As the world becomes more populated with human beings who are living longer than ever before, the issue of “sustainable living” has come to the forefront of our global consciousness. People often throw around terms like “carbon footprint” and “daylighting” yet what does “green” really mean? What is a “carbon footprint and can somebody slow down enough to explain the whole thing?” African Americans across the nation are jumping on the “green” bandwagon in hopes of securing a brighter future for their children and grandchildren by turning damages to our environment around.

“Green” is a term now often used to describe buildings and other manmade structures that are intentionally constructed to have minimal negative impact on the environment. The emphasis of “green” living is on conservation of resources such as water, energy efficiency and interior spaces that are healthy for those residing in them. “Sustainable living” refers to the ethos of meeting the needs of our present lives without compromising the environment for future generations. Scientists, architects, interior designers and everyday people are involved in this movement to live more in accordance with nature.

Think about how much the average person dreads receiving their power and light bill each month. Natural energy sources such as solar and wind-powered energy can be harnessed in a much for economical way for people all over the United States; this is a part of living “green.” Renewable resources such as sun and wind will never cease to exist as opposed to coal, oil and other non-renewable resources that are expensive and pollute our planet. A “carbon footprint” refers to the measure of carbon dioxide emitted via the combustion of fossil fuels on an annual basis; the smaller the footprint the better. It may cost a few thousand dollars to set up solar panels or windmill devices yet the energy is free thereafter and forever! Thinking “green” means enjoying our planet for generations yet to come.