Arguments and water usage

Water Usage in CA

An Argument for Natural Flora and Better Water Usage

While water usage may be restricted in Los Angeles, it is a problem that cannot necessarily be said to be either right or wrong. Obviously there are going to be some points that support such a decision and other points that do not. What we should rather discuss is a way to solve the problem: we should not get distracted by hyperbole and self-righteous ideologies. Rather, we should ask ourselves: how can we help Los Angeles to deal with the water problem? How can one address the needs of the citizens of LA?

At the same time, I do not think we should be fining people who have green lawns. Green lawns, for one thing, are aesthetically pleasing -- and as we all have human nature, the things with which we surround ourselves have a direct impact on our lives and how we live. If we let everything around us die, our mental and spiritual aspect is sure to be affected. It is better to cultivate our gardens, and take care of our property -- even at the expense of "wasting" water. We should not think of it as "waste" but as proper upkeep. Our gardens deserve to be kept properly -- our land should look as beautiful as we can make it. That beauty is a reflection of what we desire for ourselves.

England, for example, is like one big garden. It is a very pleasant place to visit: everything is picturesque and proper. The English have a very cultivated way about them: an air that suggests refinement and culture. What we lack in our own ways may be made up for if we only took the time to show a little more care and pride in the way we treat our surroundings. This may be one reason why people plant lawns and flower beds as if they lived in England. England's tendency to accentuate surroundings (streets, storefronts, lawns, balconies) with plants and flowers lends a natural beauty, grace, and charm to cities -- as though a piece of the countryside were still a part of them. If people in L.A. find that they can afford to do the same, why should they not? For some it will seem like a waste of money, but let the facts tell the story: those who will protest are the same who are likely to offend in less tasteful ways.

As for sticking to native plants -- I believe it is a novel idea. There is something to be said for sticking to nature's plan: if cacti are what are most natural, then let us plant cacti. This may be the highest wisdom to prevail in these discussions. For those who wish to surround themselves with fauna and flora of a different climate, there is this advice: move to such a climate. Otherwise, deal with the one you are in, and accept its limitations.