At the Lincoln Memorial, a large portion of the lawn has been re-planted in Buffalo Grass, a draught resistant, slow growing soil plant that needs very little maintenance once it is established. The NPS has clearly labeled the areas that are receiving the Buffalo Grass as well as provided information about the benefits of the grass. Also, because the grass is slow growing, it won’t look great as quickly as other grass. For those who visit the site regularly, it was important to explain the change in the grass in a positive manner and giving a date when the space will re-open.

Another example was at the cafe in the Natural History Museum. There were numerous large signs in both the food and seating area explaining the choices in food, materials, recycling and sourcing at the museum. (see signs on right). There are ample recycling containers in the food area (although they are lacking at the entrances – see Green Confessions for more information http://tinyurl.com/dllxug ). They also use fun graphics for children to turn their initiatives into learning.

We can take away some great ideas from both organizations.

1. Point out the things that are being done well without lecturing to people
2. Use fun and funny in your education
3. Sometimes information is all that is needed for people to accept or make changes
4. Making things easy creates success