Obama’s White House: Turning Green
By Michele Kadison
In an early interview with Barbara Walters, President Obama spoke of his desire to set a strong example for Americans on ecologically-friendly living by doing as much as he can to convert the White House to a greener habitat. First Lady Michelle Obama almost immediately created an organic vegetable and herb garden on the South lawn, and a swing set was installed made of all recycled materials.
Drinking fountains in the White House are being retro-fit so that water bottles can be refilled from them, and automatic light sensors have been added throughout so that lights are automatically turned off when no one is in a room. Additionally low-flow water valves are being installed, low or no volatile paints and sealers are being used, and window film has been installed that lowers UV ray penetration and saves energy. White House cleaning staff is using biodegradable cleaners, and all leftover materials from renovations are being donated to local reused centers.
President Obama’s commitment to earning LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in order to make the White House as green as it can be, is moving forward. White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), Christine Glunz, says that the administration’s mission is to reduce the White House’s carbon footprint and that it is well on its way to achieving it’s goal.
Our current president is not the only one who has made efforts to make the White House greener. In 1979, then President Carter installed a solar water heater on the roof of the West wing and years later George W. Bush installed a small photovoltaic system, along with two eco-friendly water heating systems. But no one before President Obama has done as much research into green alternatives, paving the way to a more conscious America where everyone can see that these alternatives are not only viable, but easy to follow.
