Get Going Green! 5 Tips for Barn & Farm

When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world. — John Muir

Green Tip #1 — Use Recycled Materials from Ironwood Building Systems

Whether you are building a barn, arena, or a full equine centre, you can choose building materials made of recycled material. Would you rather build with recycled cars, or a forest of trees? lronwood Building’s iron and steel is made from recycled cars, and our wood is mostly cosmetic or engineered wood members made from recycled lumber. Ironwood is beginning to get involved in solar power and solar heating systems, and we have developed an R60 roof system and an R32 wall system which minimizes heating costs and emissions into the air. This is Ironwood’s contribution to building green.

Green Tip #2 — Practice Environmental Stewardship from Nicola Valley Ranchland Estates

Educate yourself on the native plant and animal species in/your area. Native species can be threatened if you are not conscious of their habitat requirements. Establish areas that will go untouched or that will see minimal usage, where native plants and animals can survive.
Prevent habitat fragmentation (plant and animal species are iso- lated in small habitat areas and prevented from migrating to others) by allowing wildlife corridors between pastures, arenas or buildings.
Practice proper pasture rotation and management—tthis enhances and encourages the recovery of native grasslands.
Stick to established walking and riding trails to reduce the foo print on native areas and green space.
Ranchland Estates is committed to strong environmental and land stewardship practices to preserve the property's natural character forever. Community conservation practices such as geothermal heat- ing and cooling, solar heating, recycling programs, water meters and composting of organic materials will be strongly encouraged to ensure the most efficient use of resources. The Chutter family intends

36. The Canadian Horse Journal to continue ranching alongside Ranchland Estates and will be oe sonally managed by ranch owner, Dave Chutter, to ensure the inte=g— ty and vision of the project are maintained and the areas disamm qualities are protected.

Green Tip #3 — Waste Not, Want Not from Buddy Incorporated

Feed your horse only what he will consume. If you feed roumm bales, consider your options for round bale feeders, which save 30 percent of hay that would otherwise be wasted. This not only saws your budget, it saves the environment from added hay transport Fe program exists in your area, be sure to recycle your round bale pias tics and bale twine.
Our Big Bale Buddy has the lightest environmental impact a= the commercial round bale feeders. Itis made of 100 percent durad and recyclable seseropyiene—ts_light weight and small package size US eonsiderably |ess material than other-feeders, which mea mipitnal resources are used in shipping.

Green Tip #4 — Be Aware of Ingredients from Alex Milne Associates

Be discerning when buying products; examine ingredients anc research their impact There are usually natural alternatives ava - able; for example. instead of using chemical repellents, consider = garlic has been used to ward off mosquitoes safely and effectively “ar years. Zeolite products are another alternative to lime and arena o's when disposed of, they absorb harmful environmental contaminanss and actually help to improve soil moisture and nutrient value.
Our Just Add Horses line of eco-friendly products includes nat ral garlic based area mosquito repellent, zeolite alternatives biodegradable surface cleaners and even a biodegradable top-ur product for extending life and performance of lead-acid batteries.

Green Tip #5 — Use Your Tractor Responsibly from Kubota Canada Ltd.

Consider your tractor usage. since he vero = of your day, an 6myiranmentally conscious owne make care ful selections based on farm needs when buying a tractor.