TheWrightScoop's blog

Are you too big for your boots, eco-footprint?

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

Recently, through attending a series of environmental workshops, I participated in activities that highlighted eco-lifestyle choices, our footprints, as they relate to the surrounding environment. While I’m pleased to say my activities fall into the category of being an ‘eco-ally’, I was surprised to learn of the average person’s day-to-day impact. For, the average American has a total ecological footprint of about 25 acres, meaning that if everyone consumed similar to an average American, we would require several additional Earths to support this lifestyle.

Presently, there are about 5.5 acres of biologically productive land per capita in the world. Worldwide, the average per capita footprint is 6 acres. If we leave only 12% of the biosphere for other species, there is less than 5 acres available per person which translates to the fact that we humans have presently overshot the mark by at least 20%. Still, while excessive consumption is an issue, it is difficult to measure the degrees to which consumption choices affect both immediate and extended ecosystems.

On the other hand, there are eco-footprint tools available that measure conservation, www.conservation.org/ecofootprint or www.earthday.net/footprint/index.asp, and help identify your eco status as well as learning where and how you presently fall short. So, the question is “Are you too big for your boots, your eco-footprint?”

As a gardener, I not only have the opportunity to make a difference related to personal choices but influence the use of green space, both rural and urban. So, I want to challenge you – as a 2009 resolution – to first measure and then, improve your eco-footprint.

From a landscape/garden perspective advocate the conservation of water. Not just the quantity but source. For example, I capture and use condensation from my air-conditioning unit 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 central Virginia’s storms, thousands of trees fell and my husband and I, similar to many Virginians, continue to clean up but I am comforted by the fact that a fallen tree provides a habitat for up to 300 years.

Similarly, consider the source of landscape accessories. Select products made from recycled materials; for example, choose pavers material that is not only recycled but permeated, prevents water run-off.

And, when you light up your space, do it with solar fixtures. Solar lighting is a frugal form of energy consumption and is easily installed.

On the scale of an eco-footprint measurement, are you a novice or warrior? Are you making eco-friendly choices? Have you created and presently maintain an eco-efficient green space? Are you influencing others to share eco values?

Individually and collectively, we not only have the opportunity to make a difference through personal choice, we can influence others to ‘green’ space, both rural and urban. For 2009, what is your eco-resolution? Post comments and together, let’s move from eco-weak to eco-chic, green the landscape of our community.

As the holidays approach, have you considered your choice for holiday gifts?

If you are proactive, perhaps, a gift would be sharing the bounty of your garden. As Ellen Ecker Ogden author of From the Cook’s Garden says, “The most difficult thing about making pickles is deciding which recipe to use.” Pickles, jams or jelly are items that are relatively easy to make.

Too often, we purchase last-minute trendy gifts, something that most elderly people find thoughtful but useless. For example, after my elderly Aunt informed me she had purged her house of all extra PJs and blouses. I changed my choice of a gift for her. During the winter holidays, I share homemade food items but when her birthday occurred, I gave packets of her favorite cantaloupe seed plus a donation of time to plant these seeds.

I recall one visit when she started the process before I arrived. As I questioned the safety of her choice she replied, “If I get dizzy, I hang onto the hoe until the dizzy spell passes.” Her only concession to aging was a combined flower and vegetable garden.

So, instead of trendy gifts, why not donate a half day to rake an elderly friend’s yard, plant bulbs or begin the pruning process. Pick a seasonable warm day and encourage your friend to sit nearby where he/she can see you working. Then, add to the visit by sharing the bounty of your garden, perhaps providing vegetable soup as a meal.

One of the best stories I’ve heard related to an unexpected gardening gift was a preseason bulb planting. Due to illness, the person realized he would be deceased the next spring; so, with the help of friends, he planted his wife’s favorite bulbs. Then, after his death to the amazement of his wife, hundreds of bulbs burst into bloom. And, because the bulbs naturalized, consecutive years continued to produce an even more amazing display of color.

There are so many ‘living green’ gift options to chose: planting bulb beds, raking yard debris, lime and fertilizing grassy areas, creating a site for a spring planting or thinning crowded evergreens. On the other hand, if there is no readably available outside chore, consider creating a container garden of forced-bloom bulbs or identify an educational opportunity and make two reservations: one for yourself and one for a friend.

Sometimes, a gift can also be off setting the cost of a joint gardening project. Elderly people become out of touch with the present-day cost. I recall such an occasion when my Dad began to pull handfuls of quarters from his pockets to pay for clover seed. He was unaware the seed presently costs more than a dollar a pound; so, unknown to him, I paid the difference.

As the holiday season approaches, be aware trendy gifts are not the best solution. A better gift can be to share either the bounty of you garden, personal time or schedule a gardening activity.

Turn America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic -

Sylvia Hoehns Wright, recipient of the 2008 Turn America from Eco-weak to Eco-chic award, is a featured speaker for the Green Festival held at the Washington D.C. Convention Center, November 8 and 9, 2008. Speaking 4pm on the 9th in the Green Living Pavilion, interested persons can view details of Wright’s speech or purchase advance festival tickets at www.greenfestivals.org, select Washington Festival.

“Historically," says Virginia based eco-chic advocate Sylvia Hoehns Wright, "earth-friendly is defined in terms of reduce, reuse and recycle. Eco-chic takes earth-friendly a step further. It is a reflection of how we feel about the environment, not just as a lifestyle choice but a decorating style as well." Wright, in her speech From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: the Wright Scoop, shares strategies that respect an existing vista, preserving and enhancing its health. Wright emphasizes for any style landscape, plants should not simply be selected to provide contrast of structure, texture or color, but make environmental contributions.

An earth-friendly columnist, contributing writer and speaker, Wright is a Virginia Master Gardener and graduate of the VA Natural Resource Leadership Institute program. She teaches eco-scape landscape/garden workshops and conducts communication workshops for the Green Industry. For further detail, contact syhwright@comcast.net or visit web site www.TheWrightScoop.com