Paint it White

If you've ever been to Corfu or Mykenos, you'll understand when I write that the Greeks had it right all along: white roofs are the latest in global-warming fighting home owner materials. According to a new report, if enough people in the 100 largest cities around the globe were to opt for white roofs and white pavements, we would be able to reflect enough energy to keep the earth significantly cooler. I say, go for it! And the powers that be in California agree -- as of next year, all new and retrofitted residential and commercial buildings will be required to install heat-reflecting roofs. But why stop there? I think if enough people knew about the energy benefits of painting their roofs white (it cuts down on the need for air conditioning) they'd bare the brunt of upfront costs to ensure long-term energy savings -- from which we would all benefit.