PrintThese are challenging times. So, when it comes to supporting the green movement that impacts our world of parks and recreation, let's build on our strengths. By the very nature of our business, we bleed green. To take inspiration from singer Barbara Mandrell, "We were green, when green wasn't cool."
When our predecessors began the parks and recreation movement in the 1800's, they couldn't have known that our field would someday become essential in protecting and preserving our country's public lands and precious natural resources, all in an effort to support a life ofsustainability from one generation to the next. Today, we have a broad diversity of national, regional, state, and local parks ready to serve the 305 million people who live, work, and play in our great country.
With strengths come weaknesses, such as not enough funding and resources dedicated to acquire, preserve, and maintain our various public lands and spaces. Another weakness is our current generation of children who have not been exposed to nature, as identified by Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods. These children are tomorrow'sstewards of our parks and public spaces. So, let's step up and teachthem the importance and relevancy of experiencing and protecting America's great outdoors and natural landscapes.
On another front, David Bach, a New York Times' best-selling author, has identified ways to save the planet as well as to save money. In his book, Go Green, Live Rich, he teaches us to take care of our planet by planting trees; using water-efficient toilets; switching to compact fluorescent lightbulbs; thinking before we print that document; using recycled paper products; and taking green, outdoor, volunteervacations. But one thing Bach said hit home: Each one of us, whethera citizen or professional, has an influence on these green suggestions throughout our park departments or agencies.
NRPA is making great strides in its efforts to go green. Here are some of the practices our association's Green Team has adopted:
* Eliminating paper products in the staff kitchen--except for paper towels and napkins--and replacing them with ceramic plates, stainless steel utensils, and coffee mugs.
* Implementing a recycling program to include aluminum, cardboard,glass, and plastic and providing a recycling bin for each staffperson.
* Purchasing 100 percent recycled toner cartridges for printers and recycling all used toner cartridges.
* Purchasing copy paper made from 30 percent post-consumer waste.
* Using more environmentally friendly cleaning products.
* Requesting printing bids for NRPA materials that include standard production as well as Forest Stewardship Council or GreenWorks-certified production.
* Using electronic media such as email blasts, InFormz, and blogging to communicate with members.
* Offering Pyxis Online Learning for self-paced training.
* Instituting a teleworking policy to reduce gas usage for staff travel to and from work.
And this month, NRPA's Board of Trustees will vote on adopting a revitalized National Environmental Stewardship Ethic, a pledge to promote sustainable landscapes, foster the next generation of stewards, and provide leadership for sustainable communities.
In order to address going green with green funding, examine the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan Options for Community Parks. Whether it's through local government, Energy Efficiency Block Grants, Community Development Block Grants, Healthy Communities Grants, or the Transportation Enhancements for further expansion of hiking and biking trails, it's there for the asking. You just need to apply and follow through.
In these difficult economic times, parks are more important than ever in our lives. We must be there for our country's families and children. I am hopeful that you will stand with us in delivering these essential services.
Jodie H. Adams, CPRP
NRPA President