Sustained Living

Tennessee's Plans to Move Forward

By STUART MOORE

The Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC) hosted the fourth annual Summit For A Sustainable Tennessee in November last year. The goals that emerged from the two days of meetings translated into specific action plans that reflect the cumulative wisdom garnished from the participation of 1000 individuals and some 230 organizations from the last four conferences.

John McFadden, Executive Director of TEC, spoke with a calm urgency in his voice and body language about the challenges facing all Tennesseans, from our elected officials to urban dwellers and rural folks inhabiting this great state. Two questions were posed: what is sustainability about, and how do you get the attention and response that is necessary for this state to move in the right direction for a sustainable future? 

“The Sustainable Tennessee Agenda is a comprehensive document that details what we need to do as a state to become truly sustainable. Sustainability really refers to the environment, the economy, and to our communities and their quality of life. How do you get an 800-pound gorilla to move? You turn the head first,” proclaimed McFadden, emphasizing each word.

He continued, “We know that natural resources are the backbone of our economy, and that’s why we support such strong programs, policies and practices to take care of and conserve our natural resources for the future well being of Tennessee. The ultimate goal is to develop a collaborative and workable agenda that all Tennesseans can support.” 

The specific goals detailed in the document “Sustainable Tennessee Agenda 2011” address concerns in four broad and comprehensive categories: Energy, Air, Water and Land. An example of the nature of this document and its goals under the heading of Energy includes advocating for collaboration with TVA to move toward more renewable sources of energy; encouraging Tennesseans to conduct home energy evaluations; committing to mass transit; and supporting the growth of clean energy markets and green jobs. There is a direct correlation between every household taking responsibility for the environment and long-term health of Tennessee’s economy and the big picture objectives that will get us there. McFadden envisions the big and the little pictures.

The waters of Tennessee present an opportunity and need for sustainability, because the state is geologically rich in this critical resource. There is in excess of 60 thousand miles of watercourse within our borders. One of the benefits of ample water is a biologically diverse flora and fauna. Contaminated water does no one any good and is costly. The recent TVA coal ash sludge spill in East Tennessee is a tangible example of this. Such occurrences destroy environments and can ultimately render them uninhabitable. According to McFadden, “Headwater streams make up perhaps 40 percent or so off all the stream miles in Tennessee. These headwaters are crucial to our sustained drinking water.”

The executive director is enthusiastic about planting trees as other aspects of sustainable living. The reasons are multiple: anyone can do it, it benefits our environment and there is a positive economic component. These manifold aspects exemplify the necessary approach to all things sustainable; achieving zero waste while simultaneously incorporating various aspects of community and economy. “I want to see another 5000 trees planted this year. It starts to create a consciousness,” declares McFadden. “Homes that have mature trees in the yard sell for 10 percent to 20 percent more than comparable homes without the mature trees. Trees that provide shade on the east, south and west sides of homes lower cooling costs in the summer. Planting evergreens on the north side acts as a windbreak of cold winter winds. Trees have specific economic value. Trees are the essence, if you will, of sustainability!”

Ultimately, McFadden believes that for Tennesseans to thrive in the future, and for the physical beauty of the state to be sustained, the economy must create green jobs. This includes a manufacturing sector that produces all things associated with clean energy. One example would be the components of a solar voltaic system for electrical generation. This will only happen if our elected officials exhibit political will.

It is incumbent for all 6.2 million Tennesseans to understand what really is at stake, and then live their lives in accordance. Living sustainably means conscious choices of recycling all waste each day, planting a few trees each fall, cutting the lights off when leaving a room, driving less and walking more, cutting the thermostat down and wearing an extra layer, working with the entire family in the vegetable garden after it cools down in the evening.

Such lifestyle choices are really just the nuts and bolts of building a sustainable future. There is much hard work to be done. Collectively it is achievable. What we do today is in the best interest of those who will walk this earth long after we are gone.

Stuart Moore lives in northwest Williamson County and is a landscaper, writer and advocate for planet-friendly lifestyles.

See further details at Sustainable Tennessee Agenda 2011.