Mark Abrams

Green Expectations -- is "green" here to stay?
October 17, 2007

"Green" has become a buzz word that I don’t think most people in our industry have an opinion on or have paid much attention to. Over the last year or so, market centers, shelter magazines and trade publications have all spent space and energy focusing on green. It has made us think, or at least wonder about, recycled wood furniture, bamboo flooring, and the like. But at the end of the day, when you go out to the dock and look at all the boxes and packing materials used to ship the goods we buy and sell, do you think it really makes a difference?

I know I may sound like a pessimist. I just remember when we studied recycling and conservation in my youth in Alabama. That was 20 or so years ago. Have we really changed that much since then? 

America is one of the most wealthy, spoiled, pampered countries in the world. We drive large SUVs, purchase to-go dinners in plastic boxes, have our pizzas delivered (more boxes, delivery guy’s gas), run our air conditioners when we’re hot, mood light our landscaping. And we take out our trash every week -- maybe separated in trash or recycled bins, maybe not. I include myself in all these thoughts.

I honestly think green has become fashionable in some circles. In two years, unless this is your passion, we all will move on to something else that is trendy or something we are ‘supposed’ to do. I would like to think our government could figure out how to use wind energy, solar sun panels and optional fuels so that we do not have to rely on oil. 

While I’m certainly not a tree hugger, nor do I shop at the co-op grocery store, I have made an effort to change how I live and do business by doing a few simple things. With lighting, for example -- I mix in florescent bulbs and spots where it makes sense. I won’t use them if it changes color and finish in a store or home but in hallways, storage rooms and showroom track for fill light, florescent is great. I even use florescent bulbs in outside fixtures at my home. They use less energy and seem to last forever. Just think if we all just used a little less energy in light bulbs…it’s a start. --Mark Abrams

Posted by Mark Abrams on October 17, 2007 | Comments (0)