America has developed around the automobile. Making photovoltaic and geothermal technologies the new gods won't solve the problems, he said. Knott said people used to have a spiritual connection with the land they lived on. They ate the foods that grew locally, and their money and work supported their local economy. Dewees Island, Knott' s model upscale development near Charleston, South Carolina, landscapes with only native plants and employs a full-time naturalist to teach the children and adults about the plants and animals that share the island.
Sewage is treated through an innovative system on the island.
Eventually an organic garden will provide food for an island restaurant. From preservation of historic buildings, Knott and others have moved over the years to emphasize preservation of the Earth. Only native plants are used in landscaping on Dewees Island Sustainable construction is not New Age, not the latest trend and not going to go away, Knott said. Knott reiterated a bedrock theme of the conference, co-sponsored by Greater Atlanta Home Builders, Sierra Club, Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and others. All this makes economic sense.