By Don Fitz
People across Missouri are building ecovillages, revitalizing Dr. Martin Luther King streets and “naturescaping” back yards. May 2013 episodes of Green Time show how Missourians are engaged in making their part of the world more sustainable.
During the first show, Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage co-founders Tony Sirna and Rachel Katz describe how 75 people share three vehicles and drive less than 10% of the average American. Through cooperation and conservation the ecovillage has been able to dramatically reduce its environmental impact. It meets all of its power needs through renewable energy. Most of what it is doing is possible for others to do in cities or suburbs.
The cornerstone of building is cooperation and sharing space. During the second episode, Dancing Rabbit members Tony Sirna and Sharon Bagatell discuss the environmental value of small homes, Passive House standards, net zero energy, strawbale building, cob building, timberframing and earthbag construction. Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage has a new community building that manifests its commitment to green and natural building.
Mitch Leachman of Audubon describes naturescaping as landscaping with native plants on the third show. Jennifer Porcelli and Jan Freeman share views of the Missouri Conservation Dept. and an area homeowner. Planting native species instead of zoysia or Bermuda grass can save homeowners $1000 per year. They need vastly less water and no fertilizers or pesticides.
For the fourth episode, Melvin White, William Carol and Barry Jarmon discuss the use of green visions and technology in rebuilding Dr. Martin Luther King streets throughout America. Beloved Streets of America is out to change the perception of MLK streets from being unsafe dilapidated streets to beautiful and prosperous ones across America.
May Green Times include the movies “Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage: An Introduction,” “Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage: Green Community Building” and “Beloved Streets of America.”
Green Time now airs on KNLC stations in four Missouri areas. It appears at noon on Saturdays in St. Louis on Channel 24-1 and at 8 pm on Mondays in St. Louis on Channel 24-2, Springfield on Channel 39, Joplin on Channel 36 and Marshfield on Channel 17.
May Green Time programs air on Saturdays, Mondays & Wednesdays on these dates:
- May 4, 6 & 8: “Dancing Rabbit: Its Ecological Impact;”
- May 11, 13, 15: “Community Building at Dancing Rabbit;”
- May 18, 20, 22: “House Calls for Habitat;”
- May 25, 27, 29: “The National MLK Street Initiative;”
Also see Green Time on greentime.tv and facebook.com/pages/Green-Time-TV/186014811491714 If you would like to help produce Green Time TV call 314-727-8554 or email don@greentime.tv.