False comparisons
never a new car anymore...
[The sustainability discussion in many cases is becoming oversimplified and banal. Often, two options are compared as if that will save the world, while the comparison is false and both options are simply luxury problems. Recently, I came again across such false comparison and discussion (which has been going around for a long time). Washing the coffee shop's mug versus the disposable cup... But that's a non-issue. Just use your own cup and rinse it occasionally. I already see that practiced in some (work) places, so logical. Although it will take a while before the coffee shop on the street corner accepts your cup. And if not, just pour the coffee over in your own cup (which you brought with you…); at Eindhoven University of Technology, that's already standard practice. (I sometimes forget my cup and then I'm out of coffee...)
It's just like everyone brings their own bag when they go to the store. Right? But these kinds of misleading discussions are rife, even on LinkedIn: What's better, a hot air gun to dry your hands or a towel or tissue... Come on, after you've rinsed your hands, just wave a few times, and/or dab them against your pants. It's just water. All these amenities are misplaced luxuries, with a high environmental impact. Besides, I remember now, we used to carry a handkerchief with us, among other things, to pat your hands dry.
And so on , here is another one: plastic bag or paper bag? Why, still no personal bag with you?
A bit more complex is the recurring debate between buying a new gasoline car or a new electric car. That's wrong in two ways: First, the comparison should be: should I continue driving my current gasoline car for another 10 years, or should I buy a new electric car? Then the picture looks very different. But it's even more weird: we shouldn't be making new electric cars at all. We should just convert fuel-powered cars. Those cars, the bodies last forever, since rust is under control. Replace a part every now and then and they're back on the road. Or replace the engine with an electric one and they're back on the road. No new cars. But that will probably take a while. (Although…there are a few start-ups in this area [https://lnkd.in/eHc5iXvt ]
Also false: comparing concrete construction with CLT construction (cross laminated timber panels) , No, Both wrong , not concrete, and not CLT either! Both require far too much material. Regular timber frame construction will do, (preferably prefabbed and filled with straw) . You can build up to four layers with that. And anything higher is pointless, is it needs an elevator: forget it. as I've shown before. [https://lnkd.in/ehrBW3iV ]
One last one: just watch this: everyone at the ice cream stand wants a container, and the discussion is about plastic or paper-coated containers… But what do you do? You choose an edible waffle cone. Right?
More examples are welcome in the comments….