Great Green Idea: Green Living: Eating the Enemy: Green Battle with Invasive Species

Eating the Enemy: Green Battle with Invasive Species

Different varieties of invasive species are said to cost the United States $138 billion each year. Management, agriculture and forestry costs are included in this figure. This does not, however, account for the money spent monitoring and repairing damage to the environment. According to reports like these, the world is on the losing end of the battle with invasive species.

Barbed goatgrass is a plant that invades the pastures of California's drylands. A state of Oregon website profile of the plant relates that this is one of the most aggressive species in the battle to save the green areas of our planet because it quickly mixes in with wheat and produces an inedible weed which even livestock in the area are unable to eat. In addition, the grass causes a reduction in native grasses which grow naturally each year and feed the sheep in the area.

Metrotimes.com reports German Ivy as the predicted winner in the battle against the Santa Cruz mountains. Thousands of lush, green local trees are being smothered by this ivy as it makes its way toward Silicone Valley. This same article lists European green crab as another invasive species that is posing a threat to the environment by killing otherwise healthy trees.

Agriculture officials have been using a controversial Chinese leaf eating beetle to try to keep Denver's forests green. Cottonwood and willow trees are being choked by a water sucking weed which goes by the name tamarisk (aka genus Tarmarix).

According to the Denver Post people who are equally concerned about the environment filed suit because the beetle was a known threat to a native bird. As a result, the federal government postponed this battle by suspending the use of the beetle in not only Denver but seven other Western states.

The final decision in this battle to conserve green resources may rest in Planet Green's analysis of the reasons why these invasive species are such strong opponents that fight against the environment and the green economy of our planet. This organization asserts that one reason is that they are able to very quickly adapt to a wide range of conditions, locations and temperatures. They are hardwired with characteristics such as the ability to reproduce themselves; which accounts for their rapid growth. Keeping strong is no problem as they are able to eat just about anything and continue to thrive.

Yet there still remains hope that these invasive species will not entirely ruin the earth's environment. The Green Economy Initiative proves to be a strong contender in the battle by continuing to assist governments across the country to refocus spending toward green transportation, waste management and clean technologies. In order to strengthen a more green economy, initiatives such as reducing emissions, using less resources and creating less waste are beginning to become a way of life for this country's citizens. Thankfully, The Green Economy Initiative is one of many groups and individuals who stay in the battle to reverse the increase of destruction to the environment.