“I have a dream, too!” says George Bandy Jr., VP of Sustainability Strategy for InterfaceFLOR. A keynote speaker for the James River Green Building Council’s 7th annual Green Building Leadership Awards Event and Exhibition, Bandy challenged attendees to share his dream, one-by-one eco change that enables positive community legacies. For, as Bandy emphasized, it is through enabling renewable energy, sustainable design and stewardship of the ‘God given natural environment’ that community eco-health, a positive legacy, is recovered.
As a child of the era ‘tell instead of read’ me a story, I relate to Bandy’s dream. I’ve heard stories of an eco-legacy, a Quaker perspective of ‘caretaker not owner of property’. On the other hand, not everyone is aware of this legacy; so, it is critical others also acquire an understanding of their impact, eco footprint. For example, an issue which plagues the Greater Richmond Area (GRA) is the impact of its inadequate public transportation system. As a result, the average motorist commutes 28 miles per day which in turn, negatively impacts air quality. Still, when I recall stories of my father and grandfather, I remember them riding the RF&P rail line as a commuter train to their city of Richmond job sites. I also recall a bus line which serviced my community Glen Allen formerly Laurel) for those who travel into the city. Yet, as a 21st century resident, these options no longer exist.
In book format, A Path Worn Smooth, these community stories illustrate the influence of a life-style legacy. Readers are invited to walk on a path worn smooth by generational expectation. Savor nostalgia for places that are near and dear to heart, recall family traditions and more importantly, renew experiences. Challenging all to not only identify but celebrate their heritage – legacy- because heritage is more than a possession, it is a gift: the birthright of our children. So, similar to George Bandy, I believe there is still an opportunity to make a difference, create eco-healthy legacies, adopt a “waste not, want not” commitment - become caretakers for our environmental communities.
On the other hand, it takes more than ‘digging in the dirt’ activities to recover a community’s eco-health. So, identify and acquire stewardship knowledge that enables the recovery of the ‘God given natural environment’. Participate in an eco footprint survey which measures present-day commitment. Identify community eco issues such as the GRA public transportation issue; and then, adjust the impact of your life-style, eco footprint.
Strive to achieve ‘ultimate green’ or as Brandy says ‘dream’, eco-healthy communities. One-by-one participate in activities that enable positive change, a path worn smooth by generational eco expectations. For, individually and collectively 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. Accept Bandy’s challenge, share his dream – create change that enables positive community legacies. Visit web site The Wright Scoop or Wright’s Book Store Front for additional eco tips and strategies.
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