In recent years we have been plagued with tsunamis, earthquakes, strong storms, a melting Antarctic, extreme winters and harsh summers. The planet is responding to years of abuse, exploitation and pollution. Here in Mexico City, we've experienced over 400 earthquakes in recent days with no major casualties. As a result of this, many organizations have launched campaigns to raise awareness and promote earth-friendly products and lifestyles in an attempt to do something (or earn money).
New Orleans is a city that, after suffering such a terrible natural and political disaster (i.e. Hurricane Katrina and President Bush's slow response), is slowly trying to recover. Hundreds if not thousands of people never went back and so many investments and businesses were lost. Friends that have gone have told me that the city is not the same, petty crime haunts the streets and the legendary nightlife is gone. I do not know and could not even compare since my only trip was many, many, many years ago.
As I am watching a Rachel Ray's show where she vacations with her husband all over the world, I am surprised at what she has been sharing. Several of New Orleans's businesses have reconstructed without harming the environment. Hotels use earth-friendly paint, light fixtures, energy saving a/c units and sensors, furniture made of recycled material, etc. Several souvenir stores now offer unique gifts made from scrap material (one such store makes lamps using the ever-famous Mardi Gras beads) and restaurants cook with organic produce from local or nearby farms without loosing their authentic cajun taste. The overall idea is to take care of the planet.
A city that was so badly hurt from a natural disaster has slowly but surely recovered and is taking steps to help the planet. New Orleans continues to be at risk for its location but that does not stop its citizens from making a difference.
Which other cities are willing to do the same?
