Goats can’t help but be natural, and in doing so they benefit the environment just by existing. From consuming less water than most farm animals, to ridding properties of caustic and course roughages through grazing, the basic make-up of a goat seems genetically aligned with the “green” mindset. Further, the goat’s ability to thrive in the world’s harshest and most diverse environments brings such eco-friendly foundations to the globe’s most marginal and often impoverished populations.
Just by being themselves, goats do a great deal of green work for the world. So how are we living up to the subject of our documentary?
- Minimizing printing by using digital mediums, like iPad release forms, saving hundreds of paper sheets.
- When necessary, printing on recyclable paper.
- Eating humanely-raised meats.
- Using bio-degradable shampoo and conditioner.
- Driving a hybrid car and / or carpooling.
- Drinking fair-trade organic coffee.
- Relying on re-usable mugs, glasses, and bottles for beverages.
- Using re-chargeable batteries.
- Recycling and reusing all appropriate materials, such as our entire National Show booth.
- Not using air conditioning.
- Eating locally and drinking beer from nearby micro breweries.
- Purchasing carbon offsets to compensate for our air travel.
- Using seventh-generation toilet paper.
At the 2012 ADGA National Show, we helped you “go[at] green” by recycling your cans and bottles. Thank you to those of you who participated!
To further the theme of eco-stewardship with our film and followers, we will start posting a “green” tip of the week, regarding simple things YOU can do to help the earth. Feel free to submit your own tips (especially regarding goat ownership!) in the comments or via email: helena [at] goatshowdoc [dot] com
As most goat owners do, I too have an abundance of manure, shavings & straw mixture which I heap into a compost pile with my grass trimmings. After a year of turning & aging it is the ideal garden fertilizer. I save my feed bags & dog food bags & every year fill the old bags with the compost & distribute them to my neighbors & family who use it in their gardens. They are greatful to get the rich compost & on occasion, they share their garden bounty with me. It is a win/win for all!