We can all learn to live greener simply by seeing what our neighbors are doing. And the public will have the opportunity to see what others are doing to make their own lives and communities more sustainable in the upcoming Monmouth Eco-Tours, scheduled for Sept. 26-27.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, those interested can visit sites in the eastern portion of the county, with designated locations in Red Bank, Rumson, Middletown, Tinton Falls, Ocean, West Long Branch and Long Branch. The following day visitors will be welcomed at spots in the county’s western side in Marlboro, Freehold and Manalapan.
More locations may be added by tour dates.
At the various stops people can see how others undertake such projects as mushroom cultivation, rainwater collection, community gardens, beekeeping, urban farming practices and other environmentally friendly activities that will benefit the planet in the long run.
“All these things we can teach people how to do, things they may have heard about them but didn’t necessarily know how to do,” said Diane Burke, whose Rumson backyard and garden is part of the planned tour.
The two days of tours is part of a Transition Initiative that residents around the county have begun undertaking. The initiative movement was first proposed by Transition United States in this country, and globally by Transition Network, a United Kingdom organization, to engage communities in undertaking long-term pro-environmental programs.
“It’s private people who have something to offer that they’re doing that’s green and sustainable or for a better earth,” said Burke of her involvement.
Burke has been composting for the last few years, using water barrels and attachments for her garden among other efforts and plans on explaining their benefits to visitors on the tour.
“It’ll teach people to be sustainable is all something that we have to realize we have to start doing,” Burke said.
“We’re using up way too much of the earth and taking it for granted,” she explained. “And it feels really good to live in a more green way,” she continued. “Here you’re honoring the earth and seeing how precious everything is.”
To see a tour map and for more information log onto sites.google.com/site/transitionmonmouth/home.
