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Keeping all that in mind, here are some specific things any of us can try out as a small act of kindness to the environment around us or as a learning experience.
· Check out the organic produce at one of our local organic markets (some of the biggest are Saturdays at Morningside on N. Highland near Indigo, and Wednesday mornings at Decatur square.) Of course, there's now plenty of organic produce available at Publix, Kroger, Whole Foods and similar stores.
· Take a look at some organic and non-toxic gardening supplies (Hastings on Peachtree in Brookhaven has an excellent supply, along with organic seeds.)
· Consider removing at least some of your grass and replacing it with ground cover (or wood chips). This will cut down dramatically on the amount of chemicals you will need to use to keep your yard in good shape. Every time your yard is sprayed with insecticide, the runoff goes directly into Little Nancy Creek and Nancy Creek, which then funnels into our drinking water downstream. And, of course, it has often drastic effects on local wildlife.
· Plant a tree this winter. There's no need to mention that our neighborhood is suffering tree loss at an alarming rate. But each of us can fight back by planting a new tree. It would be even better if you could plant a tree that is native to this area, which will be easier to take care of and will help restore our original natural environment. Some examples are: red bud, river birch, and yellow poplar. Or, you can donate $50 to the Blue Heron Nature Preserve and have a native tree planted in the preserve in your honor (for information call 404-252-8807, Nancy Jones).
· Indoor environments matter too, and what we do indoors eventually makes its way outdoors anyway. One easy thing to try is some of the new nontoxic paints. For example, a product called Safecoat (www.afmsafecoat.com) works exactly like regular paint, but with none of the toxic chemicals (like formaldehyde and ammonia) and none of the noxious fumes.
· Read a good book - about wildlife, nature, environment. Atlanta author John R. Stowe has just published a perfect book to start with called Connecting with Nature (Findhorn Press 2003). It's full of enjoyable exercises you can do to learn about and relate to the nature around you. It works especially well in our lush neighborhood!
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