As earth inhabitants take stock of worries about the impending threats of global warming, Chapala resident Christian Robertson is teaming up with the Mexican community in a project aimed at combating the climate crisis on the local level.
“My generation has played a big part in causing what will soon be a worldwide calamity and we need to take some responsibility,” Robertson says. “We have spent more than 70 years consuming, polluting, driving our gas guzzlers, ignoring environmental disasters. Our children and grandchildren around the world will suffer if we do not act now.”
That is his motive for leading an initiative to plant massive amounts of bamboo in the lakeshore area. As a rationale, he explains that bamboo absorbs greenhouse gases and produces 35 percent more oxygen than trees. It is a renewable resource with a rapid growth rate, making it suitable for harvesting within four years. The plant helps protect the soil, thriving without fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.
In addition, bamboo is a versatile material to use in multiple applications as a wood substitute that generates little waste. It can easily be utilized for making products that boost economic development to lift up economically depressed communities.
With all that in mind, Robertson has converted a lot he owns in Chapala into a bamboo nursery, while working with Poncitlan’s rural development agency to obtain a contract on three hectares of land to expand planting.
Beyond that, he has partnered with local activist Gerardo Padilla to start workshops to teach people how to turn bamboo into marketable crafts. Classes are being held every Tuesday at Chapala’s DIF headquarters, along with a branch program operating in the village of La Zapotera.
Considering the potential scope of the dual projects, Robertson and Padilla are seeking the support of people with vision, expertise and investment money to get to the next level. They encourage area residents to join the cause by planting bamboo in their yards, business buildings, vacant lots, parks and along highway borders.
To learn more about getting involved in the bamboo movement, contact Robertson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..