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.

President-Elect Barack Obama believes that government investments in green energy – from wind turbines to electrical grids – will revive the economy and create millions of jobs.

Proponents of green energy claim major investments in new-energy technology will pay off in the future despite the current lowered prices of oil and gasoline. One report released in September by the Center for American Progress (CAP) claimed that “$100 billion invested in green infrastructure over the next two years may result in two million jobs in six areas: retrofitting buildings to improve energy efficiency, expanding mass transit and freight rail, constructing “smart” electrical grid transmission systems, wind power, solar power, and next-generation biofuels. “

So how do you pay for this investment? CAP suggests lawmakers can repay Treasury through cap-and-trade auction revenue.Of course, this assumes implementation of a cap-and-trade program.

Contributed by Jerry Hereden

The retail giant last month signed a four-year agreement with Duke Energy to receive 226 million kilowatt-hours of power each year through wind energy, powering about 360 stores and distribution centers in Texas. This is just the company’s latest commitment; in May 2007, Wal-Mart announced it would install solar panels at up to 22 locations in Hawaii and California. The company estimates the solar power systems are helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6,500-10,000 metric tons per year.

Contributed by Terri Larson

Royal Dutch Shell said today they have drilled the world's deepest o ffshore well at a prospect called Perdido in the Silvertip Field in the Gulf of Mexico. The well is 9,356 feet below the surface.

Also, from the Perdido drilling site, a Shell ROV captured an "an alien-like, long-armed, and—strangest of all—"elbowed" Magnapinna squid." Click here to see the video. According to an accompanying National Geographic article, this is the "...first sighting of a Magnapinna at an oil development" and "...is evidence of how, as oil- and gas-industry ROVs dive deeper and stay down longer, they are yielding valuable footage of deep-sea animals."

Contributed by Terri Larson

Good news this afternoon for the oil & gas industry. According to his transition team, President-Elect Barack Obama has wisely decided to withdraw a windfall profits tax proposal. The move comes amid falling crude oil prices - Obama's threshold is apparently $80/barrel - rather than recognition that such a tax will unfairly impact the industry's efforts to find and develop new sources of energy.