ECO
CHATS FROM RYE TO RIDGEFIELD, BY WAY OF WESTPORT There are amazing people inspiring us to examine our current ways of living, eating, and parenting and encouraging us to consider alternatives that are healthier for our families, homes, businesses and communities. At our fast pace, when most are listening, learning and responding in “sound bites” we all can appreciate learning about new technologies, new alternatives and about people who dedicate themselves to researching topics, educating others and providing alternative solutions. FCL was fortunate to grab some time with a few community inspirations.  Judy
Martin is the founder and principal of Green
Home Consulting, LLCJudy Martin JBG/FCL: What are you involved in that is eco? JM: I live an eco life. I own and run a green home consulting business, Green Home Consulting. In my community, I serve on Federated Conservationists of Westchester County (FCWC), on the Westchester Global Warming Task Force, The Environmental Advocacy Group of Rye, the U.S. Green Building Council, NESEA and have also been a member of The Nature Conservancy for many years. In my 1928 home, I have renovated it to the highest standards. JBG/FCL: What is at the top of most customers building eco wish list? JM: Homeowners are looking for efficiency; from the attic to the basement, in new construction projects and in renovations. Efficiencies can be realized differently for each home, from new technology insulation to window selection to alternative energy sources. Each project has unique efficiency solutions which makes my business so rewarding and interesting. JBG/FCL: What additional steps could towns take to encourage more eco changes? JM: It would be wonderful for towns to incorporate grey water systems into building codes. These systems are easy to install in new and renovation projects; they conserve fresh water, allow homeowners to filter greywater for use in watering gardens, yards and plants, avoid taxing septic tanks and drain fields with fluids. In some cities the sanitary sewer system also benefits from less volume of greywater to treat and process. JBG/FCL: Judy, what eco efficiency fact can you share with us that we might not know, and what is the solution? JM: A 48-inch plasma TV can draw more power than a large refrigerator — even if the set is used only a few hours a day. Unplug your plasma when not in use or turn off power at electric switch or if you have to buy a new tv, buy a LCD. JBG/FCL: What is your recommended eco read? JM: Creating the Not So Big House: Insights and Ideas for the New American; Sarah Susanka and Grey Crawford. Beth Butler JBG/FCL: What does eco mean to you? And what big “eco” issue have you been involved with? BB: To me, “eco” means to be environmentally conscious. It is to be mindful of the decisions that I make each day and to take steps to reduce the impact that I have on the environment. I have been involved with raising awareness on the possible health risks of artificial turf fields to our children and our environment. JBG/FCL: What has inspired you to study and tackle (no pun intended) this issue? BB: My children’s health is what first inspired me. What I learned inspired me, and many town residents, to tackle the issue and raise awareness. As a pro-sports parent and one with an athletic background as an “All-American” athlete, I was faced with a dilemma. How far should we go in our communities to support initiatives that represent the needs of a few, while ignoring the calls for moratoriums by cities and caution by medical and public health experts about the possible impact on our health and environment? JBG/FCL: How has your involvement impacted your life? BB: When I initially got involved, I didn’t realize my involvement would have such an impact. Now that I look back, I would say it had a positive one. I have become more involved in my community, especially on issues that relate directly to children, health and the environment. I have had two close family members diagnosed with cancer and that has reconfirmed the importance of my involvement on issues relating to children’s health and our environment. Unfortunately, I think most of us can say that we have been directly impacted by someone with cancer. Cancer rates are increasing and we don’t know for sure what is causing these rates to rise. I am not sure we will ever know, but I do know that we can take the proper steps to ensure that we make the best decisions for the long term health of our children and our environment. JBG/FCL: What has been one of your brightest shining movements? BB: There are many, but I have a favorite. On the night of the field vote I stood outside all night with my “Vote NO” sign under an umbrella. As the poles were closing, a woman approached me and quickly told me she was heading in to Vote YES for the fields. But as quick as she passed me, she came back. She said, “You must have a good reason for voting NO if you are going to stand out here all night in this cold rainy weather, tell me.” I explained my reasons and at the end of our talk she told me that I had changed her mind and that she was heading in to Vote NO. She went on to tell me that she was a cancer survivor and that she had read about the health and environmental concerns, and she was thankful I was there to answer her questions. On her way out of the polling place, she thanked me for being there that night. Our efforts paid off. The vote was defeated in the February 2008 town referendum, a record high voter turnout for a single-issue referendum.  Caroline
Janson Kavetas – Children’s Environmental Health Center at
Mt. Sinai, Greening Our Children 2009 Co-Chair,
Westport,
CTCaroline Janson Kavetas JBG/FCL: What eco aspects of your life are you most proud of? CJK: My community involvement and teaching my children by example. At home, we use stainless steel canteens for drinks/food on the go, cloth napkins, and recycle loads of paper, plastic, glass and aluminum. We don’t use pesticides on our lawn (we live near Long Island Sound), and are diligent turning off unused lights. I have taught my kids to read the labels on packaging – from shampoos to food. We eat organically and try to keep away from chemicals as much as possible. I’m on the Green Committee at my son’s middle school and my daughter’s elementary school, and I’m involved with the Children’s Environmental Health Center at Mount Sinai. I am always reading and sharing what I learn with others. JBG/FCL: What eco concepts are middle school students most interested in? CJK: Unfortunately, at the moment, there doesn’t seem to be much time for “eco education” in the school curriculum. We need to figure out a way to make “eco” fun and cool to attract more attention from our young people. I also believe being “eco minded” starts at home – getting the idea out that it is not hard to make a real difference is crucial. JBG/FCL: What have you learned from your involvement with CEHC at Mt. Sinai? CJK: I have learned so much about how toxins in our environment affect children’s health. I am always learning about ingredients that are in the daily products that my family uses (many ingredients are not safe). I have a whole new way of purchasing. I am educated on what chemicals to look for and stay away from in everyday personal care, home and food products. I realize the direct impact we have and how everything we use will eventually wind up in the environment – be it the air, water, or soil. By becoming more informed, I have gained the ability to make better choices so I can be part of the solution to make the earth a safer, cleaner place for my family, my community and future generations. JBG/FCL: What eco items on your holiday gift list? CJK: Organic cotton clothing --- once you learn about how cotton is harvested – you’ll never look at “cheap” t-shirts the same way again!! If you’re interested – check out “100% cotton India” on youtube.com. JBG/FCL: What two eco thoughts do you want to leave us with? CJK: It’s important that people know that children are not little adults and are MUCH more vulnerable to toxins than grown-ups. We also need laws to ensure accurate labeling of consumer product ingredients. So far, federal law does not require full disclosure, so it is impossible for consumers to make informed and responsible choices. We have power to influence the market place – and we need to voice our “demands”. Every purchase = a “VOTE”! Buy organic, non-toxic, environmentally friendly products – let the manufacturers and retailers know that you demand healthy, safe products!!! 
Jeanine Getz, our Eco Editor, is an author and founder of Kids Think Big, LLC. She is committed to environmental advocacy locally, nationally and abroad. She works with organizations, including National Audubon Society, Mt. Sinai’s Children’s Environmental Health Center, Connecticut Fund for the Environment and Seeds of Green to raise awareness and to improve the health of our children and the natural habitats that teach, inspire and sustain us all.
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