Insensitive? Politically incorrect? Counter-productive? Although we all acknowledge continued institutional and environmental racism, it’s maybe not the right time for a “Green Lives Matter” t-shirt.
It’s not my meme anyway – I only wish I’d thought of it first. “Green Lives Matter” was co-opted a while ago by the Army, then again by farmers. And thankfully also used in the way I mean it too, as a call to arms to protect the biology that sustains us. “Green Lives Matter” has appeared as a book subtitle and a college course.
Green evokes growth (the good kind!), freshness, renewal. Even hearing the word “green” can make us feel cool and tranquil. Eastern Connecticut is more than 60% green, twice as forested as it was 200 years ago. But right now the loss of forest from development and “impervious surfaces” has overtaken that being gained from abandoned farms returning to woods. I bet you’ve noticed we’re running out of old farms, too. And just between you and me, a lot of lawns are almost as sterile as pavement. Conservation of species in eastern Connecticut will have to account for pasture and meadow ecosystems as well as forest, and the crucial pollinators that occupy them. Thank goodness Joshua’s Trust has been working in this field as well (pun intended).
The use of this stony land has changed. Once it was tall forest with clearings for maize, beans, and squash, probably with the understory burned once in a while. Small-time grain production followed the European landings. This green valley survived a sheep boom, a cranberry craze, silk mania, charcoal production, and water power lust. Then it turned into dairy farms and orchards. The wooded world we now know, though mostly oak and hickory instead of chestnut, is still full of life.
But verdant undeveloped land, shady or sunny, is disappearing. The term “Green Lives Matter” may seem tactless; may push too many buttons in this angry cultural climate. I wish the term ‘impervious surface’ aroused as much emotion, as much desire to change society’s direction. The time was no good after 9/11. The time was no good after the 2008 stock market crash. For sure the time is bad now, in the midst of a terrible pandemic, the collapse of the world economy, and the Black Lives Matter uprising. When is a good time for Green Life?
~George Jacobi
Thank you, George. Yes, there is a great need to keep the open spaces that are pastures and fields of green. It is so sad to see bulldozers destroy these areas and more and more houses planted. Then, fertilized lawns. Saddens me each and every time. I hope the Trust can help with that.
Bonnie, your support of Joshua’s Trust helps protect land in our community! We are doing our best to preserve the beauty our towns are known and loved for! Thanks for all you do!