One thing you learn when dealing with sustainability is to take a broad view. Without that, you may miss something and, for example, adopt a technology that has an indirect unwanted effect. You also learn that conservation of materials and energy as a first principle has a multiplier effect that is hard to beat. For example, everybody is concerned about gasoline prices and some argue we should get electric cars which would be much more efficient. We also have a bit of a water problem in Atlanta and we all have been dutifully limiting our water use.

There are more opinions than facts when it comes to issues around sustainability. As a scientist, engineer, and educator I cannot believe the selective referencing and hysterical pseudo-science I sometimes read in newspapers.