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Shifting the paradigm of landscapes in our communities.

Roots Down works with people and large organizations to build greener, more productive spaces in order to spur green jobs growth, and provide ecology and leadership education for teenagers and college students. Join us as we grow a world where every person has access to the fresh food and thriving ecosystems that feed our soils and our communities. Greener communities for a more equitable future.

Did you know?

  1. Noise from popular models of commercial gas leaf blowers exceeds 100 decibels at point of operation (source). Noise above 70 dB over a prolonged period of time may start to damage your hearing. (source) A jet plane takeoff or a siren is measured at 120 decibels. (source)

  2. Landscaping pollutants like pesticides, fertilizers, and yard debris is one of the greatest issues facing DeKalb’s storm water. 98 percent of our drinking water comes from surface water sources. (source)

  3. Biodiversity is the number and variety of species in a given area and can contribute to more resilient habitats against flooding, droughts, or fires. Most urban landscapes are made of mostly turf or a limited number of “go-to” ornamentals. (source

  4. According to EPA statistics, 33 gasoline lawn mowers would produce as much pollution a car produces all year. (source)

  5. It is estimated that we currently put nearly 10 kilo calories of fossil fuel energy into our food system for every one kilo-calorie of energy we get as food. Growing your own produce can cut down on plastic, pesticides, and fossil fuel usage. (source)

Take our survey.

Are you concerned about pollution from landscaping practices? (pesticides/herbicides, gas-powered lawn equipment, etc.)
Are you concerned about environmental degradation in DeKalb County?
If you saw a garden growing fruit at the DeKalb County Libraries, would you be more likely to visit the library and/or attend programming outside?
If so, have you noticed a change in the landscape surrounding the library in the past year?
Are you aware of the Fruitful Communities Initiative?
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