A year ago this week, tornadoes ripped through the middle of this country, causing an estimated $268 million in damages, and destroying perhaps 95% of Greensburg, Kansas.  But those that came back and decided to rebuild Greensburg decided to rebuild differently.  Not only did they want to recreate their town, but one that was better, faster, stronger.  They decided to build a prototypical environmental community.  After a full year, the town is well on track to achieve that goal.

Now, the Greensburg vision is kind of long, but bear with me.  An organization was started called Greensburg GreenTown, and they hope to:

- Make it easier for residents to ascribe to, and adhere to, green practices and to make green living appealing to residents.

- Engage as many residents as possible in the enthusiastic pursuit of making Greensburg a model green community.

- Establish incentives in order to maximize the participation of businesses and residents in rebuilding Greensburg as a model green community.

- Bring in resources and support from around the country to make the dreams of Greensburg as a model green community a reality.

- Make it easier for builders, building supply companies and all local businesses to do business as green as possible.

- Work to spur economic development with a green emphasis.

- Serve the residents in an unbiased consumer advocate capacity, striving to get them the best value for their money as they rebuild their homes and businesses.

Basically, the town is aspiring to rebuild as the model green community.  That sounds pretty good to me.  A year after the tornadoes have come and gone, you can and see what progress has been made, what’s yet to come, and how you can help.

Also, completely off topic, but bestiality is still legal in Florida.  And they decided to spend much of their legislative session on this ridiculousness (EDIT: I linked terribly poorly the first time around; it’s fixed now).  Just saying.