Not everyone likes Mayor Bloomberg's initiative to down-size the big sodas to fight obesity, but I sure like the laws he recently signed to encourage native plant diversity throughout the city.
There are lots of native plants on the High Line, at left, but one of the new laws directs the Parks & Recreation Department to maximize the use of plants that are native to NYC. The mayor said that invasive species cost the city millions annually to eradicate. A new guide listing suitable native plants will be made available to the public, including advice on plant compatibility.
The city is also publishing a manual on storm water resistant plants to help reduce severe flooding in the future. The idea is to plant species that will help capture rainwater to absorb runoff and decrease pollution and flooding.
Now, would that every mayor around the country sponsor similar legislation.
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