Going Green and Blah Blah Blah

“It’s not easy being green.” You got that right Kermie.

In today’s world, there’s an abundant supply of “going green” tips, opinions, and unsolicited advice from sustainability do-gooders. It seems everywhere you turn these days, you’re hit with something about “greening your ______” (take your pick: life, planet, office, home, and on and on…).

Now, this is all fine and good. But, you have to weed out what will work for you and what just doesn’t make sense. After all, some people might have the wherewithal to install solar panels to their roof and a wind turbine in their backyard. Others, well, it’s all you can do to take out your weekly supply of recyclables to the curb for pick-up. I personally fall somewhere closer to the curbside recycler.

But, I’m happy to report that my employer, the Great Indiana State Fairgrounds is falling closer to the “wind turbine” caliber of sustainability. Yes, we did indeed install a wind turbine last spring, which generates 5 kilowatts of electricity an hour! We also created a rain garden, installed a greenhouse, solar shelters, and planted enough tomatoes to feed a small army for the 2009 Indiana State Fair. In fact, we have been awarded and recognized nationally at the IAFE (International Association of Fairs and Expos) for our greening efforts. We were even nominated for an Indianapolis Sustainability Award!

All this green “do-goodery” at work does make me think about ways I can improve my sustainability actions at home. Hmmm, perhaps I’ll get around to installing a compost bin this spring – and just maybe my vegetable garden will thank me with big, juicy sun-ripened tomatoes. I think Kermit would even agree – being green may not be easy, but it can be very tasty.

Submitted by Angie Foreman