Thursday, December 10, 2009

Finding a Happy Medium

I am passionate about many things; the Southern African bush, wildlife, plants, photography, all the intricacies of organic farming etc etc, the list goes on. But whilst I am passionate about some things, I am careful not to become the over bearing know-it-all fanatic. Whilst watching a program on the telly tonight, a couple wanted to build a home whilst being considerate of the environment. They wanted to take a responsible approach. Fantastic! But the problem arose when their architect who obviously has a passion for 'eco-building' started using methods that had not been properly tried and tested and despite the 'limecrete' foundation not setting properly, she still couldn't understand why her clients were questioning the use of materials that have yet to be properly tested. Let's remember; they wanted a responsibly built, afordable eco-home and yet their architect, so totally focused on experimenting with materials, at her clients expense, was completely blind and deaf to the realities right in front of her!

We all need to think more like the couple in this story, and bear in mind that it is just such a practical yet responsible mindset that will move humankind toward an existence of harmony with their natural surroundings. It is the misguided fanatics who will get us deeper in trouble because they just do things without rational thought.

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