GREEN SPCE GROWS

Redeveloped Park Village demonstrates green planning where mature trees were worked into the design incorporating the character of a mature neighborhood.

Earth day is everyday. As stewards of the earth, each person should recognize how his or our actions affect the environment. Whether it is combining errands, recycling or not purchasing items that can't be recycled, each person has a responsibility for the world we live in and the world we will leave behind.

Those founding principals formed the basis for Earth Day, and helped make environmental issues part of our daily lives. Established April 22, 1970 by Wisconsinite and former U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson, it was a movement to simply state that the earth matters.

As regulations change, companies have become conscious that they have a responsibility to safeguard the resources that we have. Clark Realty LLC is one of those firms. They have taken the steps to painstakingly preserve the beauty and landscape of Fort Belvoir by designing living areas with green spaces and mature trees.

The company has recycled more than 80,000 tons of concrete, grinding it up for on-site re-use. They also contract with a local Manassas firm, to recycle 75 percent of the construction debris, keeping area landfills free of lumber, metal, aggregate and drywall.

The homes are built to Energy Star standards and are reducing consumption by designing them in a way that people can walk to mailboxes, playgrounds, shops and green spaces.
Historic homes on post have been retrofitted with new energy-saving appliances and insulating properties that help conserve.

Material, fixtures and appliances from homes torn down have been given to organizations like Habitat for Humanity for reuse or resale. Efforts have been made and continue to be made to keep abreast of technology and keep energy use low.

These are a few examples of how companies can honor the spirit of Earth day and still be progressive. Let us do our share for Earth Day by recycling, cleaning up trash and reducing energy consumption.

We have one earth, let's protect it.