Neighborhood Questions Answered

1. Why not use efficient ground cover like peanut plants instead of the fake grass we love for some reason so much?

People lack the knowledge of efficient ground cover and are unaware of the invasive Cheatgrass that everyone uses in my area. This is the grass people order in the form of sod to lay down on yards and outside businesses. Cheatgrass increases the start and spread of wildfires being as this type of grass is very dry! It is better to use grass types mirroring the attributes of Kentucky Bluegrass.


2. Do ponds with sealant under the water create more overflows and harm the environment?

Sealed ponds actual help the environment. The sealed ponds prevent acid rain from leaking down through the soil and into the aquifer to fight against polluted waters. However, if there is a lot of runoff in a certain area it is best if an engineer put the sealant down to reduce the likelihood that this will occur again. Also, if there is a lot of clay in the area, like in central Florida, an engineer should help with this sealant layout as well to prevent the clay from cracking. A trick after sealant to help even more is to plant vegetation around pond to further help minimize erosion.


3. Are foreign animals residing in a fenced house proper or have a positive aspect in any way?

There are positive and negative aspects to answer this question. The negative being that foreign or exotic animals in a rural or urban setting that had been taken from their home in the wild create climate change in that area. Last year 18% of the world’s gas emissions came from farm animals including animals that are supposed to be in the wild but now considered farm animals. I have Zebra, Water Buffalo, Ostrich and other wildlife animals down the street. The people that own them have a license for them. The positive though, is that if these animals are endangered (like the Ostrich and Grevy Zebra) they are protected in my neighborhood by always being protected from predators and having more than enough food and water on a daily basis. They do however lack the ability to survive without human care when failing to keep animal instincts alive.


4. Why do the bunnies, turtles and deer always want to head towards the street? (Not like there is any food on the pavement)

It’s not like animals purposely head towards the road on a suicide mission. They are attracted to what the road has to offer like the lights at night or curiosity of the noise. Kangaroos, cows, emu and camels are a big example of those animals that hither out onto the street. The pollution that comes from the roads like the car emissions and paved areas itself is hazardous as well with the leak of toxics into the atmosphere and also with the destruction of forests and animals homes. A good thing to buy at stores is the high-pitched whistler to place on the front of a car. As the wind goes passes through these devices it makes a sound so high only animals can hear it making them run in the other direction (away from the road).


5. How much does grilling for dinner or cookouts contribute to air pollution?

A lot! Not only are we burning to add more smoke into the atmosphere but also we are burning charcoal with it to add to the toxins in the air. Charcoal is not natural coal because it contains ingredients to make the coal easier to light and the flame last longer. There is not only carbon monoxide contributing to air pollution but other chemicals like Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Nitrous Oxide and Chlorofluorocarbons too. My thought is that whatever you cook on the grill can be cooked inside homes as well.