Do the Earth a favour: Gypsum

I was going through this news paper suppliment today while I came upon this article about using gypsum for construction of buildings, minimising the usage of bricks, wood, sand and water. I am feeling thats great because dependency on all these things- sand, water, wood especially is creating hell a lot of ecological problems. In Kerala, I have heard, Government has made the laws on buying sand so stringent that it is having an adverse effect, sand mafia, that deals with underground buying and selling of sand! Ultimate effect is more price for sand and increased raping of seashores and rivers... We cannot reduce construction of buildings, we cannot ignore our rising population's basic need of sheltor, and the only way to deal with it is find alternate sources of construction...

The article about which I mentioned earlier puts forward gypsum as a proper substitute.

• It has great insulation properties making it fire, moisture and impact resistant.
• More savings in electricity, due to the less electrical conductivity.
• Light weight and very flexible, making it suitable for dry walls and false ceilings.
• Fast to construct.
• Durable- seems the pyramids where made out of it. Any more proof ?
• Green, recyclable!
• Better aesthetics.
• Helps in water conservation.
• Not messy as is the case after using mortar and bricks.
• Better material substitute for sand cement plasters.

I am not sure if it has any disadvantages. But after reading the article, I feel it cannot be used for the outside walls, because it is not tough.. Some one please correct if I am wrong.

Bonus

My new indiblogger rank has jumped to 73. After debuting with an impressive 72, it was a let down to plunge into 48. 3 months of a non blogging period... Thanks to all fellow bloggers for the support..  On that note, enjoy this great song...