'Eco-weak to Eco-Chic' in Science & Technology | Richmond.com / Richmond Virginia / Richmond VA

Science & Technology

Eco-weak to Eco-Chic

This week: Get out and attend a green event

Sylvia Wright
Richmond.com
Tuesday, February 12, 2008

In prior columns, we discussed terms such as green, green-washing and sustainability. It was suggested that individual eco-footprints be determined through eco-footprint tools by Web conservation sites such as www.conservation.org/ecofootprint or www.earthday.net/footprint/index.asp, businesses measuring their carbon footprints (www.carbonfootprint.com) and communities seeking leadership and guidance from the Center for Sustainable Communities sponsored by NACo (www.naco.org). But are you stalled and hesitating to move forward?

"Looking to make your home eco-friendly or want to learn more about environmentally conscience home solutions?" asks Cindy Napp coordinator for MAC Events. "Look no further than the 'Green Zone' at the MAC Events Home Show-Richmond featuring the Maymont Flower & Garden Show held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center."

The event will be held from Thursday, Feb. 21 through Sunday, Feb. 24. "New to the show this year, the Green Zone features more than 20 eco-friendly companies displaying their products and services, as well as a lecture series of Green speakers," Napp said.

Greater Richmond Area based companies, many of which are members of the James River Green Builders' Association (www.jrgbc.org), are providing the opportunity to explore the benefits of "green" products. Companies such as Anchor Insulation Systems, LLC, specializing in bio-based insulation solutions (www.va-ais.com); Lot Scapes, an environmentally friendly land clearing contractor located in Doswell (www.lotscapes.com); Solar Services, an installer of solar equipment (www.solarservices.com); TF System - The Vertical ICF Inc., manufacturer and distributor of Insulated Concrete Forms (www.tfsystem.com); and the Virginia Sustainable Building Work (VSBN), a statewide nonprofit organization that brings together representatives from diverse sectors who are interested in building healthy, energy-efficient, environmentally friendly buildings and sustainable communities in Virginia (www.vsbn.org) are participating. For a complete list, see http://macevents.com/show.cfm/eventID/139/pageID/223.

As a speaker for the show, I want to personally extend an invitation to you to attend the event. At 12:30 p.m. Sunday, I am speaking on the topic, "From Eco-weak to Eco-chic: Greening the Outdoor Room." Before and after my speech, I'll be available to greet event attendees at the Central Virginia Nursery and Landscape exhibit. Stop by and let's talk about ideas for "greening" our community.

I want to encourage you to also attend the educational speeches of my green colleagues – Anthony Brozna, an award-winning furniture maker and founder of ECO Supply Center in Richmond; My Green Cottage president/CEO Susan Colwell; Sally Fretwell, an architectural psychologist and color consultant who founded and runs Sally Fretwell Paint Colors; Joe Lamp'l, a passionate educator dedicated to sharing horticulture knowledge (www.joegardener.com); Doug Lowe, owner/president of Artisan Construction Inc.; and Paul Tukey, host of the HGTV show "People, Places & Plants."

But if for some reason you can't join me or want to further expand your educational opportunities, there are other options, too.

Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an interdisciplinary, award-winning environmental program designed by educators for educators. A free workshop will be held at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21. To RSVP, call Lisa Deaton, Project Learning Tree state coordinator at 804-328-3031, or by email at lisa.deaton@dof.virginia.gov.

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4 comments.

Kimberly Christie - Email this User
2/19/2008 at 1:45:28 PM

Richmond.com Article Feedback - Leave your comment today!

I'm so glad that when I went searching for "green" information I had to go no further than Richmond.com. Thanks so much!

Bill Greenleaf
2/12/2008 at 10:38:53 PM

I think we should celebrate the fact that the Richmond area is even talking about green. Just think back two years ago. We have come a long way and have a long way to go.

scott
2/12/2008 at 11:02:50 AM

Ray, I love your logic on this topic. It is as predictable as putting Rush Limbaugh in a closed room with a hamburger and a bottle of OxyContin. I was once told by a good Christian friend that I was a hypocrite for wearing leather shoes since I didn't eat meat. I told him that I never personally claimed to be against leather usage, although I would have loved to have an alternative that wasn't worse for the environment than this natural material. I quickly added that he was also a hypocrite for judging me and calling himself a Christian. We're still great friends.

There's always a way to keep people who don't want to change from doing so. Hell, there are still people in Richmond that think black people are intellectually inferior to whites. And as intellectually inferior as that thinking is it still allows them to move on without "all that guilt." I would commit though that these folks are terribly miserable people and are bent on making others so.

I challenge you Ray to open your heart, get that Amygdala out and dust it off, and you'll see that the interconnectedness of all of the issues I've just mentioned is inevitable if we are to survive and be happy as a species.

Ray
2/12/2008 at 8:12:35 AM

How much electricity will be consumed at the Convention Center during this show? How many cars will be driven there? Night time workshops? These sorts of things are typical of the global-warming zealots and "green" fanatics. Remember the global conference on climate change a few weeks ago? Ten thousand jets hauled in millions of people to attend. Talk about a carbon footprint! This "green" nonsense will have more clout if those espousing the wonders of it would actually commit to following the same drivel they spout toward others. Until I see something like that from these fanatics, I'll continue to stomp gigantic carbon footprints all over the place.

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