Photo by Alex Cannara

Do you want to do something about global warming that can save you money, too?

If you are a homeowner, think about painting your roof white. Or, a lighter shade. Or, next time you replace the roof, opt for white or a lighter color.

If you are not a homeowner, spread the word. Tell friends, family members and co-workers that each white roof adds up to a low-cost, practical solution to global warming.

A painted, light-colored roof lasts longer, too. It keeps the house cool and reduces energy bills.  Also, paint is cheaper and more energy efficient than solar panels.

Alex Cannara painted his roof white 10 years ago and has been very happy with it.  Like many of us in the Bay Area, Alex doesn't have air conditioning.  He says, now that he has a white roof, his house stays cool all summer long.

Alex Cannara is also Dr. Cannara, a local lecturer on the science of global warming. Cannara says that light colored roofs dramatically reduce global warming. To understand this, stand barefoot on a tarred surface in the sun, and then stand on a light cement surface. A dark roof will get just as hot as the tarred surface.

If that doesn't get you crawling on top of your roof with a can of paint, Dr. Cannara has all the science, charts, graphs and statistics that will make you rethink your role in reducing global warming.

Like Energy Secretary Steven Chu and many others, Cannara thinks white is right when it comes to roofs. 

To book a lecture with Dr Cannara email cannara@sbcglobal.net.

----------------------

More on going green:

Electric Car Show

Artificial Turf

Vegetarian Cuisine