I can no longer remain silent... 
My business and my interests cause me to be in the middle of some great green project efforts. I have also had career opportunities that allowed me to learn many diverse technologies. I use this as my base for green project consulting, and to help me continually improve my 'green' working knowledge. This evolution allows me to work with dedicated, skilled, and conscientious green architects, designers, builders, and engineers.

I also occasionally come across a misguided green claim, or a false offer of something as environmentally conscientious. Often these claims are no where near being green. I must assume that some do this out of ignorance, some out of a "I'm-green-too" follow-the-crowd mentality, or just as a way to make a buck.

Some people don't want to hear bad things.
This 'Green Gone Bad' page was prompted on November 6, 2008 when I read an insert in the Houston Chronicle.  I have heard, seen, and read many odd green claims in the past. But this one shocked me into action. I finally decided I needed to publish some of these 'Green Gone Bad' items and expose them as misguided, incorrect, or just odd.

It is probably not fair to judge anyone too harshly since green is relatively new. Even the best green plans can miss because we're constantly learning. 

And we are all guilty. No project, LEED Platinum or not, is 100% green. As long as we are on this side of the earth (the surface), being 100% green is just not possible. And everyone has the right to make a buck, as long as no one gets hurt - right?

What if the Earth is hurt? 
I know its hard to see. Things may be a bit warmer, but otherwise all looks okay. Just don't try to tell this engineer its just a natural cycle. The numbers don't support that view.  Humans have a huge footprint. And we've only added 2.5 billion people since the last 'cycle'. 

But there are many good people who are earnestly trying to make a difference. But at the same time, the Earth's hurt is getting worse aided by the diminishing few who remain uninterested, unaware, ignorant, or just misguided. Maybe they just need feedback. 

So here goes,...time to open some eyes and listen and tell it like it is. And maybe have some fun doing it. Like Detective Joe Friday said, "...the names have been changed to protect the innocent...", well sometimes...

#1 - NOVEMBER 6 2008 HOUSTON CHRONICLE - (ASID) "DREAMING IN GREEN...PICTURE IT: More than two dozen interior designers and a 10,000-square-foot dream house. Their challenge: designing and producing room concepts that incorporate recycled or sustainable materials..."  This dream is about the green in someone's wallet.  Green and 10,000 sf? 'Homeless-Harry' could move in a wing and the owners would not notice it for a week. Why not start such a 'green' effort with a house design that is not 400% larger than the national average!

#2 - Soon, I'm sure. If you have a 'Green Gone Bad' sighting, just email it so we can share the 'fun'...