For the White House, not so easy being greener

[babylonsister]

For the White House, not so easy being greener

By NANCY BENAC
Associated Press Writer

snip//

Obama isn't ready to give details of his broader go-green plans for the White House, but administration officials report that small steps are under way: The housekeeping staff is making the switch to greener cleaning supplies, and complex managers have asked engineers and groundskeepers to use greener products whenever possible. Efforts are afoot to improve and promote recycling.

As for what more can be done, outside experts on green buildings report that the administration is seeking out information about what's feasible. Given the priority Obama placed on renewable energy in his economic stimulus package and budget, environmentalists are chattering about what further steps he will take at the White House.

"They're very focused on leading by example," said Rick Fedrizzi, chief executive of the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council, which has offered advice to the White House. "It's great to see that they're focused on solid solutions and not just throwing sound bites over the fence every day."

Sometimes, good intentions have gotten ahead of the technology in eco-efforts at the White House.

In the late 1970s, President Jimmy Carter installed a $30,000 solar water-heating system designed to save $1,000 a year in heating costs. It didn't really work.

"Talk to anyone who worked in the West Wing then, and they would say they washed their hands with cool water," said former chief usher Gary Walters, who spent 37 years at the White House before retiring two years ago.

Those who've been involved in past efforts to make the White House more eco-friendly say that for all that's already been done, there is plenty left to do, given how quickly technology changes.


more...

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/G/GREENING_THE_WHITE_HOUSE?SITE=CONGRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

[natrat]

1. i hear they are planning an oil rig for the west lawn

[Life Long Dem]

2. This has ancient history written all over it.

Solar panels installed back in the 70's are not sufficient for today or the future with more advanced technology.

[lunatica]

3. 1970 was 40 years ago

Just saying...

[Every Man A King]

4. Wow you know the AP is a right wing smear machine right? n/t

[babylonsister]

5. At times it is, yes. But

I'd never post a thing if I limited myself to what someone's agenda is. Think about it. What sources can you name that don't twist stories to their benefit? I actually can't think of one.

[dbmk]

6. I'd say the header is a tad misrepresenting, given the content

Unless someone expect something like that to change over night.