Published by Martha Danly under Sustainability

Looking back over the Green by Design blogs from past weeks, I spy a recurring theme: it’s not that easy being green. Our wise old friend Kermit the Frog knew what he was talking about.

Here are some examples of what I mean by ‘not easy’:

1. We are told that an LED bulb is a much better deal on all fronts than an incandescent bulb—but we need to calculate the LED’s lifetime value in order to know why (fairly easy—at least there’s no calculus required).

2. Landlords need to seek out special deals on Energy Star appliances, and it’s often hard for them to find manufacturers and energy companies that offer meaningful incentives (getting tougher).

3. In order to lower housing costs and waste as well, more prefab home designers should find ways to incorporate mass production methods into their designs (big mindset change—rough stuff).

4. Getting to the valor of verdure can take thought and effort; flooring designer/manufacturers Smith & Fong were in business for 19 years before they came up with their 100 percent FSC-certified and formaldehyde-free bamboo products (seriously challenging).

5. A corollary to #2 above is: manufacturers and energy suppliers should be encouraged and incentivized to offer, and governments to subsidize, the installation of energy-wise appliances in rental properties (the ultimate go git ‘em!).

I whipped up these points in two minutes right off our blog; there are thousands more out there. You get the gist.

Of course, the fact that it’s a challenge doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. Just the opposite.

We need to make being green easier in the same way we simplify and empower other complex basic needs—by helping one another and by optimizing solutions for the greater good, not the few in control. The web is a great place to share information, make it transparent, and disempower greenwashing.

That’s where Green by Design comes in. We want our blog to educate, cajole, and encourage people along the path to more eco-friendly mindsets and actions. Not too noisy. Not too fast. Not overbearing—and sometimes, just plain light-hearted.

Today, I’m in that latter mood; let’s remember to lighten up a little. That means kids. And that means Kermit.

Take a little listen and enjoy what this frog has to say. And remember that we promised to make it easier to be green.

This one’s for you, Grace!

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