tlc2003

May 06, 2008

tlc2003, With Earth Day Approaching, Landscape Industry Website Aims to Enrich Earth and Contractors by Going Green

Posted by : tlc2003

tlc2003, With Earth Day Approaching, Landscape Industry Website Aims to Enrich Earth and Contractors by Going Green

Appleton, WI (PRWEB) April 20, 2008 -- Ground Trades Xchange, one of the oldest and most respected landscape industry sites on the web, launches "Greening" content to educate landscape contractors on how to run more eco-friendly businesses while growing their operations via environment-improving contracts.

Greening was launched in an effort to teach contractors in the landscaping industry how to have a lighter environmental footprint, but also to inform contractors of the types of enviro-related work that's becoming both popular and available. Consumers are more interested in buying products and hiring services that are more earth-conscious. Municipalities have a greater interest in reducing the environmental impact of the construction projects within their boundaries. States are legislating environmental considerations as part of most new construction.

The market for eco-friendly landscapes is growing, and though the moniker for the field of landscaping is the 'green industry,' the larger majority of businesses operating in the field really aren't that 'green.' This new launch aims to change that.

"We're assembling a resource for landscape contractors who want learn about these new market opportunities to help them grow their businesses" says Jeff Pozniak, who is both the founder of the site and a landscape contractor in Wisconsin. Pozniak explains that even if some of the companies installing green landscaping projects aren't operating in an ideal, earth-friendly way, the net result is still positive. "And for those contractors with an interest in making their internal operations more eco-friendly, we're also helping those companies find their way. It's like eating grandma's raspberry jelly. You eat it because it tastes good. That it's good for you is a bonus."

Being a reference site for the landscaping industry, the site is in the unique position of being able to address many of the issues that affect the environment today. Planned topics for the site include:

Erosion control - From stream bank protection and restoration to controlling the erosion in residential and commercial developments. Vegetation can be wiped out by erosion and natural living and breeding habitats can be destroyed, caused by both man and nature.

Integrated Pest Management - The use of pesticides and herbicides in the landscape are a source of concern as they can cause disease both in humans and wildlife. Runoff from properties where pest-controlling chemicals were used can end up in the fish and foul we eat. Using an integrated pest management approach means using the least toxic methods for controlling a pest first, then using chemical controls as a means of last resort. Organics, the strict adherence to non-chemical pest controls, will also be covered.

Storm Water Management - The proliferation of impervious surfaces has made the management of storm water a difficult and expensive issue for municipalities to manage. Projects that lessen the impact of rain water on municipal sewer systems can save money and prevent localized flooding disasters. They can also help to recharge the groundwater, and provide one of the best filtration systems for that water on the planet: mother nature. Permeable pavements, rain garden design and installation of bio retention systems will be among the areas covered in this topic.

Green Roofs and waste reduction will also be important topics addressed.

Equally important to Ground Trades Xchange is educating it's member contractors in earning more work from the trend of going green. State departments of natural resources, state and local municipalities are creating or enforcing strict new guidelines for storm water detention and retention in new developments, as well as erosion control and stream bank restoration. "The doors to environmentally friendly work are swinging wide open, and we'd like to be there to introduce ourselves" Pozniak said. "Going green is good for the planet, but it's also going to be good for business. Just imagine the impact we could have on our environment if through this website we could change how a thousand landscape contractors manage their businesses. It's immeasurable."

The Ground Trades Xchange serves it's visitors and members as a repository of knowledge about starting, growing and maintaining a successful landscaping business. Launched in February of 2003, the site has seen steady growth in traffic and popularity and has been profiled in several trade magazines. In 2008 the site will serve content for over 1 million unique visits from contractors, landscape architects, landscape designers, nurseries, manufacturers as well as homeowners improving their backyards.

The site's discussion forums are currently it's most popular feature, with members from across the globe discussing plants and hardscapes as well as landscape design and small business issues. The site also hosts a plant database, technical how-to articles, the site founder's blog and a forum for do-it-yourselfers to get expert advice on their projects.

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