Whether committed to digging into the roots of family history or the living green that surrounds you, in honor of January as national "celebrate life month", make a commitment to celebrate a life of CARE – conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency.
Initially, as an eco-advocate, I defined a perspective of eco-commitment as a result of 3 Ps – place, plant and planting strategy. Then, due to economic downturn, added a 4th P - ‘purchase’, buy-local. Nevertheless, after witnessing a record-breaking urban/suburban pollution ride on the waters of storm Irene and devastation created by storm Sandy, I’ve added a 5th P - ‘people factor’. For, if we are to create life sustaining eco-healthy urban suburban communities, we must become people who CARE – have a perspective of conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency.
Although presently three generations removed from a Quaker life-style, I credit this heritage as the catalyst for my eco-caretaker perspective. Still, at first, media referred to my commitment as the by-product of a naturalist. Then, when I contributed to state-wide Virginia publications, I was recognized as eco-wise. After speaking and publishing in the DC area, my advocacy was referred to as eco-savvy. But, it was when I participated as a speaker for the Green Festival held in DC that I picked up the label, eco-chic.
Still, as long as people hear my message – become people who celebrate a life of CARE, I’m happy. So, in my book – Eco-legacy, a millennium woman’s heritage, I invite readers to walk on a path worn smooth by generational expectation. Savor nostalgia for the places that are near and dear to heart, recall family traditions and more importantly, celebrate life because heritage is more than a possession, it is a gift: the birthright of our children.
So, I’d advise everyone to ‘dig in the roots’ of their heritage’s influence. After documenting my family’s history with the Henrico County’s historic places department, I was solicited to participate in a documentary - No Stone Unturned: Cemetery Identification in Henrico, in the County’s 400 year celebration event ‘Hunt for Henrico History’; and, as a speaker for the Civil War Sesquicentennial speaker series host by the Historical Society of Washington, DC.
As my eco colleague Ann Cornell, President Cornell Douglas Foundation says,
“As an environmentalist and president of the Cornell Douglas foundation, I have searched 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.”
So, in honor of January as national "celebrate life month", join my colleague Ann and I in a commitment to celebrate a life of CARE – conservation, advocacy, recovery and eco-efficiency. As people who ‘dig in the dirt’, we can make a difference. To learn more about eco life-style activities, visit web site TheWrightScoop or follow Twitter ID, Wright Scoop or Face-book group, The Wright Scoop.
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