Greening Schools - Earth Day Network

1,500 lucky high school students in Chicago Heights, IL now attend one of the nations first "green schools" built as part of an ongoing project lead by the Earth Day Network and sponsored by the Wal-Mart Foundation. 36 solar panels were donated along with two "living walls" that act as giant air filters and insulation. The school also got a greenhouse where students can learn about plants and ecology as well as a giant student-painted eco-mural.

The school, aptly named Bloom High School, will undergo a series of energy audits and has already replaced many of it's appliances and lights with energy-saving versions. For many of the students this is a first real look at green technology and sustainable living, including organic food. Nobody wants to go green more than young people because they realize that they are going to inherit the planet. President Elect Barack Obama chimed in back in October with a letter of commendation praising what the school (and it's sponsors) had done as follows:

"Dear Friends: It is with great joy that I welcome you the Earth Day Network's School Greening Project. I want to offer my congratulations on the successful "green" renovations that have been done here at Bloom High School. Educating others about the importance of preserving our environment is a noble endeavor that is inspiring to all of us. I trust that everyone in attendance today can appreciate the hard work that has gone into making today possible. Your participation in Earth Day Network's National GREEN Schools Campaign will benefit the entire community and serve as an example for our country. Once again, congratulations on your accomplishments and keep up the good work. Sincerely Barack Obama"

The GREEN Schools Campaign is still relatively new but Ellis Elementary School in Denver as well as Merrick Academy in Chicago have also gone green under the 2008 campaign. If you're interested in making your home or school more green then check out the Earth Day Network's free online resource guide here. You can donate to the EDN foundation by visiting this page.