THE MICRO-ENVIRONMENT Putting your house (and yard) in order
by Diann Peart, Ph.D. T
here are huge environmental concerns that currently dominate global headlines: melting glaciers, oil spills, and poisonous air quality
in urban centers. While we are all concerned about these global crises, most of us feel powerless to effect significant environmental change. For most of us, “acting locally” is the most effective starting point. What are some actions we can take in our own neighborhoods, backyards, and in our homes to improve local “micro” environmental quality?
The Neighborhood There’s a wonderful poster created by the Syracuse Cultural Workers: How to Build Community. It offers several suggestions for neighborhood strengthen-
ing, among them: use your library, buy from local mer- chants, support neighborhood schools, talk to the mail carrier, organize a block party, share your skills. As you get to know your neighbors, join together to help an elder to manage her lawn or paint over graffiti. Be a presence in your neighborhood.
The Backyard
It can be an acre or a balcony, but it’s outdoors and can be used to grow food, even if only a small basil plant. Becom- ing a ‘locavore’ – eating food locally and usually organi-
cally grown – is a hot topic today. We can accomplish this in our own backyards. Organic food is expensive. Save money, eat well and grown your own. Keep chickens. Most local com-
munities allow us to keep three hens and that leads to three fresh eggs a day in all but the most extreme weather. No production recall to worry about. Eliminate gas mowers and air
blowers. The average push mower with a gasoline engine emits as much pollution as 11 cars, and that pollution drifts into your home. Avoid the “mow, blow and go” garden services.
The Home Green America lists as the first step to a healthy home get- ting rid of conventional cleaning products. Use non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners with no synthetic fragrances. Save money and the earth – make your own. Use super-low or zero-VOC paints and stains. Look also
for "biocide-free" paints with natural pigments. If your home was built before 1970, test your home and your children's blood lead levels. Paint over lead-based paint to minimize dust and chipping.
Diann Peart, Ph.D. is a principal & vision- ary of Herb’N Organics LLC in Tempe. For more information, phone 480-229-0483 or visit
HerbNOrganics.com.
34 Phoenix
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