Is there a need for a 'green technologies' subforum?

Just doing some thinking out loud, inspired by several PM's I have received in the last few months. Since this is about what you guys want, you need to speak up here I would appreciate any comments you might have!

Hey why not...save some money if not the planet... and for everything as the more money saved on electricity the more we have for spending on HA.

Voted "Yes, anything ... goes" Think about it.

Green tech is tech, even if it's something that outwordly appears low tech (insulation) or no tech (planting a tree to shade a sunny window).

However, I think it should focus on direct energy saving-type tech, things that directly impact your home and maybe not so much broader sustainability things, like 'I'm green becuase I paid 3 x the price for granite countertops becuae I bought countertops made from recycled beer bottles..." I think if we start getting into stuff like that, then you start diverging from the type of tech we talk about here. HOWEVER, if you have a way to tell us how to make a DIY beer bottle countertop, then that IS appropirate for the forum.

Maybe it's just my view of CocoonTech, but I think anything that goes to making our "Cocoon's" better through technology is appropriate for discussion. Also, may be a good place to dispel things that aren't really as "Green" as advertised....the so called "Green Washing".

I also voted "yes, anything goes..." and I agree with jrfuda and opie that there are a lot of interesting topics whether hi-tech or no-tech that will appeal to the members of this site. Just stay away from politics and sustainability issues and stick with the hands on.

russban said:

I also voted "yes, anything goes..." and I agree with jrfuda and opie that there are a lot of interesting topics whether hi-tech or no-tech that will appeal to the members of this site. Just stay away from politics and sustainability issues and stick with the hands on.

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Excellent point about keeping it non-political! This topic could go there really quickly and would not serve the discussion. One of the things I have always enjoyed about this board is it's level headed members.

I don't know what the average education level is for this forum. I would assume its pretty high. But even if the typical forum user only attended high school they should understand that science is NOT consensus. Science is repeatable experiments or tests. How can we honestly call enviromentalism.... technology?

Enviromentalism.... is no closer to a technology... than is Catholicism. BOTH are religions. Nether are a science.... nor a "technology". I would compare my energy conservation strides to most anyones. I think I am a good steward of the resources God has given me. I don't know if that makes me "green" or "Christian". Opening this or any forum up to religious discussions under the guise of "green technologies".... could be a large mistake.

I think once we accept the environmental posts as a part of Home Automation we will in time attract the environmental faithful. Who will chide and berate those who improve their lives through energy use.

Wow - two compelling arguements from "both sides of the coin". I definitely can see the benefits and potential pitfalls (as mentioned already). So I guess my first reaction is to say no. Afterall, it's not that we don't already have "Green" conversations, but I can see where adding a "Green Forum" would create an atmosphere where intolerance (of both sides) would be practiced. Perhaps if we could limit the discussion to the integration of HA and green tech, that would be a good middle ground. But I am not sure how you enforce that.

The point is not for it to be an "environmentalism" forum; it is about green tech... Maybe it is the use of the word "green" that some folks may consider offensive. Is there an alternative word that could be used to ensure that the subforum remains focused on efficiency/cost saving technology but not necessarily crossing the line that could bring in political discussion?

Maybe it could be the "Energy Efficiency and Alternative Energy-Related Home Technology" Forum? This would imply a limitation on the scope of discussion. "Home" is a key word, so - for example - you could discuss home-based solar or wind energy, but not discuss why Uncle Sam should fund building solar and wind farms. Discussion of how to take advantage of "cash for caulkers" is OK, but not the merits/weaknesses/failures, etc. of the policy.

The goal is overall consumption reduction that affects your wallet positively. Less electricity, natural gas and water consumption by me = more money in my wallet and to @#%$ with everyone else. At least that's how I see it.

Now, Dave X10 - the following is tongue in cheek:
- Spotted Owls with lasers on their heads to fend off loggers - this owl-laser interface can be considered as "environmental(ism) tech"
- A New American Bible on someone's eBook reader can be considered Catholic Tech, as can the Pope Mobile!

Some other possible names for the forum:
- Miser forum
- Tightwad forum
- Penny pincher forum
- Energy Saving forum

Honestly, though, I think 'Green Technologies" is appropriate, as long as, in the Forum's description, the official "CocoonTech Definition of Green" is established with the understanding that posts that violate the spirit of the discussion will be edited or deleted. I think some of the examples of what we consider appropriate green tech / energy saving discusssion have already been mentioned here. Maybe a sticky giving example of appropriate and innapropriate topics?

sic0048 said:

.... I can see where adding a "Green Forum" would create an atmosphere where intolerance (of both sides) would be practiced.

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I really hope I didn't sound intolerant. Like I said... as far as earth friendly technologies.... Ive tried and converted to LED lighting (not just CFL's). My energy use is actually 1/2 of typical homes in my area (and 1/40th of Al Gore's TN mansion). I've shared what Ive learned with the environmental faithful as well. I have friends of various religions... and we get along well. I respect all peoples faith.

But based on my experience... the use of Home Automation is considered an environmental "pleasure of the flesh" (of sorts) by the environmental faithful. As HA exploits the use of energy. I accept that as relevant to my green friends religion... and don't discuss my HA exploits with them.. or try to convert them.

But.... I don't understand why YOU refuse to except environmentalism as a worthwhile faith and/or respectable religion and give it the full protected rights it truly deserves.

jrfuda said:

Honestly, though, I think 'Green Technologies" is appropriate, as long as, in the Forum's description, the official "CocoonTech Definition of Green"

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This is exactly what I am trying to point out!

You are saying that You will define and describe another persons religion. How did you decide you have Divine Knowledge of what religion is true... and what ones you can relegate to a "technology"? Enviromentalist... are real people.. with a true belief system. Although environmentalism isn't my religion of choice... I respect it.. and refuse to treat it as if it is some "Alternative Energy-Related Home Technology". Instead of what some people consider to be, a true belief, that defines them as a person [a religion].

I just don't understand why we care to make this forum a religious forum. Or a forum that berates another's religion.

I say no. I just don't see energy conservation efforts (or whatever else anyone will define "green" as...yet another flaw in this idea) in their direct relation to HA as being a specific and large enough subject to warrant sitting along the likes of home security, home theater, or hardware/software, etc. Even all my discussions about geothermal, about the only HA related aspect is "what thermostat do I buy?".

I voted "no". From my viewpoint, this green thing is a bunch of marketing hype to sell more product.

Conservation is always wise, and saving money even more so. We should constantly be developing more efficient products, but, the "green" frenzy is a passing marketing fad, IMO.

I don't expect this to be a popular viewpoint.

I vote NO! As you can see from the few threads above, its to controversial, and the post would end up in a flame war. Just my opinion!

Great feedback guys, this is exactly what I am looking for. After doing some more thinking, and reading your posts, I am starting to lean towards 'No' as well. Questions could just go into the wiring closet sub forum, and if they are HA related (i.e., dimming LED bulbs), then they can go into the home automation sub forum. Since there are already other forums out there dedicated to the green movement, I am thinking a sub forum dedicated to this isn't the best idea.