THE “GREEN MOVEMENT

It seems every time you turn on the TV or radio you hear talk of the “Green” movement: global warming, energy conservation, green homes, and the degradation of our environment.  This focus on all things green is not new.  Back in the 1970’s we experienced a craze where everyone wanted green plants in their homes and a healthier environment.

 

While some have been talking about protecting our planet and its natural resources, gardeners have been making improvements.  Our landscapes, trees, shrubs and lawns help to purify the air and filter water that drains into the ground.

      

 Faced with rising energy costs, many homeowners are looking for ways to conserve energy in the home.  Proper landscaping can make a significant difference in the amount of energy required to maintain a comfortable home.

 

Proper use of trees, shrubs, vines and man-made structures can modify the climate around your home to reduce heat gains in summer and heat losses in winter.  Plants can protect your home from winter winds and shade it from summer sun: winter  heating bills may be reduced as much as 25 percent, and summer cooling bills, 50 percent or more.

 

But don’t stop there. Once your home is more energy efficient, let your body be more efficient with its use of energy.  Your lifestyle can also be a part of the so-called “green movement”.  If you are one of the many individuals who love gardening, you probably do not think of it as exercise.  But let’s face it; if you mow the lawn, lift bags of topsoil, shovel dirt, rake the lawn and pull weeds, you are getting a healthy dose of activity.

 

Gardening can burn an average of 300 calories per hour and can also be an effective form of resistance training.  Recent studies suggest that moderate intensity exercises such as daily gardening can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, improve bone density and help prevent glucose intolerance.

 

All this green talk makes people not only look at what they consume, but also pushes landscaping right to the forefront.  Our microwave culture and I want it now attitude slowly begins to peal away and people begin to pull away and people begin to look at a relaxed healthy and more informal lifestyles.

 

This lifestyle shift, spurred on with ever increasing gas prices, make home owners step back and look at expanding the walks to their homes and bring the outdoors inside.  The patio, pool and deck areas incorporate more green by using landscaping, decorative containers, flowers and even cured lawns.

 

You can call it “Green” or anything else, but I call it fun and relaxing.   A chance to get some fresh air and meet the neighbors.