At six events during the past year (Jan 2009 – Jan 2010,) SCEA has asked event attendees to select which one of the above 10 statements/actions they “felt most passionate about”/”thought was most important”/ believed others should do more of” …. Attendees placed a sticker on their choice.

The events were the 2009 Bald Eagle Festival in Rockport, 2009 Storming the Sound in LaConner, a 2009 Beachwatchers seminar day at Shelter Bay in LaConner, the 2009 Swinomish Earth Celebration in LaConner, the 2009 Concrete Youth Activity Day in Concrete, and two January, 2010 Saturdays at the Skagit River Interpretive Center in Rockport.

Here are some results.

A total of 512 “votes” were cast, as follows: A, B, and C (See next paragraph.)
 

1. 16.6% 11.7% 17.6% “less fertilizer, pesticides, …”

2. 5.1% 2.5% 6.6% “undisturbed vegetation and shorelines.”

3. 19.3% 24.0% 19.0% “Don’t waste water.”

4. 14.5% 9.2% 10.3% “Don’t pour chemicals down the drain.”

5. 9.6% 10.0% 6.6% “Pick up after pets...”

6. 4.7% 2.5% 6.6% “Keep septic systems working”

7. 5.1% 5.8% 2.9% “ … unused meds in trash.”

8. 11.5% 19.2% 20.6% “Pick up litter.”

9. 5.7% 2.2% 2.2% “Learn about water quality issues …”

10. 7.4% 8.3% 7.4% “Use/encourage Low-impact Development.”
 

Column A is the total of all 512 votes. Column B represents 120 votes from the 2009 Concrete Youth Activity Day – a lot of kids. Column C represents 136 votes from the Skagit River Interpretive Center, in Rockport, on two different Saturdays in January, 2010. These voters were people who had ventured up to try to see eagles along the river. Many were from Bellingham and Seattle areas – some even from further. Most of these people seemed more affluent than the average 512 and also quite well versed in the issues presented. Many detailed discussions ensued.

Here are some observations.

The process was to stand by the sign (which is 2’ by 3’) with a sheet of stickers. When a person/group came near we engaged them in light-hearted talk and held out a sticker. Almost every single person stuck out their finger to take the sticker! (Wouldn’t you?) We explained what we wanted – for them to read the sign and then “vote” – we always encouraged them to not be swayed by other voters or by the stickers already on the sign!

Everyone we approached took on the assignment pleasantly and proceeded quite seriously. They took their time and read all the items (which was our objective all along!) and if they had small children then an adult read the items to them. Often they discussed what some of the items meant. It was very heartening to see the participation, and the recognition that this represented an important issue. I think “voting” does that to people!

The “Don’t waste water” (3) was the most voted, especially by kids. They get this drilled in school. “Pick up litter” (8) was also high, and is/has been taught hard and often. These have become social mores.

“Pick up after pets” (5) was not voted particularly high. Often people said they did not have a pet. I also got the feeling it was one of those things “not to be talked about” very much! This practice is not yet a social more.

It was good to see the high voting about “pesticides/fertilizers” (1) and “chemicals down the drain” (4).

I think we have some education work to do about “Unused meds” (7) and “Low-impact Development” (10). If we get to where all/most pharmacies will take back unused meds, this will be an easier lesson to teach and learn. The item about septic systems (6) will also become better appreciated as the state requirement for periodic inspection sinks in. I would like to see Low-impact Development get a lot more “air-play”, especially for children.

All in all, an enjoyable exercise! At one event, after thoughtfully (?) reading the whole sign, a young boy turned to his mother and said “I guess this means I can’t poop over the back of the boat anymore.” Mother 'kills' child ………………………