Laughable Conservation Attempt

While looking for cardboard boxes today, I came across a conservation effort that made me laugh. The conservation area is incredibly tiny compared to the dozens of acres cleared to build the shopping area. I’m not a good example of living “green,” but I don’t call myself an environmentalist because I put a soda can in the nearby recycle bin, either. Many of these national megastores, all of which I’ve patronized, are being disingenuous by publicizing their so called environmentally friendly efforts.

I wish I knew the backstory, but couldn’t find anything in a quick internet search. I’m glad the store sponsoring the conservation did something, but let’s face it:  if these stores were truly interested in conservation, they would lessen their footprints or build in dilapidated, previously developed areas to conserve the undeveloped areas.

That’s somebody’s backyard fence.

This is the narrow end of the conservation area.  You can see the superstores to the left and right. To me, it looks like they put up a chain link fence around a drainage ditch, then slapped a sign on it called “conservation area.”

Between the two superstores is this little walkway that cuts through the conservation area. I can’t tell what they are conserving in this picture.

A battery and tire shop right behind the conservation area.

Lots of trash is in the small conservation area, defeating the purpose. If there were no fence, the area would probably get cleaned more often, but would also have higher traffic. This is the catch-22 with having a small conservation area right next to two large stores.

I have to give some credit to the conservation effort. I saw this bird (little blue heron?), and what I think was a turtle swimming in the pond.

AFTERMATH:

I returned to the store today, 25 May. I felt bad complaining of this “conservation area” yesterday. We have enough people in the world, and particularly the media, doing that already.

Talking heads are everywhere, yet 99% of them never take action on their complaints. Talking is not action, but many don’t understand that simple concept.

If I ever complain on here, expect me to do something about it. I want to make a difference, even if small.

So, I went back to the store and talked to a manager named Rachel. She seemed perfectly happy to have me clean up the area. Below are some pictures of the bag’s worth of trash in the area, and a little garter snake. A small turtle was basking in the sun, too, but I didn’t have my camera handy. I’m trying to get in touch with the LSUS Biology Club to see if they can maintain the area regularly.

Tags: Conservation, Environment, Litter, Shreveport, Target, Wildlife