Grow Green Market Share with CARE

Launched August of 2015, Grow Green (planet & profit) Market Share with CARE highlights marketing strategies supplied by some of the best Industry marketers, ideas that ‘jump start’ development of a product and/or service 'organic voice' – grow green market share.

Whether as a consumer or product distributor, founder of the Plants of Care and Products/Services of CARE recognition programs and recipient of the Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic award Sylvia Hoehns Wright challenges all to create eco sustainable landscapes which reflect a 6 P educational program: inspire People to acquire an understanding of the Place in which they reside, select Plants/Products that work-well in their region, install identified plants/products during appropriate Planting/installation seasons, Purchase plants/products as a buy-local effort to support community economy which results in creating eco and community Prosperity for all.

Project Back Ground & Details –

Step by step guidelines, proven to avoid loss of market share place emphasis on eco-greening of products and services, define in simple terms ‘green’ as a frugal use of limited resources which decrease product/service expenses, increase profit; and result in earth-friendly activities providing for present-day lifestyles without sacrificing the eco future of others. For, in present-day global markets, goods and services are not simply sold; the owner and/or manufacturer is identified to be as much a part of product image as the good or service, itself!

Having gathered Industry data through interviews, distribution of surveys and ongoing interactive columns, impact on "planet" is identified as the factor which influences consumer perception of eco-efficient products and services, not simply sustainable but leading edge branded images.

The 3rd in a trilogy of publications identified by the Richmond Times Dispatch newspaper as state of Virginia notable books , Wright’s book, Grow Green (planet & profit) Market Share with CARE is published to emphasis eco-impact of present-day lifestyle choices, inspire all to create an eco-legacy of C A R E - conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency! For details of eco strategies and tips, link to Landscape Gardening with CARE video https://youtu.be/ENPhCg9QQNc  or view publications at Sylvia’s book store, http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/syhwright.


Words of Praise for Wright's Work -

“Ideas abound in Wright’s research as she profiles some of the best marketers and communicators in the business, bringing fresh takes and new approaches to attracting and engaging customers.” – Bill Calkins, business manager at Ball Horticultural Company in West Chicago, Illinois.

 “As a former educator, I’ve observed as Wright emphasizes, an image – brand must be relevant, avoid loss of market share through attrition, while placing emphasis on eco-greening aspects of the product or service provided." - Leonard O. Morrow, PhD, retired botanist and horticulturist

Side Bar: Product Details - Grow Green (planet & profit) Market Share with CARE

ISBN9781329308824, CopyrightSylvia Hoehns Wright (Standard Copyright License), Edition first edition, PublisherLuLu.com, Published July 2015, Language English

Products of CARE, eco-sustainable product/service recognition program

From the rain forests of south-east Alaska to the deciduous forests of the Mid-Atlantic region, across the Nation, all are challenged to identify and enable use of eco sustainable products and/or services.

Eco Sustainable Product/Services –

Historically, earth-friendly is defined in terms of reduce, reuse and recycle; nevertheless, products and/or services which reflect a perspective of CARE - conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency - take this definition a step further. For, eco-sustainable products and/or services are not simply a result of lifestyle choices but reflect how we feel about the environment. While keeping it simple (as in simple living) is the name of the game, there is a more important underlying factor – a commitment to ultimate greening: provide for present-day lifestyles without sacrificing future eco systems.

So, the question is 'How much land area does it take to support your lifestyle?' Take a quiz to find out your Ecological Footprint, discover your biggest areas of resource consumption, and learn what you can do to tread more lightly on the earth.  While some of each person's Ecological Footprint is dependent upon individual choices they make in their own life, some of it is also their per person share of their societies' infrastructure. The first part can be influenced directly. On the other hand, the second part is equally critical to living within the means of one planet, but must be influenced through more indirect action such as political engagement, green technology and innovation, and other work toward large-scale social change. To identify your eco impact, participate in an activity such as ecological footprint, www.footprintnetwork.org.
 GoodGuide Identified as Product/Service of CARE -

If eco-healthy urban suburban communities are to exist, we must become people who CARE – have a perspective of conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency; and in fact, tools such as the GoodGuide - www.goodguide.com enable such a commitment. GoodGuide provides issue-specific ratings so that consumers can evaluate and compare products based solely on their health, environmental and/or social performance. To ensure a rating system is transparent, consumers can view the complete set of indicators used to derive product or company ratings. Health impact is assessed by combining negative metrics (such as whether the product contains toxic ingredients of concern or ingredients that have low nutritional value) with available positive metrics (such as whether the product has been certified as safe or healthy by a credible third-party). To rate a product on environmental performance, GoodGuide currently uses company environmental records as a surrogate for product-level environmental impacts. And, to rate product social performance, GoodGuide uses company social records as a surrogate for product-level social impacts. Specifically, they assess social performance by examining

• how a company is governed

• consumer attributes such as product quality, safety and customer satisfaction

• societal attributes such as community engagement, philanthropic activities, and involvement with oppressive regimes)

• workplace attributes such as diversity, employee benefits and labor rights.

As consumer demand for ‘green products’ moves forward, so will implementation of sector specific ‘greening certifications’. Nevertheless, because GoodGuide is a fore-runner and appears to be accepted as well as measures all forms of consumer products, its measurement criteria should become a guideline for most product or service consumption. So, this service is recommended to ‘jump start’ consumer commitment to becoming a person who CAREs.

Since implementation of the Product/Services of CARE program in January of 2014, additional products/services are recommended:

         Radius Garden™ Identified as Product/Service of CARE -

Radius Garden™ as founder Bruce Baker says, “The opportunity to avoid blisters, sore wrists, and frustrating experiences with low quality tools which break in a single season. At Radius Garden™ we ignore tradition and nonsense, re-thinking every aspect of every tool we make so you can have a better, more comfortable gardening experience. OSHA says 3/4 of all cumulative stress injuries are to the wrist and hand. Many, if not most, of these injuries can be prevented by better tool design. We believe that truly advanced ergonomic design ignores tradition and uses the most current research into human factors and tool usage. Our Patented, Natural Radius Grip™, maximizes your power and comfort while minimizing hand and wrist stress.”

         The American Beauties™ –

American Beauties LLC, a partnership between Prides Corner Farms located Lebanon CT, and North Creek Nurseries located Landenberg PA, is a team of experts dedicated to identifying plants which guarantee landscapes that provide food and habitat for a variety of desirable critters. Launched in the spring 2006 in the Northeastern USA, plans are underway to make this program available in other parts of the country. Look for informative and easy-to-shop American Beauties displays at your independent garden centers. Purchasing an American Beauties plant will bring life to your garden and also helps a great cause. Every American Beauties plant sold benefits the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), their work to create better home landscape environments for you and the colorful garden critters you love. For additional details, visit the American Beauties web site, www.abnativeplants.com.

         WayCoolTools.com –

WayCoolTools.com is a family owned and operated online garden tool catalog company located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Central Virginia. Founded by Charles and Janet, Charles has served as an organic gardening apprentice, worked at George Washington's Mt. Vernon Estate, has assisted in agricultural research and managed large estates, and is dedicated to providing WayCoolTools to gardeners and farmers. Janet has worked in garden centers and nurseries, consult as a professional gardener, and volunteered in public gardens. Her specialty is identifying neat plants, homestead technologies, and way cool garden tools. Janet facilitates local online co-ops and an online seed swap and garden forum, the Piedmont Garden Swap. For details or to acquire 'way cool' products and tools, visit web site www.waycooltools.com .


        Sunset Western Garden Collection™-

Sunset Western Garden Collection™ is the first plant collection designed specifically for the Western gardener. Introduced in spring 2012, Sunset® magazine and Plant Development Services collaborated to bring superior plant introductions to retail garden centers throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. Partnerships with local growers allow the ability to customize the collection to best meet the climatic differences of diverse gardening regions. As a result, Wright recognizes Sunset Western Garden Collection™ as a ‘product/service of CARE’ for its expanded services to multiple regions in order to enable identification of products with eco sustainable characteristics that connect people to the living green that surrounds them. For details, link to Sunset Western Garden web site http://www.sunsetwesterngardencollection.com/ .

       DuPont™ Tyvek® Water-Resistive Barriers

While Tyvek® water-resistive barriers should be installed according to manufacturer’s instructions it more than meets industry standards and applicable codes. In fact, in high exposure installations, enhanced drainage and water management can be provided by using DuPont™ Tyvek® DrainWrap™ by installing a drainage mesh over the water-resistive barrier or by creating rain screen cladding with a larger airspace behind the siding using furring strips. If furring is installed over DuPont™ Tyvek® water-resistive barrier to create a rain screen, the primary fastener spacing can exceed 18”.
“Using a mineral wool insulation,” says Nea May Poole of Poole & Poole Architecture, LLC “an old-fashioned and more expensive type of insulation made from stone, not foam,  we also chose an exterior siding similar to fiber cement, only it is made from wood; so, it made sense to go a step further and use a ‘house wrap’.”  For details of the Poole family barn restoration project, visit web site www.barnatwalnuthill.com  and/or facebook group ‘the barn at Walnut Hill’ https://www.facebook.com/groups/1068830769911250/ .

 

LP Smartside, a wood based siding –

Available in different sizes in smooth and textured finishes, LP SmartSide is identified to enhance the curb appeal of new and remodeled homes. Plus, it’s the perfect complement to homes finished in other exteriors such as stucco, stone and brick. Available in long lengths for fewer seams and a beautiful appearance, its rich cedar grain texture or smooth finish is treated with our SmartGuard® a process which resists termites and decay. For details, visit web site www.lpsmartside.com.

 “We are using LP Smartside, a wood based siding.” says Nea May Poole of Poole & Poole Architecture, LLC “The beige color in construction photos is a primer, not the final color. We intend to match the original color. We chose LP SmartSide because it is an engineered wood siding known to resist damage from impacts better than fiber cement and vinyl siding."

 About Program Founder the Wright Scoop -

In 2012, a program – Plants of CARE, which spotlights a plant for its ability to inspire people to CARE – have a perspective of conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency - was launched. To further emphasize individual eco-sustainable commitment, in January of 2014 a program – Product and/or Services of CARE was also launched. Product/Services of Care and Plants of CARE program nominations are solicited and accepted. To participate, provide a description that identifies the nominated plant/product/service - its origin, picture, eco-sustainable characteristics, and specifically why the plant/product/service should be included in a program; and, if possible, provide plant/product/service material that can be tested.

Recognized by Landscape Architect magazine as an Industry ‘mover and shaker’, The Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright has issued a challenge to move America’s landscape from eco-weak to eco-chic.

 

For details of her eco emphasis on ‘place’, review Eco-legacy – a millennium woman’s heritage, 'product', review Grow Green Market Share with CARE, and plants, link to Landscape Gardening with CARE video  https://youtu.be/ENPhCg9QQNc  or visit Sylvia’s book store, http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/syhwright.  For other details, visit web site www.TheWrightScoop.com .

Side Bar: Recommended Products and/or Services of CARE: 2014 - January, GoodGuide - www.goodguide.com, 2014 – April, Radius Garden – www.radiusgarden.com, 2015 – August, American Beauties™ - www.abnativeplants.com, 2015 – December,  WayCoolTools.com, 2016 February Sunset Western Garden Collection™-

Side Bar: Product Details - Grow Green (planet & profit) Market Share with CARE

 

ISBN9781329308824, Copyright Sylvia Hoehns Wright (Standard Copyright License), Edition first edition, PublisherLuLu.com, Published July 2015, Language English

Landscape Gardening with CARE

Through combining workshop style assignments with research and ‘hands-on’ experience, readers are taken through a process that uses site plats to create landscape/gardens which respect an existing vista, preserving and enhancing its eco health. For, any style landscape should not simply be the result of a traditional design but be the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating an eco-legacy of landscape green, sustainable urban/suburban communities which enhance green space for today and future generations. Why?

The challenge for present-day homeowners, gardeners and/or Industry professionals is to become a  naturalist with a "waste not, want not" ecological commitment: a steward of the land who is a caretaker for his/her environmental communities.

Through ‘hands on’ research, tips and strategies are identified which enable the who, why, where, what, how and when of landscape gardening -

     Who: Understand the factors which influence a landscape gardening perspective; and describe it in terms of someone who presently does and/or desires to 'dig in the dirt'.

     Why: Define landscape gardens in terms of a mission, a somewhat lofty 'green' perspective - 'providing for present-day needs without sacrificing the future'.

     Where: Define location, location, location – conduct a site analysis which identifies climate and physical constraints.

     What: Combine the 'who, why and where' influence a landscape garden plan; and then, develop goal statements which describe a proposed site.

     How: Identify activities which accomplish the identified goals.

     When: Using the 'what and how' activities, identify installation time-frames as well as recommended maintenance; and then, create a landscape gardening schedule.

As a result, participants become known as people who enable an eco-legacy of CARE - conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency.

 

Words of Praise -
"As an environmentalist and president of the Cornell Douglas foundation, I have been searching for new words to define those of us who advocate for protecting our natural resources for future generations. Wright's word- eco-legacy is perfect: it encourages all of us to recognize that water, land, and air are not expendable luxuries, but critical resources we must sustain in our roles as responsible stewards". - Ann Cornell, President Cornell Douglas Foundation www.CornellDouglas.org

"Wright’s eco-chic advocacy embodies every aspect of the consumer education campaign we hoped to inspire. For, our vision is to become a global organization that empowers people within communities to change society through the responsible creation and preservation of sustainable green spaces, such that the ever-increasing impacts of global warming in the world are measurably reduced; because Green Matters!" - Den Gardner, executive director of Project EverGreen.

About the Author - As founder of the ‘Plants of CARE’ plant recognition program and recipient of the Turning America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic award , the Wright Scoop – Sylvia Hoehns Wright seeks to inspire people to create an eco-legacy of CARE, a perspective of conservation, accountability, recovery and eco-efficiency – ‘green’ America’s landscape! For details, visit web site www.TheWrightScoop.com. To review or order a copy of Landscape Gardening with CARE, link to web site http://www.lulu.com/shop/sylvia-hoehns-wright/landscape-gardening-with-care/paperback/product-22167399.html

Obsession™ Nandina, a Plant of CARE

Across the Nation, climatic shifts occur. Challenging all to identify plants which enable eco sustainable urban suburban landscapes." As a result, Obsession™ Nandina   Nandina is recommended as a ‘plants of CARE’ for its eco sustainable characteristics; specifically, its ability to connect people to living green that surrounds them.

 

Obsession™ Nandina - Nandina domestica 'Seika' PP21891 –

Obsession™ Nandina a new distinctive nandina is an upright, compact, dense grower with brilliant red new foliage, and richer color than ordinary nandinas. In addition to its sustainability, what makes Obsession™ Nandina? This plant flourishes in multiple climate zones, is recognized to enable eco sustainable habitats; and through its vibrant characteristics, intrigues gardeners nation-wide. As a result, it is selected by Plant Development Services Inc. (PDSI) as one of their Southern Living® Plant Collection.

The Southern Living® Plant Collection was first introduced in the spring of 2008. Partnering with Southern Living® magazine, PDSI’s goal is to provide innovative new plants selected for their ability to solve specific landscape challenges. A leader in horticultural innovation, PDSI owns and/or licenses more than 50 patented plant properties, including the number one azalea brand in the world, Encore® Azalea. For more information about any of the exciting new releases from the Southern Living® Plant Collection, please visit web site www.southernlivingplants.com .

Plants of Care, plant recognition program – 

Whether  experienced landscape professionals or novice homeowners, the goal of the Plants of CARE program is to challenge all to not simple identify plants which survive but thrive; and then, create landscapes from an eco-sustainable point of view, seek to reduce carbon footprints as well as feed families pesticide free produce. For, any style landscape should not simply reflect traditional design concepts but be a result of the right plant, installed in the right place at the right (optimal) planting season - creating a legacy of green, healthier urban/suburban communities. The challenge for 21^st century landscape gardeners is to create landscapes from a “waste not, and want not” eco logical commitment: become caretakers for the environmental community.” 

To encourage all to ‘dig in the dirt’, a ‘plants of care’ plant is recognized quarterly. For details, link to web site www.TheWrightScoop.com or view a video Landscape Gardening with CARE -  https://youtu.be/ENPhCg9QQNc or contact Sylvia@TheWrightScoop.com or follow activities through facebook group The Wright Scoop or twitter ID WrightScoop.

Side-bar: Planting Instructions Obsession™ Nandina

•  water before planting
• plant in Full Sun to Part Shade
• dig hole 3X the width of pot,
• back-fill and plant 1"-2" above soil level
• water and add more soil if needed
• mulch plants

Thankful in the Wake of Disaster

From the rain forests of south-east Alaska to the deciduous forests of the Mid-Atlantic region, communities ask the question “Is there a safe place to live?”

A few years ago, U.S.A Today newspaper posed this question when it published a full-page insert. The newspaper reported bad weather as brewing from blizzards to heat waves and across the nation, the prospect of ongoing natural disasters fueled by unhealthy shifts in the environment. When readers reviewed the report, they saw a U.S.A map depict region by region increases in blizzards, snowstorms, earthquakes, flash floods, monsoons, tornadoes, hailstorms, heat waves, hurricanes, typhoons, ice storms, thunderstorms, lightning, tsunamis, nor’easters, river valley flooding, volcanic eruptions and wildfires.

Communities asked the same question when our Nation experienced loss through global civil unrest. In fact more recently and on the anniversary of September 11th, incidents occurred described by Hillary Clinton as ‘there will never be peace on earth when there are those who use their religion as an excuse to terrorize others.”

symbols of peace design by NLAPW members



Yet, senseless mass murders – such as the students and staff of Sandy Hook school, continue as reminders of the frailty of personal safety. So, how under these circumstances, how do we reconcile loss and acquire a peaceful existence?

For those of us who ‘dig in the dirt’, a sense of safety – solace – is acquired through renewal of season and/or planting living green. In April of 2012, the 5-year anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings, all were reminded of a tragic event which severely altered our community’s sense of security. Not to lessen the impact on any one of the 32 affected families, in a way, Virginia’s green – horticulture – community so-to-speak experienced loss of one of its own, Jocelyne Couture-Nowak.Yet, it is not death but life that the ‘green’ community chose to celebrate, memorialize. To honor Jocelyne and her family, the state of Virginia’s Green Industry fund a Jocelyne Couture-Nowak Memorial Garden, a terrace at the Hahn Horticulture Garden.

In early 2013 and 2015, members of the Global and National Climate Change Academies released eco research compiled by national and global scientists. And, as a result, global agreements will hopefully enable ways to make sense of loss due to the impact of ongoing natural disasters fueled by unhealthy shifts in the environment.

Similarly, amongst us there will be those who likewise make sense of the senseless act of others who participate in the mass murder of innocence, finding a way to restore a sense of public-at-large community safety. So, whether it is those who recover from the havoc of natural disasters or impact of global civil unrest or loss through the act of senseless mass murder, in the spirit of the holiday season, let us seek to protect the safety of our communities – business, civic and environmental.

In the wake of disaster, together, we can make a difference: be seen as people who CARE – set a Climate, not merely adjust to a preexisting one; create an encouraging Attitude, not practice ambivalence; are Receptive to people without losing sight of personal needs; and demonstrate Empathy for others while keeping problems in perspective.

Regardless of cultural diversity, let’s join in a prayer for ‘a safe place in which to live’, peace on earth - extend goodwill to all mankind. For additional eco tips and strategies, visit web site The Wright Scoop.

Thankful for Eco Warriors

Ever wondered how much "nature", eco-footprint, is required to support lifestyle choices?

The present-day average American has a total ecological footprint of about 25 acres, meaning if everyone consumed similar to average Americans, it would require several additional Earths to support lifestyle choices. So, the question is “Are you too big for your boots, your eco-footprint?”



 

Individually and collectively, not only are there opportunities to make eco differences related to personal choice but to influence the use of green spaces, both rural and urban. So, advocate eco conservation. For examples,

• Capture and use condensation from air-conditioning units for watering container plants.
• Choose native or native adaptable plants. Usually a native plant is the right plant in the right place which avoids numerous other site specific issues.
• Avoid using additive materials, such as peat, which are not a sustainable resource; in other words, once harvested the material does not regenerate itself.
• Create compost. Be aware that creating compost is neither a difficult or smelly task; and once you get into the cycle of creating compost; it is an excellent use of what would otherwise be considered garden and/or kitchen rubbish.
• Choose biodegradable products. For a number of years, ink on printed materials has no longer been toxic and these materials make excellent underlying mulch blankets that more importantly biodegrade.
• Avoid the use of chemicals. Install companion plants, create diversity, encourage beneficial visitors and perhaps, you too will be pleasantly surprised by the lack of unwanted garden guests.
• Avoid creating pristine orderly green spaces. In the wake of recent central Virginia’s storms, thousands of trees fell many Virginians, continue to clean up, but fortunately, a fallen tree provides a habitat for up to 300 years.
• Consider the source of landscape accessories. Select products made from recycled materials; for example, choose pavers material that is not only recycled but permeated, to prevent water run-off.
• When you light up your space, do it with solar fixtures. Solar lighting is a frugal form of energy consumption, and is easily installed.

In terms of your eco-footprint measurement, are you a novice or warrior? Are you chosing to make eco-friendly choices? Still, perhaps more importantly, are you influencing others to share eco values?

During the present and pending holiday season, let us, be thankful for those who choose be eco warriors. For, we not only have the opportunity to make a difference but can influence others through use of green spaces, both rural and urban. For additional tips and strategies, visit www.TheWrightScoop.com.

Thanksgiving, a bird's eye view

While traditionally this seasonal holiday time reflects on ‘thankfulness’ for abundance of crops harvested and the general health and welfare of our communities; nevertheless, a present-day question is, ‘Are we, as communities, contributing to the eco-health or demise of our Nation’s landscape?’

Through participating in a series of Community meetings related to reclassifying wetland areas from ‘flood plain’ to ‘hazard area’, I listen as person after person described significant change in the quantity of their area’s flood waters, areas flooding that never previously flood before; and even, not once or twice but numerous times, raw sewage seep into surrounding creeks, streams and rivers. So, as the present-day caretaker for a ‘generational family owned property’ once labeled the Bolton Estate located in Henrico County Virginia, I am alarmed.

 

excessive water runoff from nearby properties

When stable, this property’s wetland areas serve as host sites for a variety of wildlife, ranging from fox to the American eagle. In fact, historical records indicate the area’s central lake to be a natural pool; but overtime, it was extended to support more than 500 acres of agriculture activity and a second time, to support outdoor active recreation facilities. Nevertheless, due to impact of surrounding urban/suburban development, the area is no longer usable for fresh-water recreation. So, you see, I share with the wildlife a ‘bird’s eye view’ of the impact of urban/suburban runoff and pollution. I’ve watched a once pristine spring-feed wetland become a dumping ground; still, it is one of my community's few remaining green corridors – habitats.

Nevertheless, similar to other areas, it does not have to remain a dumping ground, a hazard area. There are alternative land use strategies which not only recover but prevent future negative impact. First and foremost, there is – related to this property - a County of Henrico Virginia sponsored creek restoration program. Still, for it to work effectively, other strategies need to be implemented; for examples, a rethink of how land is developed, use of ‘green build’ construction alternatives; and perhaps, more importantly, awareness of the eco-consequences of present-day life-style choices.

While I cringe at the fact we label 21st century green spaces hazard; perhaps, it is an excellent first step. For, it should be the beginning of evangelistic awakenings: a challenge to focus on implementing forms of green land use that not only lessen the impact of urban/suburban development but recover the eco-health of communities. Individually and collectively we do have pivotal eco opportunities: the option of choosing to implement green land use strategies which enable eco-healthy landscapes or continue down a path of present-day techniques that contribute to the decline of community eco-systems.

So, while many view the holiday season as a time to celebrate family and host feasts, I want to be thankful for the world’s natural beauty. Together, let’s make a commitment to ‘green’ America’s landscape - move ‘hazard areas’ from eco-weak to eco-chic, create a legacy of eco healthy urban, suburban as well as rural green spaces. And, perhaps one day, the birds will look down and think, ‘Whew, those humans, they had a close call; but, thankfully recognized the error of their ways!’ For additional tips and strategies, visit web site TheWrightScoop .