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Having said that, the PCAC , drove a narrative that increased The Movement of Martin Luther King, stipulated
interest in plants and the public responded by buying “House peaceful demonstrations, rather than violent
Plants.” Potted window gardens cropped up in many homes uprisings. Confrontations were defused by saying
giving a boost to plant sales. Commercially, employers allowed “Peace Brother” and the simple gesture of hand-
plants in the workspace, some employing Professional plant ing a potential adversary a flower, as a symbol of
companies to provide service for said plants. peace and love.

It’s been quite a journey, from Flower Children to science, to It was this popular gesture among the children of
regulations, to building designs and finally to creating a safe, the “60’s that gave them the name, “Flower Chil-
healthful environment in which to work. We experienced ups dren.” Later we were called, “Peaceniks.” We wore
and downs, particularly when the costs of achieving this lofty Peace Symbols hung on a string of “love beads.”
goal were considered. The economy dictated budgets as it ebbed Our quiet “sit ins” became the demonstration du
and flowed. Factors which contributed to a multitude of changes jour, and terms such as “up tight,” and “I love you
we were to undergo, included: stress, a study of which, led to an man,” entered the vernacular.
awareness of stress induced medical issues.
Many of you are too young to remember the
Then, an energy crisis occurred, which directed the construction phenomenon of Woodstock, in 1969, when almost
of energy efficient buildings. Budgets were cut and, unfortunate- half a million people spent a three, day weekend
ly, plants were the first things to go. Office environments were listening to a concert. It was a gigantic love fest,
sterile. Windows couldn’t be opened, and people were calling where not one violent incident was recorded. This
in sick with weird afflictions. Scientific research led to discovery was truly a remarkable and historic event with an
of the “Sick Building Syndrome.” Finally, further research includ- out poring of peace and love.
ing the NASA studies on the benefits of plants, contributed to
another upsurge in demand for plants. Most of these so called, Peaceniks were known to
surround themselves with plants in their “pads.”
The ‘60’s, was a tumultuous decade. The horrible war raging in The claim was that the plants made them less
the far east, made phrases such as “make love, not war,” popular stressful, as well as providing a bit of serenity. They
among the Flower Children. wanted to coexist among the “green things.” Now
everyone’s granny, at the time had a few potted
plants on the window sill, but the Peaceniks kept
plants in excess. It was, as was said back then
“a thing.” Thus, the demand for potted greenery
began to sky rocket. This was most curious.
TO
CREATIVE QUOTE 69’

A
REASONS BE ADD

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