environment

As a town, we cannot separate ecological sustainability from our infrastructure. Pittsford is not a town in a bubble but a part of a complex ecosystem that must be protected every bit as much as our historical buildings. As a board member for The Frog House, I have been involved in pushing for policies that would promote better practices in our area. High on the agenda is prohibiting the use of certain pesticides and herbicides that not only kill the intended plants and insects but poisons our environment and us as well. Ease of use and convenience is no excuse. It has to stop immediately. I know that no change in government is immediate, however, a town board member has the agency to promote better choices among the community. I taught a community service class last spring based on Jane Goodall’s method. Being limited by covid restrictions, the children decided to focus on getting their neighbors and friends to refrain from using pesticides and herbicides on their lawns and gardens. They started a change.org petition that educated people and asked them to make a pledge not to poison the Earth. Of course, it was voluntary, but educating people is always worthwhile. And every one that signed and followed through with their pledge was a victory.

I propose doing something similar. Let’s promote organic gardens. We can put up yard signs explaining how leaves are winter homes for pollinators and that’s why we leave a few around. There is a compromise between the beauty of a well-manicured lawn and a well functioning ecosystem. We need to find it quickly. And that’s the beauty of community involvement. There are so many intelligent people here that can help come up with great ideas so that our lawns can have form and function.

So YES, let’s work on the legislative side of things, but let’s not wait for that to happen. Let’s get started today, right in your own front yard. Or backyard. Then convince your neighbor. :)