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On Battleground Earth, Tommy Lee and Ludacris share their love for music and zeal for the environment. Their building project is just one example of how people are changing their thinking around construction. Find out how environmental stewards are re-building the birthplace of jazz. You'll be excited to see how many organizations are working to make New Orleans greener.
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrina wreaked havoc on the United States Gulf Coast region. According to the Department of Health and Human Services the devastation caused by the storm resulted in over 1,800 deaths and 81 billion dollars in damage. Thousands of Louisiana and Mississippi residents were left without homes and/or resources. New Orleans, once a vibrant port city and cultural center, was damaged beyond recognition. People everywhere wondered how the birthplace of jazz could be saved.
Fortunately, environmentalists across the country saw the rebuilding process as an opportunity to create a new and improved New Orleans. Of course, this Big Easy would be a bit greener! The Green Project, a leader in the environmental movement in New Orleans set out to salvage and resell building materials. In addition, the group runs a recycling program for paint and traditional recyclables as well as a "by hand" demolition project. The Green Project is able to salvage between 45 and 70 percent of usable materials when deconstructing a building by hand instead of using traditional demolition equipment.
Global Green USA is another eco-friendly organization taking on the task of rebuilding. They are currently partnering with The Home Depot to build sustainable low income housing in one of the most devastated parts of the city, the Ninth Ward. Actor and activist, Brad Pitt, worked with the organization to sponsor the environmental design competition soon after the storm. The goal was to not only provide affordable but eco-friendly housing also. Global Green now oversees the construction of the winning designer's sustainable structure.
But wait... there's more! Rebuild Green and Invest Construction expect to build 500 homes with recycled materials and renewable energy systems. And even though the New Orleans curbside recycling program was discontinued after Hurricane Katrina the students, staff and faculty at Tulane University made it their mission to educate the community on how they can continue recycling. They assembled a directory of all the businesses and organizations that recycle and reuse in the area. It's a great resource for individuals who want to be good stewards of the environment.
All in all, it's spectacular to see the efforts of the countless individuals and organizations who work to make the Big Easy the Big Greeny! If you'd like to lend a hand in the re-building efforts, check out a few of the many volunteer organizations.
