Cohousing-L Mailing List: The Real Con

[Tom Ponessa (tomp]

I know I'm going to regret this.

Harry warns about building with straw on the basis of a 
book review.
Not on the basis of reading the book.
Not on the basis of building with straw.
And he doesn't explain his cryptic assertion that straw may have
a more negative impact environmentally.

The figures given in the book represent contractors
being used for both types of construction. There are
significant savings to be had in material costs so if
sweat equity is involved, money will be saved.

Straw is a waste product that is burned off in many
places. Wood framing comes from oxygen producing
trees. Insulation is generally non-renewable and often toxic.
Using straw prevents the burn off, saves a few
trees, and insulates very well (saving fuel and
more pollution). Starw is available every year.
Trees take a little longer.

Who's conning who?

Tom