Growing up in the 70's, there was talk about SAVING THE PLANET and the whole ecology movement, but I don't think anyone took it that seriously.

In recent years, with films like Al Gores INCONVENIENT TRUTH, public awareness is rising. We have TOO MANY cars; our landfills ARE overflowing with things like plastic water bottles, and we are destroying our forests in record numbers.

Green Exchange in Chicago is the country’s first commercial real estate development designed for the advancement of green business. By bringing together an opportune mix of exceptional organizations under one roof, you’ll find a dynamic environment that fosters synergies and provides constant opportunities to grow green exponentially.

Business is increasingly going green. In the U.S., Europe and around the globe, organizations are realizing what it is to be both successful and sustainable. Green Exchange moves the green marketplace from niche to mainstream. Its mission is to further the new green economy, serving people, planet and profit.

"Green Exchange is a great example of the public/private partnerships that are working together to help make Chicago one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the nation."

Mayor Richard M. Daley, City of Chicago

The four-story 250,000 SF, Green Exchange is to be converted in accordance with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, with an aspiration to achieve a Silver certification. It will provide a significant retail presence, showroom galleries, office space, incubator lofts and attractive common areas, creating an epicenter for green businesses and organizations in the Midwest U.S.

Our Canadian blogger friend Franke James, got rid of her car last year and after a fight with the city, is now installing a green driveway.

Another blogger friend, Karen Hanrahan started a blog recently called Best of Mother Earth. "I have been described as earthy, grounded, deeply rooted, granola crunching, tree hugging, and a health nut. I don't fight it! I passionately believe in prevention, natural approaches to health and well being. I clean green, love the alternative food market, cooking from scratch, networking and mentoring others to health success. My blog is an expression of all of the things I strongly believe in and much more."

The American government doesn't want to do a whole heck of lot, so it's up to us. GREEN WORLD says, "We started the Green World Campaign with the seed of a question:
"What could we accomplish together if we really put our minds to it?"
The answer (with your help): Just about anything. "

"It doesn't really take much.  In this changing the world biz, a little goes a long ways, whether it's extra time, a bit more attention, or a small amount of money.  We really do believe in our slogan: It’s amazing what one seed can grow."