Publisher’s Letter

50 Years of Earth Day Taking little green steps together

THIS YEAR BEGAN with “roaring 20s” parties popping up to celebrate the new year, or decade (depending on how you count). It continued with the Kansas City Chiefs returning to win the Superbowl after nearly a half century. In 2020, what’s “old” has become “new” again, whether it’s ideas, trends or even our “stuff.”

I’m noticing with the spring buds making our world literally greener that our consciousness is becoming “greener” right along with it. The environmental movement goes back to the post-WWII period with the first legislation passed to regulate pollution. Fast forward to 2020, and on April 22, we’ll celebrate 50 years of Earth Day. So this issue is all about going a little greener in our everyday living.

Our feature story is dedicated to local entrepreneurs upcycling what’s old into new. With a growing awareness of the effects of fast fashion and a resurgence of minimalism, check out the ways “trash” becomes treasure (page 8). We’ve also added a guide to local second-hand shopping (page 32).

Part of why we want a greener planet is to enjoy the outdoors, so we explored the greenspaces of Oakhurst with some of the best patios in the South (page 18). In Bloom gives us advice for our personal greenspaces with native plants we can incorporate (page 14). Our hometown hero protects a greenspace we all know and love, Olmsted Linear Park (page 36). And our contributors share how they like to enjoy the outdoors with their personal favorite intown greenspace (page 6).

It’s an exciting time to be alive and realize that our personal health is so intertwined with our planet’s health. I’m grateful some eco experts shared their advice for one thing we can all do in Decatur (page 30).

Every little step counts, I hope you’re inspired to walk a greener path with me. Natalie Gregory Publisher, Decatur Living

DECATUR LIVING, LLC P.O. BOX 2589 DECATUR, GA 30031

PUBLISHER

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER, MARKETING

EDITOR

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

PHOTOGRAPHY

CREATIVE DIRECTOR WRITERS Natalie Gregory

Breya Rodgers Mel Selcho Breya Rodgers Loren Pratt Joshua Vensel Hayley Sawyer Robert Lambert Brent Cashman Lynne Anderson Ellie Butterfield Jessica Neese Loren Pratt Mel Selcho Kristin Smith

Decatur Living Telephone: 404-373-0076 sales@decaturliving.com

Decatur Living is published quarterly by Natalie Gregory. Distribution is a minimum of 14,000 with up to 11,000 being mailed to households in Decatur, Druid Hills, Avondale Estates, Candler Park, Lake Claire and Oak Grove. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for content of all advertisements. The publisher does not necessarily share the editorial opinions expressed in Decatur Living Magazine. Personal decisions regarding health, finance, and other matters should be made after consultation with the reader’s professional advisors.

We’re green with envy over these outdoor spaces

Loren Pratt Account Executive & Writer

My favorite greenspace in Atlanta is Oakland Cemetery. It’s 48 acres of incredible, lush flowering plants and trees. The monuments are stunning, and it’s a wonderful space to walk around and relieve Atlanta’s rich history by way of guided or self-guided tours.

Hayley Sawyer Photographer

Historic Fourth Ward Park is my favorite greenspace around Atlanta. It’s a beautifully designed park along the BeltLine and so close to many things in the city. It’s a nice space to walk along the water and sit and enjoy the community feel and local events.

Robert Lambert Photographer

My favorite greenspace in Atlanta is the Doll’s Head Trail at Constitution Lakes. It is a historical and unique Atlanta treasure where nature has encroached on the ruins of industry. The Doll’s Head Trail is known for the found artifacts (many of which oddly, are old doll heads) that are artistically reimagined and provocatively, yet lovingly displayed along the nature preserve.

Mel Selcho Editor

There’s something magical about sitting in the bleachers at Decatur High School with the sun on my shoulders to watch a big game. When the clock stops, I laugh and catch up with the parents I’ve been sidelining with for years. And when play resumes, I am again surprised and impressed with how quickly these once-little kids have grown up in the game.

Kristin Smith Writer

My favorite way to enjoy some of Atlanta’s best greenspace while enjoying the perks of local artists and restaurants is Atlanta’s BeltLine, the former railroad corridor around the core of Atlanta.

Brent Cashman Creative Director

Kirkwood Urban Forest Preserve is a beautiful transformed space to explore. What once was an illegal dump site is now a sevenacre forest with trails, a garden, picnic tables and a small creek. Walking around, you really feel like you are far from the city and are in the middle of nature. My family loves to hike with our dogs, and this place makes for an entire afternoon of fun.