Lakeway MUD: Work with nature, woke up!

Nature: Our Partner, Not Our Enemy

Written by Stephanie Threinen, public information liaison for Lakeway Municipal Utility District. Earl Foster is the general manager of LMUD.

Working with nature, not against it, is the only way forward if we want a liveable planet for future generations.

The concept of "nature versus nurture" is well-known, and it applies to our interactions with the natural world, too. We can either adapt to nature's limits or try to modify them, but the latter will always require more effort and upkeep. Sustainability is about recognizing what already exists and working with it, instead of against it. This is the delicate balance we must strike for the sake of our biodiverse planet and our future.

Sustainability is gaining traction, and rightly so. It's about time we recognize that co-existing with nature is the only way to meet our needs today without destroying tomorrow's chances. In the water industry, this means educating customers about conscious water usage while also developing new ways to reuse this precious resource.

"Nature versus nurture" recognizes our decisions are shaped by both our genes and our environment.

We can't all be Albert Einstein or Jane Goodall, but we can recognize the power of nature versus nurture in our own lives. Our environmental impact is influenced by how we were raised, our daily habits, and our social circles. Some things are beyond our control, but we can modify our behaviors to be more sustainable. Nature has already provided the foundation for an efficient, resilient, and sustainable world. We just need to follow its lead and protect our biodiversity, especially when it comes to water access.

Choosing to conserve and protect our natural habitats is fundamental to a sustainable future. This can be as simple as reducing our water usage and choosing native plants for our gardens and lawns. Native plants require less water and upkeep, and they provide essential habitats and food sources for local wildlife and pollinators, which are crucial for healthy ecosystems.

Let's start making conscious decisions about water usage and recognize the power of nature to thrive with minimal intervention. We must see nature as our partner, not an obstacle, and in doing so, we'll create a brighter future for everyone and everything.