Evolution of an Enterprise, Chapter 17: Shades of Green

Theworkshop 308 will not save the planet, the nation and probably won’t even make a noticeable change to this region.

That’s right. We are trying our best, but by ourselves there won’t be a positive impact no matter how environmentally friendly we choose to work.

The point is that the community must work together. Theworkshop 308 is certainly not the first business in this area to offer low-impact products, services or ideas. Businesses such as Accelerated Interiors, Cycles Unlimited, Smart Design, Environmental Market Solutions, Askinosie Chocolate and developers including Matt O’Reilly are pursuing the idea of leaving a smaller footprint on this earth while encouraging others to do the same.

Nothing’s easy

We’ll admit that it’s tough trying to pursue a lifestyle that is more environmentally conscious; our habits and convenience get in the way. The businesses and people we mentioned previously, including theworkshop 308, are not perfect and there is always room for improvement. It’s easy to talk about but harder to live. We live in a nation of excess; this country believes there is an endless supply of resources. Waste is not a concern, and nature is a last resort.

It’s our responsibility together as inhabitants of this earth to change the way we live and work. The responsibility also falls on our federal, state and local governments to set the example. Without revised or written mandates, laws and codes, a large percentage of people would not take it upon themselves to change the way we impact the environment.

Leading examples

Regulations are necessary, and convenience must be integrated.

From living in Columbia, S.C., Natalie and I have experienced how easy it can be to recycle trash. Every home and business in Columbia has this opportunity, and the only necessary task is to throw the trash in a bin provided by the city and leave it by the curb once a week. The city does the rest of the work. Yes, the cost of the service is included in Columbia’s property taxes, but it’s minimal compared to the broader picture. This system is convenient, it minimizes traffic to recycling substations, it provides more jobs for the city, and it is more efficient than leaving the responsibility up to the people. This may seem like a pretty simple idea, but small changes like this can make a substantial impact.

Residential construction is a large part of the economy in this area, yet there is very little consideration on the environmental impact of these homes. The amount of waste material produced during construction from a single home is astounding.

The U.S. Department of Energy is implementing a program called Building America. The idea – see it for yourself at www.eere.energy.gov/buildings – is to change the way homes are designed and constructed to reduce waste and produce a finished product that is more energy efficient than typical construction practices. People may argue that homes are being built as efficiently as ever – there are Energy Star homes, and homes built with sustainability in mind. But in the end, if the amount of waste that goes to the landfill is not reduced, the original intention is lost.

Challenge to Springfield

So how can Springfield take a step to being a city that will set an example for the region and the nation?

There are a number of large developments occurring here, and our challenge to the developers and the owners is to think differently. Think about the environment. Greenway trails, Jordan Valley Park and West Meadows are examples of steps in the right direction.

Springfield should study other cities that are making initiatives to promote lower-impact lifestyles. The public transportation systems and pedestrian-scale transportation in cities such as Amsterdam are excellent examples. Cities such as Chicago give tax credits and stipends to homeowners who install “green” roofs – those with plant materials and water drainage systems. There are examples out there for us to be inspired by and to model ourselves after.

It’s not going to happen overnight, but it can happen, and it is happening in Springfield. Gas prices are a prime example. Who can argue that we’re heading down the right path regarding petroleum technology for energy? There are alternatives.

As a local community, and inhabitants of this planet, we need to take the initiative. We need to be more socially responsible for our environment.

Michael Mardis is co-owner of design studio theworkshop 308. He can be reached at mmardis@theworkshop308.com.[[In-content Ad]]