As the holiday season approaches, have you considered gift choices that enable eco knowledge, the ability to ‘plug in’? If not, you are not alone. Not everyone has the benefit of a lifestyle – legacy - that encourages ‘plug in’ to the living green that surrounds them.
On the other hand, as the descendent of a long line of gardeners, I recall childhood experiences of helping my parents and grandparents with their garden. In my family, children were not only encouraged to have soiled clothes and dirty hands but to dig in the dirt! Nevertheless, the further I ventured into the world of gardening, the more I question its impact on the environment. For, gardening and eco-friendly gardening are not necessarily the same activities. In fact, survey statistics released by the National Garden Bureau identified of 12 eco-friendly surveyed items only 3 are viewed as somewhat successfully observed by homeowner and/or backyard gardeners. So, it appears that although as a Nation, we participated for more than 50 years in a “Green Revolution”; on the whole, we continue to fail. As a result, it will take more than simply a “love of all things green” to make it work – ‘plug in’.
Begin your experience through acquiring a basic understanding of the impact of your lifestyle choices, your eco-footprint. To expand an experience, for the Greater Richmond Area, there is the opportunity of exposure to activities that “inspire Virginians to enrich their lives through science” – activities provided by the Science Museum of Virginia. In addition to exhibits and activities that meet ‘standards of learning’ requirements, this site offers ‘hands on’ opportunities to experience ‘green science’.
There are also independent ‘gifts of plow’ that could be acquired such as a weather station ; and depending on the age range of those involved, green science kits and toys. So, instead of stumbling through your eco effort, let knowledge become a mentor. Educate yourself and then, incorporate what you learn into daily experiences. Be the person who is open to new and different ideas and share them; for, unless knowledge is shared, it is stagnant.
In the spirit of the holiday season, join me in a quest to green life’s garden one scoop at a time. Give gifts that encourage others to ‘dig in the dirt’: reflect eco-chic, ‘plow, not hearth’. For as gardeners, we not only have opportunities to make a difference through personal choices but can influence others through our use of green space, both rural and urban. A series of columns will be posted which suggest ‘gifts of plow, not hearth’. To follow, link to Examiner.com column and select ‘follow’ for notice by Tweets or ‘subscribe’ to receive notice by email. For additional tips and strategies, visit web site TheWrightScoop .
Comments