"We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories."

America finally installed the nation’s first green President.

Environmentalists may now breathe a sigh of relief, while the more reluctantly green have found inspiration and motivation, a carbon-neutral fire lit under our collective butts to change our wasteful, climate-altering ways.

In his address to the world, the 44th U.S. President said of his promises and the environment: "We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories."

But is this green change we can believe in? Will we really see effort and enthusiasm there at the very top?

If the long weekend of inauguration festivities tells us anything, the answer is "yes." No fewer than four fancy schmancy balls had environmental themes. All food was local, all scraps composted, bikes valet parked and restrooms paper towel-free (washers could choose between hand dryers or their pant legs). 

Inauguration organizers banned caterers from using Styrofoam and plastics. Events in the House of Representatives served up organic eats in compostable containers and dished them out on biodegradable plates. Attendees were told to arrive via public transportation, on foot or by bike, though we're pretty sure Oprah showed up in a limo.

This greened up inaugural welcome mat (made from recycled fibers, of course) is just the start. Whether Obama’s policies—written and carried out by his “green team”—will bring change to the country’s stalled environmental movement, remains to be seen.

Continue reading Greening of the White House ›

(Photo credit:ABC.net)