Congratulations from the bottom of my heart. It feels as if the darkness of the last eight years may finally be lifting. As you prepare your move to the White House, why not consider a greener one?
Over breakfast this morning, my husband and I were discussing ways to make your new home greener-here are our suggestions:
- Solar Panels. The White House could generate its own electricity with some nice south-facing panels.
- Unheated greenhouse(s) for growing vegetables. In combination with a new chef who's style of cooking relies on fresh, local produce.
- Vegetable gardens and fruit trees. While the Rose garden may be historic, a better use of the land would be growing food. Heck, while we are at it, how about vegetable gardens in every public school? Aside from the benefits of exercise and fresh air, the next generation needs to know not only where food comes from but how to grow it. We can slay two dragons here; by teaching children growing skills we can turn them away from overly processed food and move them off the sofa. And an added caveat is food security. There really isn't any sane reason we should be eating apples from China when apples grow so well in so many regions of our country. Knowing where our food comes from insures food security. In my minds-eye perfect world, Permaculture could be incorporated at the Whitehouse as well. Why not a National Permaculture center?
- Natural landscaping. Fully inspired by George Tallamy's book "Bringing Nature Home" my suggestion for natural landscaping would do much to encourage pollinators in the mid-Atlantic region. Climate change and loss of habitat has gone far to wreck their world, and without them, we don't eat.
- Electric vehicles. Why couldn't the fleet of cars used by the administration be powered by electricity?
- Low flow toilets and shower heads.
- Review your heating and cooling systems. Can they be updated and improved?
- My last suggestion, while not speaking to the greening of the White House specifically, does speak to a matter of recycling..how about adopting a dog for your daughters? Millions of dogs are euthanized each year because they can't find a home. I can't imagine any dog not absolutely loving your new digs!
The greening of the White House would go far to encourage all us to go greener.