10 Green Things to Be Thankful For

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for the bounty that life bestows. I know times may seem tough right now, ecologically, but there are quite a few things that have pushed against the tide of pollution, waste and climate change. Recycling is taken seriously. Global warming is acknowledged as a real problem by most serious politicians. Companies and governments around the world are cutting down on carbon emissions and working to green up their act. There are a lot of greens things to be thankful for.

1. The Internet
   One of the greatest inventions of all time. This system of information sharing saves so much paper. We no longer need to pay our bills via the regular mail. Most newspapers have gone online. Magazines are now available online. Working for an internet website allows people to work from home instead of commuting by car. No longer do people have to drive to the library to look through dusty stacks of old papers. The internet contains it all.


2. Hybrid Cars
   It will be nice when one day all cars are emission-free and run on solar power. You think our economy is bad now? Just imagine if we got rid of driving all together. The economy would disappear. The hybrid car is a step in the right direction. It cuts down on carbon emissions without destroying the car-based economy. Soon, we'll have cars that are emission-less and, hopefully a green economy, but until then, I am thankful for the hybrid.


3. Fresh Water
   A lot of doomsayers are forecasting a future where water is scarce. It seems like we might be able to reverse this trend with rain collection and responsibility. In the meantime, I am thankful that we still have plenty of refreshing, potable water.


4. Organic Foods
   I'm terribly afraid of chemicals. I am thankful for food that is fresh, local and organically grown. We don't need these harsh pesticides on our foods, and we certainly don't need them in our freshwater supplies.


5. Alternative Energy Sources
   Who would of thought that the sun, the wind or the moon could supply us with all that potential energy? The possibility for these types of energies are great. There as still some kinks to be worked out, but I am thankful that we can and will get our electricity from renewable sources.


6. The Ice Caps
   I live in California. I don't want this place to fall into the ocean. I am thankful that our icecaps are still hanging in there, and that people are working to reverse climate change as we speak.


7. Recycling
   We're getting really good at recycling. Think of all those things made from plastic that are tied up in worthless bric-a-brac, broken toys and poorly designed household objects. Those things no longer have to rot in landfills or in garages. They can be recycled and constructed into something useful.


8. Fresh Air
   Nothing is better than a lungful of it. It still exists. It's getting rarer in urban areas. Still, we are cracking down on air pollution and working at ways to fix our messy air.


9. Trees/Phytoplankton
   Most of our fresh oxygen comes from phytoplankton in our oceans, but the rest of it comes from trees and other flora. Trees are as important for our land-based ecosystems as phytoplankton are for water-based ecosystems. I am thankful that we have both and are making strides to protect both.


10. Being Alive
    At times, I can be an ecological burden on the planet, but I am really glad to be here. Trying to live a responsible life can mean more work, but it can ensure that our descendants can enjoy being alive as well.

More on Thanksgiving:
How to Go Green: Thanksgiving Day
Green Thanksgiving Day: From the Archives
Buy Green: Thanksgiving Turkey
Eco Friendly Thanksgiving Tips Emeril's Experts

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