Towards a greener White House

By Joanna Winkler

January 20, 2009, the date that has been plastered across t-shirts, car bumpers, and American minds for over a year, is just around the corner. Because of the imminent (and eminent) inauguration of Barak Obama, this post will focus on what environmental and food-minded people expect from the next administration.

First off, there is the prospect of a Victory Garden at the White House. The food from the garden would be served in the First Kitchen and distributed to local food pantries. Additionally, it would bring attention to local food issues and hopefully inspire a revolution of American gardening. What is especially exciting about the idea for this garden is that YOU can help to make it a reality. The proposal is one of thirty ideas that you can vote for at change.org that will be presented to President Obama the day before the inauguration. You can vote in two places, first at www.OnDayOne.org, the issue being “Eat the View.” Next, vote at http://www.change.org/ideas/view/green_the_white_house. 

In less hopeful news, former Iowa governor Tom Vilsack will become the next Secretary of Agriculture. You know what that means: subsidies and subsidies, with a side order of subsidies. If you want to speak out against his nomination, you can sign a petition to the US Senate at http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/642/t/8516/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=1783. 

Additionally, the Defenders of Wildlife believe that President Obama could stimulate the dire economy by creating 60,000 much needed green jobs. These jobs would include reconnecting habitats across highways, combating invasive species, and rehabilitating native forests and prairies. Green jobs would also affect new energy policies because workers would help to make buildings more efficient and to install alternative energy systems. Encourage President Obama and your senators to create these jobs to help both the environment and the economy!

Finally, check out this Op-Ed by Wendell Berry and Wes Jackson. It’s smart, touching, and a reminder of how important Real Food is.