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 .