David Harrison: Protecting Our Fragile World

David Harrison became interested in the environment about 25 years ago while living and working in the finance industry in a multitude of countries. Among cultural and policy differences he noted are consumption patterns, and how diverse people and societies deal with discards. He has served on numerous Environment Commissions and other focus groups, and regularly leads discussions to guide individuals and families on how to reduce their environmental impact — what we should or should not do or buy, and why. Most of the suggestions are also money saving! David has led over 100 such discussions for all age groups at houses of worship, schools, offices, and with boy scouts, girl scouts and other groups. Every discussion is different and everyone, including David, learns something valuable every time. We will embrace why we feel compelled to reduce our environmental impact, whether spiritual, and/or a compelling drive to maintain/improve the world we are handing down to our children/grandchildren. As global population continues to grow, we need to increase our efforts to live sustainably, a key factor if we are to live peacefully. This includes consuming less; repurposing, reusing and recycling our discards; and embracing technology which can help reduce our impact on all aspects of the environment. Through our families, schools, houses of worship and focus groups, we need to instill environmental values and good habits to the younger generation. We will also discuss simple measures to green your gardening — in both senses of the word! Best practices in landscape and property maintenance result in reduced emissions, and the elimination of substances which are hazardous to all living things, including residents and their pets.