Sustainable Urban Environments

My second grade son's response to my question, "Do you know the pledge of allegiance?" was this:

"I pledge allegiance to the Earth, the planet on which I live, and to fresh air, clean water, healthy soil, life giving plants and all the animals I accept my duty to be an honorable citizen of this Earth with respect and consciousness toward all."

It was taught to his class at Hiawatha Community School in Minneapolis. I am so proud of this. It is essential to teach our children to understand and live up to this pledge. We should be so much further ahead in sustainable energy and environmental consciousness. I knew about this in the 1970's. Why is our soil barren and our rivers still undrinkable?

In response to the Alaskan Wildlife Refuge being opened up for Oil Drilling my 9 year old son said to me, "Mom, maybe President Bush doesn't know that trees give us oxygen. Should I write and tell him?"

"Yes, do." How pro-active!

These projects I am involved in are doing the work of the Earth pledge right now, right here in inner city Minneapolis.

Sustainable Medicinals in an Urban Environment - A collaboration with Sandra Arseth, funding and support from United Plant Savers, Minnehaha Avenue Community Garden, Local Herbalist Lise Wolff and others.

Minnehaha Avenue Community Garden - Self sufficiency in organic food production and medicinal herbs, sustainability in development and the educational needs of the whole community about Urban Sustainability are being addressed through these projects.

Hiawatha School and School Park Green Space

Ms. Kari's Summer Green Thumbs

Other Resources:

Longfellow Community Gardens (brochure)

www.longfellow.org/commcg.html

www.greeninstitute.org

Youth Farm Market

Other Resources