Environment 2000

Environment 2000, as in previous Environment reports, looks at some of the indicators that tell us about the health of Vermont’s natural resources. But this year’s report has two twists. First, instead of simply reporting on the health of Vermont’s environment, we decided to take a step back and look at the overall health of our environment in terms of both natural resources and our human-made communities—and what we find, at least atthe Vermont level, are reasons for optimism.

We who work in environmental protection are often accused of being a dour lot who preach gloom and doom. Well, in truth, there is plenty to be gloomy about as we enter the 21st Century, particularly in nations wracked by over-population, a complete lack of infrastructure, and rampant destruction of wildlife habitat. Approximately 100 species become extinct every day on our planet. One acre of rainforest gets bulldozed or burned out of existence every second. These are painful facts.
Nevertheless, there is hope. The great majority of private landowners in Vermont are good stewards of the land. Once-extirpated species such as the loon and osprey are increasing their populations. We’re recycling more of our waste.

Which brings us to the second twist. While many of the environmental problems facing us today are global in nature, almost all of them begin literally at home—with the way we shop, what we choose to buy, how we dispose of trash, how we drive, our myriad everyday activities. As noted on page 4, there are simple ways we all can reduce the environmental impacts of our lives; the EcoLogical Solutions brochures and website list dozens of ways we all can conserve resources, pollute less, and protect our natural resources.

Environment 2000 will introduce you to individuals such as Elaine and Paul Manghi, who have made environmental sensitivity an essential part of their lives. These Vermonters have taken their commitment to environmental awareness to an even higher level. Their stories remind us that the beginning of a new century is an opportune time to consider some of the more fundamental changes in our lifestyles that we may want to contemplate, such as what kind of consumers and commuters we want to be.

Consider the choice between building a new home on 10 acres of forest land or living in town. One option requires the consumption of more gasoline, more time spent in your car, and may well lead to the loss of habitat; with the other option your children can probably walk to school and you may be able to walk to work. Another choice is how much stuff we need. Must we buy the latest and greatest gadget advertised on TV, or can we live with less? Look in the typical two- or three-car garage and what will you find? Lots of unnecessary clutter, much of it bought on a whim, now collecting dust and cobwebs.

I hope you find Environment 2000 educational and thought-provoking. And I hope you agree that there is reason for optimism—and that the way to build upon this environmental optimism begins at home with each of us.

John B. Kassel, Secretary

TOP

Environment 2000, as in previous Environment reports, looks at some of the indicators that tell us about the health of Vermont’s natural resources. But this year’s report has two twists. First, instead of simply reporting on the health of Vermont’s environment, we decided to take a step back and look at the overall health of our environment in terms of both natural resources and our human-made communities—and what we find, at least atthe Vermont level, are reasons for optimism.

We who work in environmental protection are often accused of being a dour lot who preach gloom and doom. Well, in truth, there is plenty to be gloomy about as we enter the 21st Century, particularly in nations wracked by over-population, a complete lack of infrastructure, and rampant destruction of wildlife habitat. Approximately 100 species become extinct every day on our planet. One acre of rainforest gets bulldozed or burned out of existence every second. These are painful facts.
Nevertheless, there is hope. The great majority of private landowners in Vermont are good stewards of the land. Once-extirpated species such as the loon and osprey are increasing their populations. We’re recycling more of our waste.

Which brings us to the second twist. While many of the environmental problems facing us today are global in nature, almost all of them begin literally at home—with the way we shop, what we choose to buy, how we dispose of trash, how we drive, our myriad everyday activities. As noted on page 4, there are simple ways we all can reduce the environmental impacts of our lives; the EcoLogical Solutions brochures and website list dozens of ways we all can conserve resources, pollute less, and protect our natural resources.

Environment 2000 will introduce you to individuals such as Elaine and Paul Manghi, who have made environmental sensitivity an essential part of their lives. These Vermonters have taken their commitment to environmental awareness to an even higher level. Their stories remind us that the beginning of a new century is an opportune time to consider some of the more fundamental changes in our lifestyles that we may want to contemplate, such as what kind of consumers and commuters we want to be.

Consider the choice between building a new home on 10 acres of forest land or living in town. One option requires the consumption of more gasoline, more time spent in your car, and may well lead to the loss of habitat; with the other option your children can probably walk to school and you may be able to walk to work. Another choice is how much stuff we need. Must we buy the latest and greatest gadget advertised on TV, or can we live with less? Look in the typical two- or three-car garage and what will you find? Lots of unnecessary clutter, much of it bought on a whim, now collecting dust and cobwebs.

I hope you find Environment 2000 educational and thought-provoking. And I hope you agree that there is reason for optimism—and that the way to build upon this environmental optimism begins at home with each of us.

John B. Kassel, Secretary

TOP