Let’s talk about something that seems to always be lurking in the background but is often misunderstood–chemical underpinning. Imagine it is the silent backbone of massive structures. But is it safe to Mother Earth? more about the author?

Imagine you’ve got a building that’s slowly sinking. What should you do in this situation? What do you do? They come in and inject chemicals into the earth, stabilizing the structure. This process may sound like magic, however every spell comes with its own side effects. The chemicals, such as resins or epoxy, can have a dual-edged effect.

Nature can sometimes be very vindictive. These chemicals can sometimes seep through the soil. The contaminated water is now found at a distance of miles. The ripples are like throwing a stone into a pool and watching them spread. The domino effects can be overwhelming. Contamination of groundwater can be a serious problem.

What is the alternative to using concrete or steel? Right? Not quite. Carbon footprint is a concern with all of these options. The problem is solved by another. For example, you can fix a leaking faucet using a sponge.

Sometimes I wonder if it’s a constant act of balancing. Like walking a thin line over a pit full of spikes. Maximize that, minimize this. This is the dilemma of the tightrope walker, even if there are chemical underpinnings. Experts swear by eco-friendly materials and other innovations. Some experts are sceptical and raise eyebrows when they point out the potential long-term impacts of such solutions. Who can blame these people? The stakes have never been higher.

Let’s consider this: what if we could reduce the requirement for underpinning right from the beginning? This includes using sustainable construction methods, planning better, and building less quickly. I’m reminded of the old saying: “An ounce of prevention will save you a pound in cure.” Perhaps it’s time to listen to old adages.