people who live in it. At the end of the discussion, we found out that he was only playing devil’s advocate to push us into understanding that protecting the planet and our environment wasn’t a given. There would always be those that are willing to sell it out, polluting at will and often for the short-term financial gain. Also, that many just did not understand that the planet has limitations. There is only a fraction of waste and pollution that it could safely absorb. There is also a limited supply of clean air, pure water and other precious natural resources that the earth had to offer and must not to be taken for granted.
He emphasized how we needed to start with preventing pollution of any kind and that was only going to happen by starting with the individual. He pointed out that we were all living downstream. What took place elsewhere would affect us all.
It was a magnificent approach that left a lasting impression on me and the rest of the class. It is a reminder of what a great teacher can do to inspire their students to action, especially on such an important topic of respecting the planet Earth on which we all live.

Regardless of what our political views are, we can all agree that polluting the planet needs to stop. Any action that prevents pollution, while preserving natural resources is a good thing. So let’s all celebrate Earth day everyday, and celebrate great teachers by respecting and protecting the planet and the environment we all live in and will be passing down to our children.
Go here to learn more about Science for a Healthy Planet and Safer World with Union of Concerned Scientists: https://www.ucsusa.org/

Wednesday, April 22, 2020
The first time I heard about Earth Day was when I was in the eighth grade and my well admired and clever science teacher opened up a discussion on the cons of earth day stating it was some sort of liberal nonsense and a hoax. This agitated most of the class.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Sustainable architecture is all about making sure that the buildings we get to live and work in do not have a negative impact on the environment.

Wednesday, March 25, 2020
I think we all agree that it’s so important to minimize the spread of germs. That is one of the most significant and preventative measures we can take.

Thursday, March 19, 2020
Do You Know Why the Right Protective Green Coating Resembles our Largest Organ? The right protective coating can protect all parts of a building just like the skin protects all parts of a body. Both are the first line of defense and without them both our bodies and buildings would be naked eventually causing a complete breakdown. Our largest organ, the skin on the outside of our bodies protects our muscles, organs, bones and brain from infections, sunlight, temperature extremes and other threats. The same is true with the right coating that covers the outside of a building protecting occupants and the structure itself. It prevents the deterioration of interior building components such as heating and cooling apparatus, plumbing, electric and furnishings.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020
The true cost of a paint or coating is not just the price per gallon/liter. There are direct and indirect costs to consider.

Monday, February 03, 2020
As I travel and work internationally, I encounter different aspects and opinions on asbestos. It has a long background of use in all types of situations and still widely used in building materials. To date, it is still mined and incorporated into many products in several countries. It is controversial at best. My goal is always to try and enlighten and not frighten about some of its uses and misconceptions. The fact is that as much as it is opposed and even outlawed in some parts of the world, it is still mined, exported and used in many others.

Friday, January 03, 2020
As I’ve studied the issues of what building components are the main culprits of polluting our environment of both soil and water along with generating the most waste, I’ve found that roofing can be a leading offender. This also includes air pollution if the roofing contains asbestos. Asbestos is a large content of many roofs and wall surfaces worldwide and its microscopic fibers are continually released into the environment as it breaks down.

Thursday, December 12, 2019
As I travel internationally and educate many on how to simply deal with solid hazardous materials and safely contain them with green coatings I’m always amazed how differently countries look at situations with building products and how to handle them.

Friday, November 29, 2019
Asbestos – The three options when addressing asbestos in building materials are: first, full blown removal; second, do nothing and leave it alone; and the third, in-place management.

Thursday, October 17, 2019
“No One is too small to make a difference.”

Tuesday, September 24, 2019
American Can Company Building transformed into soho style apartments
