Planet Green
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May 4, 2009 marks the second anniversary since Greensburg was devastated by a tornado in 2007. In the Greensburg episode "Second Anniversary", the town accomplishes several new milestones and takes several more steps toward a new, greener, Greensburg.
Many people are moving out of their FEMA trailers, and out of what they call 'FEMAville.' The population of FEMAville is dwindling. At its peak, the temporary housing community had 228 trailers in it; now there are only 18. The remaining families are moving on. While some are moving in with their families until their homes are finished, others are excited to be moving right in to their new eco-friendly houses.
City administrator Steve Hewitt says moving out the FEMA trailers represents the town's progress:
| We're building homes. We're finding new places to go. It's exciting times. And that's exactly what Greensburg I think is moving towards. |
Meanwhile the businesses in Greensburg are moving forward too. A BTI Greensburg John Deere Dealership is getting ready for its grand reopening. John Deere managers and owners of BTI Greensburg agree that they've achieved their goals against many odds. They have succeeded not just by reopening the store, but also becoming the first LEED certified John Deere dealership in Kansas.
As the town marks it's second anniversary, the seniors in town celebrate another important milestone—high school graduation. The seniors comment on how much they've learned about going green and living sustainably. In fact, senior Taylor Schmidt says that he may even pursue these concepts as he moves on to college.
Taylor Schmidt says:
The greening of Greensburg has really impacted what to do with my life. My eyes have been opened to all the different areas of green, of sustainability, of leadership.
Schmidt and the other seniors talk to the eighth graders about joining the Green Club. They want to make sure their green legacy will live on, even after they've gone away to college. They will now pass the torch on to the younger generation, they say; now it's their turn to change the world and make it a better place. And what better way than by starting at home—in Greensburg.
Read more about green communities:
What's Your Volunteer Type?
How to Go Green: In the Community
Discover Greensburg: Main Street
New York Attitude Goes Green: Get Your Car Off My Pavement!
Green Glossary: Eco-Cred
Create Your Own Campus Guide to Going Green!
