By Lynn Gregory
You may have noticed the recent improvements to our park. More than 12 new shade and flowering trees have been planted by the city! Some of these trees were planted to replace dead trees but the others were a lovely bonus for our park. The irrigation system was repaired late last season and it will greatly help with the greening up of the sod and helping establish the new trees. There are still some large areas in the sod that need replacing, and we are working on seeing this completed this season.
Mayfair park has become a wonderful focal point for our neighborhood. many of our residents walk their dogs, enjoy the playground with their children and play hoops on the basketball court. Because it is our park we all must take responsibility for its upkeep. That means picking up trash when you see it, not allowing visitors to climb on trees and picking up after your dog!
It was shocking to see the amount of dog droppings that had to be picked up before the children were allowed to run on the fields at Easter egg hunt. If you notice someone not picking up after their dog, PLEASE say something to them. Ask them if they need a bag and carry extra ones with you. We all want to enjoy the park and we all must do our part to keep it a beautiful and enjoyable place for all.
By Wayne Sirmons
Denver played host to its first Green Festival at the Denver Convention Center on May 2 and 3. The two days were filled with speakers, exhibits, education, entertainment and the promotion of green and sustainable businesses.
The term “green” is ubiquitous, but once inside the exhibit hall, the true breadth and diversity of the “green movement” became apparent. Through the cacophony of speakers, demos and drumming circles it became apparent that “green” is red hot.
While topics and exhibits included serious discussions about the new “green economy,” as well as environmental policy, one could also find paper made of elephant poo, purses made of tires and countless hemp related products and of course, organic foods galore.
Interesting items
With some patience and weeding through the nearly 200 booths there were some interesting items for any homeowner interested in sustainability including reclaimed counter top material made of used Coke bottles, buttons and other glass items. A popular destination was a booth that was marketing wood floors made of cork, bamboo and other renewable materials. If inclined, homeowners could purchase their own residential wind turbines.
Solar
The most popular booths featured solar power and after many conversations with different exhibitors, it became apparent this is technology will not disappear anytime soon. According to one vendor, after the rebates, tax credits and incentives a typical house could be converted to solar power for as little as $4,000.
The City of Denver featured multiple exciting programs including The Mile High Million tree planting initiative. There was quite a bit of buzz about Denver’s upcoming Bike Sharing the program that will let city residents and visitors “borrow” bikes similar to what Denver saw during the DNC last summer. The program will bring 500 or so bikes to 30 bike stations scattered around town.
Speakers
Among the dozens of speakers were journalist Amy Goodman, food activist Chido Govera, sustainability expert Gunter Pauli, Fair Trade advocate Ayde Riveros Gutierrez and actor/political activist Mike Farrell.
What the green festival confirmed is that “green” is moving quickly moving from a cottage industry to a mainstream market with a the potential to change the way we live and relate to our environment.
