Ben Johnson South (Cullman Tribune file photo)
The following is a guest editorial by local author Ben Johnson South, who offers Gov. Kay Ivey his suggestions on how to save Alabama for the next 200 years as we celebrate our state's Bicentennial. See more about the Bicentennial at www.alabama200.org.
Dear Governor Ivey:
I'm writing this as a "love letter" to my native and sweet home state of Alabama as we celebrate our Bicentennial. Here are 200 simple things we can do as citizens to save Alabama land and wildlife for the next 200 years:
1) KEEP ALABAMA GREEN and NATURAL- Volunteer with groups like Cahaba Riverkeepers, Alabama Audubon Society, North Alabama AGRIPLEX
2) CAN IT- The Alabama Cooperative Extension still teaches canning, pickling, freezing food preparation in every county
3) ENJOY SLOW FOOD- return to family-prepared, prayed-over, eaten-together meals
4) USE CLOTH GROCERY BAGS AND RESUABLE CONTAINERS
5) PROVIDE NUTRITIOUS FOOD TO NEEDY- Alabama spends $65 million taxpayer dollars each year on colas and candy; a simple barcode change could swap that for fresh, farm produce
6) DUST YOUR LIGHTBULBS- this can use 40 percent less electricity
7) CREATE AN OUTDOOR CLASSROOM and EDIBLE GARDEN IN EVERY ALABAMA SCHOOL
8) PLANT A BICENTENNIAL SHADE TREE
9) EAT ALABAMA FRUITS AND VEGETABLES IN SEASON
10) DON'T TRASH ALABAMA; DISPOSE PICNIC LITTER THOUGHTFULLY
11) WASTE NOT WITH COUNTYWIDE "GLEANING"- share unharvested produce with food charities, also, with health-department approved, end-of-day food from school and hospital cafeterias
12) DON'T PLANT INVASIVE SPECIES IN ALABAMA
13) DO PLANT NATIVE AND WELL-BEHAVED NON-NATIVE SPECIES
14) GIVE YOUR OLD EYEGLASSES TO AN ALABAMA EYEGLASS RECYCLING PROGRAM
15) CREATE BETTER, LOCAL BICYCLE INFRASTRUCTURE-get FREE advice from the Bikes Belong Coalition
16) DON'T USE GARDEN CHEMICALS INDISCRIMINATELY AND ALWAYS FOLLOW THE LABEL CAREFULLY
17) GIVE MORE EXPERIENCES AND FEWER THINGS- consider tickets to Alabama music, arts, sports events
18) VOTE IN EVERY ALABAMA ELECTION- be well-informed and be a good citizen, VOTE
19) RECYCLE BY BUYING ALABAMA ANTIQUES AND USED GOODS
20) SET YOUR REFRIGERATOR AT 40F AND FREEZER AT 5F- anything below doesn't preserve food any better and wastes energy
21) CREATE A COMMUNITY SONGBIRD ZONE- discourage loud noise; plant specific trees; provide off-the-ground water and resting sites
22) PLAY IN THE ALABAMA DIRT- buy a bag of marbles from your local toy store
23) SLING MUD AT AN ALABAMA POTTERY CLASS- make a Bicentennial cider jug
24) WASH CLOTHES ONLY WHEN THEY ARE REALLY DIRTY
25) REPORT ILLEGAL DUMPING TO YOUR COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
26) CAULK AND WEATHER-STRIP AIR LEAKS TO SAVE ENERGY AND MONEY
27) SHOP FOR PRODUCE REGULARLY AT ALABAMA FARMERS MARKETS
28) REPLACE LOW-NUTRITION BABY/CHILD FOODS WITH WIC PURCHASES FROM ALABAMA FARMERS MARKETS
29) CELEBRATE ALABAMA EARTH DAY EVERY APRIL 22
30) FILE YOUR ALABAMA STATE INCOME TAXES ELECTRONICALLY
31) DON’T OVER-FERTILIZE- base your application rate on FREE soil test results from your county extension office
32) DON'T OVERSHOP- use what you have on hand; finish off your pantry, first
33) THINK BEFORE YOU EAT- end mindless snacking in front of electronics and in vehicles to lower Alabama's obesity rate
34) MAKE HYBRID CARS MORE STATUSY FOR ALABAMA AFFLUENT DRIVERS- covet expensive, fossil-fuel vehicles less
35) REIMAGINE THE VICTORY GARDEN TO CREATE A SELF-RELIANCE DEMONSTRATION GARDEN
36) SIGN UP TO PAY BILLS ONLINE THROUGH YOUR ALABAMA BANK
37) CONSIDER AN ELECTRIC BICYCLE FOR ALABAMA CITIES, TOWNS, VILLAGES
38) PUT THE "FIELD" BACK IN ALABAMA SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS- visit a farm, stockyard, orchard
39) HELP DRAFT A GRASSROOTS 10-YEAR, 50-YEAR, 200-YEAR PLAN FOR ALABAMA SUSTAINABILITY
40) BUY OR RAISE AN ALABAMA TURKEY FOR THANKSGIVING- explore heritage poultry for a Bicentennial feast
41) HANG A MIRROR ACROSS FROM A WINDOW TO REFLECT NATURAL SUNLIGHT
42) SUPPORT A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Farm and receive regular, seasonal, fresh food from a local farmer
43) ASK YOUR EMPLOYER TO MATCH THE CHRISTMAS SUNDAY DONATION- you and your associates give to an Alabama charity
44) MAKE ALABAMA BERRY JUICE POPSICLES
45) GROW AN ALABAMA BICENTENNIAL VEGETABLE GARDEN- plant heritage seeds for unique flavors from the past along with the newer pest-resistant varieties
46) MULCH- slow weed growth without chemicals and keep soil moist and cool
47) BUY AN ALABAMA WILDLIFE VEHICLE TAG
48) HOE ALABAMA- hoeing is good exercise and sometimes the best way to control weeds
49) START A PETITION FOR YOUR PUBLIC AREAS TO RESPECT ALABAMA LAND AND WILDLIFE
50) DYE YOUR EASTER EGGS WITH BLUEBERRIES AND WITH BEET JUICE as an Alabama Bicentennial holiday salute
51) TURN OFF THE WATER AS YOU BRUSH YOUR TEETH- this can save five gallons of water per brushing
52) DON'T LITTER MT. CHEAHA OR ANY ALABAMA HIKING HILLSIDE
53) WASH YOUR HANDS IN COLD WATER- hot tap water is not hot enough to kill bacteria; use biodegradable hand soap
54) COLLECT FREE, NATURAL RAINWATER- Alabama rainwater can meet 80 percent of home needs
55) USE CEDAR CHIPS TO DETER MOTHS, NOT CANCER-CAUSING MOTHBALLS
56) HELP ALABAMA LAWMAKERS KNOW YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL PRIORITIES
57) DON'T WARM YOUR VEHICLE ON IDLE- just drive gently the first few miles
58) GIFT ALABAMA-GROWN FLOWERS AND HOUSEPLANTS
59) USE LIGHT-COLORED ROOFING TO DEFLECT INTENSE, ALABAMA SUN RAYS- explore "cool roofs" and even a roof-top garden
60) MOBILIZE CHURCHES TO PROVIDE RURAL TRANSPORTATION FOR SICK, ELDERLY, HUNGRY
61) BUILD ON ALABAMA’S HISTORY OF MANUFACTURED HOUSING TO CREATE “GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE PRE-FAB HOMES”
62) GIVE YOUR ALABAMA CHRISTMAS SUNDAY VOLUNTEER HOURS- to the statewide Christmas Bird Count, ww.audubon.org
63) BUY/FILL A WATER CANTEEN AND WALK MORE
64) SUPPORT LOCAL, ALABAMA BUSINESSES
65) COOK MORE ALABAMA VEGETABLES "AL DENTE"- more nutrition and less energy use
66) CARRY SCHOOL AND WORK LUNCHES RESPONSIBLY- reusable lunch box/bag, thermos, metal utensils, cloth napkin
67) HAVE ALABAMA, EARTH-FRIENDLY PICNICS- use biodegradable paper plates, drinking straws and napkins and let kids add to compost
68) LET FAST-CHANGING KIDS RENT TOYS- rent American Girl dolls, Hot Wheels, other from www.pley.com
69) PULL OR DIG WEEDS RATHER THAN GRABBING FOR A CHEMICAL—good exercise and often more effective
70) TAKE THE TRAIN FROM BIRMINGHAM TO MOBILE- it's safer, less stressful, less polluting
71) QUIT SMOKING
72) BARBECUE WITH RECLAIMED, SCRAPWOOD CHARCOAL- start your fires as Alabama Bicentennial settlers did, no lighter fluid
73) BUILD ALABAMA FELLED-WOOD FURNITURE
74) DON'T USE LAWN AND GARDEN CHEMICALS NEAR PONDS- Alabama lawn owners use more poisons than farmers
75) ADOPT YOUR NEXT PET FROM AN ALABAMA HUMANE SHELTER
76) TRASH YOUR ELECTRIC CAN OPENER IF YOU ARE ABLE- also, no one is so precious they need an energy-using towel warmer
77) USE INTERNET TELEPHONE SEARCHES NOT A TREE-KILLING PAPER PHONE BOOK-call your distributor to stop this waste
78) ORGANIZE/SUPPORT AN ANNUAL ARBOR DAY TREE SALE OR GIVEAWAY
79) PICK UP SOME LITTER EVERY DAY
80) CREATE A VOLUNTEER "WEEKEND FOOD BACKPACK" PROGRAM FOR HUNGRY ALABAMA KIDS WHO RECEIVE "FREE SCHOOL LUNCHES"
81) DEFINE VOLUNTEER "HALOS OF HELP" THROUGHOUT YOUR ALABAMA COUNTY- include an emergency food bin source and a community mini-pantry
82) MAKE YOUR NEXT COMPUTER A LAPTOP- desktop computers use five times the energy
83) DON'T LOOK JERKY REVVING YOUR MOTOR- smooth driving saves 40 percent on fossil-fuel consumption
84) PRINT LESS AND USE BOTH SIDES OF PAPER- the paper industry uses 40 percent of wood sold
85) SUPPORT ALABAMA TIRE DEALERS WITH TIRE COLLECTION PROGRAMS
86) WASH WINDOWS WITH VINEGAR WATER- use cloth or old newspapers rather than paper towels
87) RECYCLE DRINK CANS- the U.S. could rebuild its entire commercial airline fleet from aluminum cans citizens trash each year
88) BUY USED THINGS, SELL OR GIVE USED THINGS TO CHARITIES
89) USE BAKING SODA + BOILING WATER + PLUNGER TO DECLOG DRAINS- (Full disclosure: I'll try this next time and confirm)
90) TREASURE ALABAMA WETLANDS (marshes, ponds, bogs) FOUND IN ALL 67 COUNTIES- wetlands purify water seeping into rivers and over-development threatens these areas
91) STOP USING PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS-the U.S. uses 100 billion plastic shopping bags a year and only 2 percent are recycled; a plastic bag can last 200 years, and they kill our Gulf sea life and pollute air
92) DONATE EVERYTHING INCLUDING THE KITCHEN SINK to reuse centers when you make home changes
93) MAKE ANY CHLORINATED ALABAMA TAP WATER TASTE BETTER by installing a filter on your faucet
94) LEARN HOW TO PREVENT CAMPING FIRES AND THE BENEFITS OF CONTROLLED BURNS
95) USE FREE ALABAMA SUNSHINE TO HEAT YOUR WATER AND HOUSE- solar panels pay for themselves in 7-10 years- and explore Federal tax incentives to install
96) FEED KIDS NATURAL CURIOSITY with nature trips to Alabama forests, state parks, preserves; give binoculars as a family gift
97) TAKE A SHOPPING LIST TO THE GROCERY STORE EVERY VISIT-avoid overconsumption
98) BOOKS AND IDEAS NEED TO CIRCULATE-get a FREE Alabama public library card and use it often
99) AVOID BUYING TAKEOUT FOOD-plan to eat inside and avoid additional packaging
100) RECYCLE YOUR OLD CELLPHONE FOR CHARITIES-ask your service provider; sell newer models on eBay
101) DON'T FEED DEER, DUCKS, OTHER ALABAMA WILDLIFE-they can become dependent on receiving food rather than naturally obtaining it
102) INVEST IN SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE ALABAMA COMPANIES AND BUSINESSES that reflect your values
103) TURN OFF THE LIGHTS
104) REDISCOVER TRADITIONAL REMEDIES-white vinegar banishes mold and mildew; baking soda will scour a tub instead of harmful chemicals
105) SLOW YOUR CHASSIS DOWN-driving at 75 mph rather than 55 mph increases fuel consumption 20 percent
106) DON’T PUT HEATED LEFTOVERS IN THE REFRIGERATOR UNTIL THEY HAVE COOLED
107) GIVE YOUR CHILD'S OLD TOYS TO ANOTHER CHILD-take a photo of the toys as a keepsake
108) LESSEN TRIBALISM-Alabama is better altogether; let's honor our commonalities for the good of all who share this hallowed ground
109) HOST AN ANNUAL "SPLOTHER SALE" to purge objects and try to not buy as much splother the next year
110) HAVE YOUR VEHICLE ENGINE TUNED-regular tune-ups can reduce polluting emissions by 20 percent and save 10 percent on fossil fuel
111) THINK UP-think of your environmental-consciousness as positive not as sacrifice; feel stronger about biking not driving; feel healthier eating whole not processed foods; feel more connected to Alabama land and your neighbors
112) BUY ALABAMA-MADE MORE AND REDUCE GLOBAL TRANSPORT
113) THINK GREEN BEFORE YOU SPEND YOUR GREEN-ask questions about eco-friendly before buying; buy only want you need; avoid trend-spending
114) TURN DOWN WINTER THERMOSTATS 5 percent-living areas at 68F and bedrooms at 64
115) EVERY COMMUNITY NEEDS A "DYING CHRISTMAS TREE COMPOST CHIPPER"-to create mulch for those who insist on a newly cut tree each holiday
116) CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS TO LESSEN SOIL EROSION-design for well-placed downspouts
117) PLACE A CAPPED BOTTLE OF SAND IN YOUR TOILET TANK-every flush will use less water (Note: Don't use a brick for this because pieces of brick can get into plumbing and cause leaks)
118) BUY ALABAMA-HARVESTED SEAFOOD certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council
119) WEAR FEWER CLOTHES AND REDUCE AIR-CONDITIONING IN YOUR CAR AND HOME
120) THINK BEFORE YOU OPEN A REFRIGERATOR DOOR-What do you want? Keep it orderly and quicker to find things; 30 percent of cool air escapes every time you open the door
121) EAT MORE ALABAMA PLANTS WITH MEATLESS MONDAYS
122) REST YOUR HOME WHEN GONE FOR TWO DAYS OR MORE-Unplug all electronics and heating/cooling
123) LET KIDS WALK TO SCHOOL OR TAKE A BIKE-uphill both ways like your Alabama grandparents did
124) TAKE YOUR WATER CUP AND COFFEE MUG TO WORK-get your bosses to stop using disposables
125) REMOVE YOUR MAILING ADDRESS FROM CATALOG COMPANIES
126) ASK ALABAMA POLITICIANS TO STOP MAILING THEIR HYPE
127) LEASH YOUR DOG ON WALKS AND DON'T TRAMPLE PLANTLIFE
128) TAKE YOUR OLD MOTOR OIL TO A COLLECTION SITE-60 percent of Alabamians change their own oil
129) DRESS FOR THE EARTH'S SUCCESS-have fewer dry-cleaned clothes
130) ADJUST YOUR DAY TO SUN UP AND SUNDOWN LIKE ALABAMA FARMERS
131) CREATE AN ALABAMA BICENTENNIAL CAMELLIA TEA GARDEN-with a state flower camellia variety for each of the 67 counties
132) RECYCLE PLASTIC BOTTLES AND GET YOUR OFFICE AND CHURCH TO-1 recycled plastic bottle = 6 hours of a lighted 60-watt bulb
133) THINK BIGGER, LIVE SMALLER-think before you buy a big house, big vehicle, big television; Do you really need it?
134) DON'T CASUALLY KILL ALABAMA FISH-buy low-or-no phosphate soaps; increased phosphates mean less oxygen for fish
135) CHOOSE DOUBLE-GLAZED WINDOW PANES
136) MORE YARDENING/LESS LAWN—plant ornamental grasses; install pebble walks and seating areas and a drought-resistant rock garden
137) BUILD A COMPOSTING BIN to make your own organic soil enhancer
138) PROMOTE CAR-SHARING IN ALABAMA CITIES-80 percent of in-town driving is for one person; explore car-renting like Zipcar
139) CREATE A COMMUNITY DEMONSTRATION/TEACHING GARDEN and host "How To" parties
140) HAVE AN ALABAMA VOLUNTEER-BASED STAYCATION-donate a few days to a wildlife preserve clean-up
141) CREATE A BICYCLE-SHARING NETWORK FOR YOUR TOWN-Birmingham has a model program but this could be done in small towns with a Facebook group
142) BUY A BUSHEL-AND-A-PECK not individual packaging
143) CLEAN UP AN ALABAMA RIVERBANK-volunteers are always needed to aid aquatic biodiversity
144) DON'T DRIVE LOUD, ANIMAL ANXIETY-PRODUCING TRUCKS, TRAIL BIKES, WATERCRAFT
145) WEAR LESS COSMETIC MAKEUP and recycle used containers
146) BUY REFILLABLE PRODUCTS-look for these in your grocery store; ask store buyers to consider getting more
147) BUY FREE-FARMED OR TOTALLY FREE-RANGE ALABAMA POULTRY
148) HELP AN ALABAMA FARMER OR ECO-ENTREPRENEUR GET A BUSINESS LOAN-contact Alabama Farm Credit
149) CREATE AND CO-WORK A COMMUNITY VEGETABLE GARDEN-explore The American Community Garden Association and your county's Extension Office
150) ALABAMA IS FOR THE BIRDS-help assure birds have water and food (seed and suet) in the winter
151) REPORT ANY ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS-call your county authorities to investigate freshwater froth or sewage stench
152) START TODAY BY BUYING RECYCLED PAPER COFFEE FILTERS, envelopes, paper towels, toilet tissue, greeting cards
153) RESPONSIBLY CLEAN UP YOUR PET'S WASTE-buy biodegradable scoop-bags or reuse plastic grocery and newspaper bags
154) AVOID "QUICK DELIVERY" SERVICE-plan ahead so companies can make full use of vehicle capacity and save you money
155) DON'T BURN AUTUMN LEAVES use for mulch or give to others for composting
156) REDUCE FARMER SUICIDE, the highest incidence of all American occupations per the Center for Disease Control, by improving rural mental health care
157) BUY FRUIT JUICES IN LARGE CONTAINERS-an average household of four drinks 45 gallons of orange juice a year; reduce packaging waste
158) CHOOSE HOUSING AS CLOSE TO YOUR WORK AS POSSIBLE-Commute Less. Relax More.
159) ASK ALAGASCO, ALABAMA POWER, YOUR ENERGY COMPANY for a home-energy audit to help you use less and pay less
160) VIDEOCONFERENCE, TELECOMMUTE-use readily available, energy-saving, Alabama technology
161) DON'T FALL ASLEEP WATCHING TELEVISION and use "Sleep Timer" to turn off gadgets if this is a pattern
162) HOST AN ANNUAL, COMMUNITY "GREEN FOLKS" NETWORKING EVENT to welcome newcomers and new eco-converts each year
163) CREATE AN ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING MATERIALS SOURCE IN ALABAMA-good business opportunity to compete with online suppliers
164) GET YOUR TOWN TO ADOPT LEED-Certified Standards for Existing Buildings; saves environmentally now and economically long-term
165) SUPPORT ALABAMA TOURISM EFFORTS THAT RESPECT FRAGILE HABITATS
166) GET ALABAMA RUNNERS/JOGGERS/WALKERS TO DONATE WORN ATHLETIC SHOES to become safe, playground surfaces
167) BUY COOKING OIL IN RECYCLABLE GLASS BOTTLES
168) DRINK ALABAMA SLAKINGLY GOOD, RIGOROUSLY CHECKED TAP WATER, it's 10,000 times cheaper than bottled water
169) BUY RETREADED TRUCK/CAR TIRES which use 1/2 the energy as making new tires
170) CLEAN YOUR LINT TRAP and DON'T OVERLOAD YOUR CLOTHES DRYER-for more energy savings check www.alabamapower.com and www.alagasco.com and your energy supplier
171) DONATE UNUSED ELECTRONICS/CDs/DVDs TO BE RECYCLED INTO NEW, OFFICE PRODUCTS
172) RUN YOUR TRUCK/CAR ON DEEP FAT FRIED CHICKEN OIL-convert your diesel engine, now; U.S. creates 11 billion liters of wasted cooking oil, mostly from deep fat fryers (per EPA)
173) LET KIDS SPLASH IN RECYCLED WATER PARKS-don't waste water on excessive sprinkler play at home
174) RUN YOUR HOME DISHWASHER ONLY WHEN FULL; also, choose water-efficient appliances
175) SWAP SERVICES WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS-cook and deliver them a meal if they weed your garden; this saves community spirit for another century
176) WATER OUTDOOR PLANTS AT SUNDOWN-1/2 less will evaporate; also, don't water if rain is forecasted
177) CREATE A TOY-SHARING LIBRARY IN YOUR COMMUNITY to lessen consumption and increase variety
178) CREATE A TOOL-SHARING LIBRARY IN YOUR COMMUNITY
179) GET YOUR GOLF-PLAYING ELECTED OFFICIALS TO SUPPORT HIGHER TAXES FOR GOLF COURSE WATER AND GRASS CHEMICAL USE
180) MAKE YOUR OTHER CAR A PAIR OF BOOTS-Share more cars and walk more miles
181) CREATE A HOUSE PAINT EXCHANGE PROGRAM-recycle any unused paint to be used for government housing
182) HOST A "LIGHTS POLLUTION, TURN OFF" NIGHT-have a non-toxic candlelit storytelling evening with an Alabama Bicentennial theme
183) TAKE SHORTER, COUPLES-SHARING SHOWERS-A 5-minute shower takes 15-20 gallons of water, but a standard bathtub holds 70 gallons
184) BOIL ONLY THE WATER YOU NEED MAKING HOT COFFEE AND TEA-put remainder you don't drink immediately in a thermos for later
185) SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE ALABAMA CATFISH FARMING-make certain producers are following standards; eat more, healthy, Alabama omega-3 fish
186) START A JUNIOR MASTER GARDENER PROGRAM in your local schools
187) RETIRED? BECOME AN ENVIRONMENTAL CLASSROOM MENTOR AND/OR ACTIVIST
188) SUPPORT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN ALABAMA-average family spends 16 percent of budget on vehicle-related costs
189) CUT BACK ON PAPER USE by opting for scrap paper rather than notepads and recycling shipping boxes
190) RECYCLE YOUR CAR/TRUCK BATTERY-contact Alabama Department of Transportation to know where to recycle batteries and other auto parts
191) LET IN A SOME FRESH, ALABAMA AIR in home and workplace regularly by opening windows and doors; 80 percent of 21st Century Alabama lives are spent indoors
192) MAKE EVERY ALABAMA COMMUNITY A "NO KILL" ZONE FOR PETS-spay and neuter; make certain exotic pets are appropriate purchases
193) DON'T SUPPORT "NO SPORT" GAME HUNTING IN ALABAMA
194) DON'T DRINK FOOD-COLORING GREEN BEER ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY-try a local, craft brew like Goat Island or Good People
195) PHASE OUT INCANDESCENT BULBS by replacing with LED or compact fluorescents
196) SUPPORT THE REVIVAL OF ORGANIC, ALABAMA COTTON FARMING-buy organic cotton clothes and fabrics
197) USE LESS CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAP AND MORE IMAGINATION
198) GET CHEAPER INSURANCE WITH A HYBRID CAR
199) SAVE ALABAMA'S NATURAL LIFE AND CIVIL LIFE-stand up for human respect, appreciation, understanding and cooperation
200) BELIEVE YOU CAN MAKE A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE TODAY FOR ALABAMA'S NEXT 200 YEARS
Ben Johnson South, Alabama master gardener and author of “The Reluctant Topiary”
