Green energy expo runs on kid power

The Rive Reporter

The future belongs to them Green energy expo runs on kid power link is here: http://www.riverreporter.com/issues/08-05-08/feature.html By SANDY LONG DINGMANS FERRY, PA — There’s a Native American saying that we do not inherit the planet from our ancestors, but rather borrow it from our children. Last weekend at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC), a group of those owners stepped into the spotlight to remind us about what we owe them—and the planet—at “Your Coal Connection,” a green symposium brought about in large part by children belonging to the Green Power Alliance (GPA). GPA was founded by faculty and students of The Homestead School in Glen Spey, NY. The event was the latest in many examples of the group’s activism, including a public presentation to Pennsylvania Congressman Chris Carney to urge his support of the restoration of the Clean Water Protection Act, a tour of Mirant Corporation’s Bowline power plant on the Hudson River and a trip to the coalfields of West Virginia (see “Power to the Little People” in our March 27 issue). The group’s current focus is on mountain top removal in coal mining, but the event was an occasion for people of all ages to see how our lifestyles, habits and policies are connected to the degradation of the environment in a variety of ways. Wes Gillingham of Catskill MountainKeepers was also present, along with filmmaker Jeff Barrie, whose documentary “Kilowatt Ours” was shown during the day. A green energy expo provided information about environmental organizations, alternative energy options, green building technologies and more. Family-friendly activities included wildlife picture coloring, tie dye T-shirt production and musical performances by Wooden Spoon. Nature hikes and a raptor show reminded all present of the magnificence and fragility of the heritage these youngsters have stepped forward to protect.