Empty barrels? Needed for Green Buildings.

The cost of utilities can be reduced if we can find ways to eliminate wasting energy and natural resources. Our government is looking into that direction and has started "Green Building Mission", a campaign to build environmentally friendly green buildings to work or live in.

Let us start with what we have wasted all year round; the sun and rain.



I have covered on the solar energy, so let us look into how we can save the rain water.

For that all you need are empty plastic barrels, that have been used to contain food or soap type products, and some kits and Dan Chapotelle's pictorial instruction on "How to Make Rainbarrels".

Why save rain water for buildings only? It would be nice if residents in my neighbourhood catch on this idea and look into installing them at the park. Other than collecting the rain water for watering the plants in the park, it can also be handy for washing foot wear of owners who have been busy admiring blooms and missed... or should it be... did not miss the dog poo.

Staying focus, as I may have got some of you interested in "Green Building Mission", here are the scopes our Prime Ministry, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, would like Malaysians to work on:

1) Sustainable site planning
2) Safeguarding water and water efficiency
3) Energy efficiency and renewable engergy
4) Conservation of materials and resources
5) Indoor environmental quality
6) Innovation in design

Look into ways to incorporate solar panels, windmills, low impact hydroelectricity, bio-mass and bio-gas into our life. Reduce use of fuel. Plan and develop routes and public transport that will bring the public to their destinations of work, entertainment or home, especially, public institution or facilities, such as, schools, hospitals or libraries.

Yes, I can see these in my future:

1) Solar panels installed in all buildings to generate energy.
2) Rainwater collected into a beautiful man made lake for washing cars, watering the gardens of surrounding homes or cooling roof tops.
3) Shoes and bicycles that will generate battery packed energy.
4) Motion sensitive devices installed along frequently used walkways to help generate energy.
5) Green waste collected from homes and parks to be used as fuel or to create fertiliser.
6) Solar panel street lights.
7) Windmills in parks and highland to generate energy to replace solar powered energy during less sunny days.
8) Car pooling is a way of life.