Something I’ve suspected for a long time is that the ornamental-landscaping industry contributes more to climate disruption than livestock farming. The relentless mowing, blowing, rigidly harsh pruning, spraying of herbicides and pesticides, all in pursuit of a human notion of neatness and order. I’m still in the process of researching this, and I’m not sure whether the government statistics quoted above include non-food agriculture or not, but I bet our turf-grass and other “vanity agriculture” has a bigger footprint than ALL farming put together — and it doesn’t even produce food!
Personally, I would really like to see us shift our cultural norms of what is “attractive” landscaping. The unnatural, close-clipped “neatness” of many of our parks and public spaces may look orderly to the human eye (at least the modern Western human eye), but from the standpoint of nature, the ultimate order can be found in a forest or meadow. Not coincidentally, forests and meadows are among the most popular destinations of people who are seeking beauty and the health-restoring qualities of nature.
National Wildlife Federation Honors Austhttps://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2019/03-12-19-Austin-Top-Tenin as America’s Top City for Wildlife
The National Wildlife Federation has named Austin America’s top city for wildlife.
From the WWF press release:
“Wildlife in urban and suburban areas face tremendous stress as we chop down trees, plant yards, drain wetlands, install storm water systems, erect buildings and pave roads. Wildlife need our help to survive. In our “Top 10 Cities for Wildlife,” we recognize cities that are not only taking direct action to help wildlife, but their residents are also creating wildlife habitat in their backyards, balconies, at schools and throughout their communities.”
Also: National Wildlife Federation Honors America’s Top 10 Cities for Wildlife
Read the article and see if your city made the top 10!