There is certainly a lot of confusion swirling about the topic of environmentalism and the “greening” of various products, services and activities these days. The construction industry in general, and the plumbing industry in particular, are no exceptions.    
    The big mainstream debate, the one that tends to polarize the public at large along strictly political lines, seems to center on how human activity is allegedly going to make baby polar bears cry and destroy the planet next Wednesday UNLESS we all pony up some cash to buy "carbon offsets."   
    Both sides present their accusations, charges and counter-charges—usually based on arguably specious and often dollar-driven “science”—to back up their particular points of view. Meanwhile, the issue gets clouded with the debate and noise surrounding it until the real issue is lost in the clamor.   
    That real issue, of course, is that everyone enjoys clean air and drinkable water and if some grass roots (and big picture) consciousness-raising can get the mass of scientific, industrial and societal inertia moving toward producing and demanding products that tread more lightly on the environment in which we live, that can only be a good thing.     
    In this issue we have a look at the “greening” of water heaters. This is a huge subject but the bottom line for plumbers is that it’s necessary these days to educate yourself and be prepared to discuss alternatives with your customers. Not only are the profit margins respectable, but setting yourself apart from your competition is priceless.