Go green by changing attitude, behavior

By Cathie Draine, Journal columnist | Thursday, November 08, 2007

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It seems to me that if the buzz in books and magazines is truly accurate and reflects the interest and attitudes of America's gardeners, then people are most interested in growing "green attitudes and practices."

This Saturday is Energy Efficiency Awareness Day in Rapid City, and a number of well-publicized activities are planned in various commercial venues. Most of the information, appropriately so for this time of year, will deal with weatherization products and higher efficiency appliances.

That aspect of going green deals with purchased items. There is another strong movement that deals with going green by changing attitudes and behavior. What I am finding interesting is that many of the growing community programs that focus on changing attitudes and behavior -- and probably along the way, values -- are rooted in Europe and primarily in England as demonstrated by the publications discussed below.

"Rain Gardens" is one of the most exciting and motivating books I have read in a long time. The authors, Nigel Dunnett and Andy Clayton, are both instructors at the University of Sheffield in England and professionals in the areas of landscape design and naturalistic and ecologically informed plantings. They present in simple terms the value of and clear directions for using storm-water planters, permeable paving, green roofs, rainwater harvesting and storage and landscape swales in private and public landscapes. Specifically, they are speaking about harvesting and storing rainwater from roofs either in rain barrels or cisterns and -- drum roll, please -- there are a growing number of individuals who are doing just that. They are also speaking about the value of creating planted swales and strips along driveways to capture rain water and return it to the soil rather than lose it in the storm drains. These are simple ideas and strategies. Most can be done by the homeowner at minimum expense. We simply need to do a lot more of it.

"The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Living" is filled with facts and information and, despite the seriously stupid title, buying it is a compliment to the intelligence of anyone who wants to make eco-changes in his or life. The topics cover going green at home with vehicles, in daily life, at work and in promoting socially responsible investment opportunities. The list of Web sites, addresses and other resources is encyclopedic. The book presents an abundance of simple strategies to get started, learn more and do more.

The author, Trish Riley, is an American environmental award-winning journalist.

"365 Ways to Change the World," subtitled "How to Make a Difference -- One Day at a Time," is by British author Michael Norton. Its focus is broader than simply ecological awareness and change, although there is discussion about that. The point of Norton's book that seems clear to me is that there is individual or community-based movement for change, and this most clearly results in individuals changing attitudes, behaviors and actions.

An example of this might be carrying cloth reusable shopping bags to the grocery store to avoid the use of paper or plastic bags. And there is commercially based (eco-business) activity that often results in new products that sometimes but not always deliver the illusion of change. An example of that might be installing energy-efficient light bulbs but not adding the behavior of turning lights off when not in use.

My personal opinion is that the most societal benefit occurs when individuals sense a direction for action to meet a need. Civic, governmental and commercial interest and participation often follow. The greening activities -- vermicomposting, green roofs, storm water management, home composting, rain gardens and more -- in Portland, Ore., Chicago, Denver and other sites -- came originally from concerned individuals and groups and are now enthusiastically supported and promoted by governmental and commercial entities.

Going green works best when it is a choice. Make one. There is information and interest aplenty.



Resources

- "Rain Gardens," managing water sustainably in the garden and designed landscape, Dunnett and Clayden, Timber Press, 2007

- "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Green Living," Riley, 2007, Penguin Group (USA)

- "365 Ways to Change the World," Norton, 2007, Free Press (Simon and Schuster)

Cathie Draine is a member of the South Dakota State University Co-operative Extension Master Gardeners and the Garden Writers' Association. She lives and gardens in Black Hawk. She may be contacted at cathiedraine@rap.midco.net