I generally agree with green practices, though I don't like them being pushed on me. Here's something to think about....
Keep in mind we're talking about adding lead to stands, not taking lead and throwing it in a landfill. These stands are intended to last a LONG time, and could likely last several generations of great grandchildren. So, if one were to use lead (perhaps even recycled lead which was already mined at one point), one would actually be taking lead out of circulation and putting it to use somewhere where it won't be harmful. Green(er), yes? Perhaps this would be even MORE green than buying newly made steel ballast, where I'm sure lead and other newly mined materials are being used (or stripped), in the manufacturing process.
People have a tendency to overlook the processes involved just to make "green" products. Often, these processes are NOT green at all. Look into the process of building hybrid vehicle batteries, for instance. NOT green, by ANY stretch of the imagination. This is just an example. I think we need to look further into how we think about "green" products sometimes, before simply stating that something is or isn't green whether or not the end product is intended/marketed to be green or not.
Sorry for the thread derail, but I had to object a little to the idea that lead ballast is any worse to use than anything else (other than maybe sand), beyond potential health risks during handling.
