While the nation has recently been put on “Green” alert, the state of Kansas is working hard to catch up with the new environmental wishes. Recently, six schools in Dodge City, Kansas were rewarded with grants to improve the “greenness” of their facilities. These grants came in three separate categories: solid waste management, air quality and water quality grants.

Each school receives a grant amount of $4,500 for increasing recycling plans, planting more trees, improving the indoor air quality and energy efficiency of classrooms, and educational programs to increase awareness and hopefully, to increase sympathetic sentiments that will enhance the community’s determination to save the planet. For example, currently, these six schools in the district of Dodge City have “recycling containers for about half of the classrooms and is looking to provide them in cafeterias and other classrooms”.

While this may not seem like a big deal or the be-all or end-all for saving the planet, it is nevertheless a positive step towards the right direction. Men cannot reverse the damages that we have brought on to the planet in one day but slow steps in improving the way we handle infrastructures, air quality, energy resources and planet replenishment can still make a difference. Consequently, once other individuals in the same community sees the difference and progress these schools make, they too should be inclined to join in the program and establish more earth-friendly infrastructures and waste management methods as well; thus spreading the idea and the will to accomplish the worldwide goal of “going green”.