40 years

This year, let us all make a non-traditional "New Year's resolution" by contributing to the campaign for a greener earth. Begin to recycle (if you don't.) If you do, elaborate by replacing disposable goods for sustainable ones.

Our world is in worse condition today than ever. Many businesses and individuals have taken steps to ensure this world for generations. Take, for example, the Windy City. Chicago's leaders are planning long-term development to become the "greenest city in America." One of the major plans architect William McDonough has developed for Chicago is the Green Roof idea. It is a lightweight, layered roofing system which contains grasses and different types of vegetation. The idea proposes a reduction in the urban heat island effect, reduction in rainfall runoff, and improvement of air quality within the city. This is very important in bigger cities due to the congestion of traffic, pollutants and waste particular in bigger populations.

These ideas, however, can be brought home. In our spare time, Jacob and I build solar panels. This spring, I plan to build more to hopefully take my home off-grid. The idea of being off-grid is exciting but will take much effort and planning. Right now, I have one solar panel. After trial and error (and much frustration), we ameliorated our product. I hope to have at least two more by the end of summer.

I plan to expand on my floral garden. I don't have a very big yard with a lot of options, but I have so many ideas! My mom and I are transporting her peonies to a different part of her yard so that they may receive more sunlight. She said she'll let me take a bush to plant in front of my house. Beautiful and fragrant! We also have three dogwood trees to plant.

This past winter, I chose to heat my home with an energy efficient, clean-burning pellet stove. This significantly cut down on my heating bill due to it being electricity driven. In fact, my electricity only increased a few dollars a month. Pellets are made of ground, dried wood, and sometimes other biomass wastes compressed into pellets. The pellet stove approach is much more climate-friendly than fossil fuels.

I have heard people mention how they don't want to jump on this "green" movement's bandwagon. People shouldn't see it like it's the next popular thing. My family and I have been children of the land ever since I could remember. When I was young, I planted a garden with my mom, we raised ducks, my grandmother raised chickens. My brothers and I helped my dad chop and haul wood for the fireplace. We would hike and harvest. We recycled, reused and replenished. Taking care of our earth comes natural to me. I understand so many people weren't raised in this type of environment, but it's never too late to change for the best! Turning "green" wouldn't be jumping on the bandwagon; it would be finally understanding our responsibility to our mother earth. Besides, it's fun!

Happy Birthday, Earth Day!