Once upon a time, right here on Earth, not very long ago, (actually, it was just last Saturday night, around eight o clock or so..) A lightning bug by the name of Joules was flying around a park, when an idea hit him like a boltfrom above that brightened up the dark. Glowing with pride and flapping his wings (because that s what a lightning bug does), he raced back to town to share his big news, he couldn t wait to spread the buzz!
You see, Earth, as bugs knew it, was changing, and fast. The air, ground, and all in between. The plants and trees were less vibrant, less bright. Their green planet was losing its green. Since their lightning bug village had no scientists, perfecting their lives from a lab. They had to do something for their once-green Earth which was now looking more olive drab. But rather than doing anything now, all the bugs simply stood by and waited. They waited for somebody else to come through with a plan, but no one could create it. When it came to solutions, they were all in the dark, no bug on Earth knew what to do. But now Joules had a plan that would brighten their lives and help brighten their green planet, too.
He called all the bugs from all over town to a meeting, and all the bugs went. The buzz died down as Joules spoke up about saving their environment. We ve been waiting and waiting for changes to come, waiting for our world to get cleaner. But we have to stop waiting and start motivating, to make our green Earth much much greener. We can t hope for others to make it okay. If we each do our part, then we ll win. We each have the power to green up our Earth. THE ENERGY COMES FROM WITHIN!
Some of the crowd was moved by Joules speech, some of them just simply shrugged. Some of them knew they had much work to do, and others were just really bugged. But for those who knew that Joules words rang true, their outlook was suddenly brightened. That speech was a Wow er, they all felt empowered, these lightning bugs were clearly enlightened. Now we must educate all fellow bugs in every nation, state, county and city! It took all of two minutes and thirty-eight seconds to form their new GLOW GREEN! Committee.
They flew here and there, met new bugs everywhere to spread their new message with force. Banners were flown and flyers were flung (on recycled paper, of course!) They outlined five ways to go green right away, five things to do now to begin. No one needs to guide you, the power s inside you, THE ENERGY COMES FROM WITHIN!
Step Number 1 on their Green-To-Do list was the simplest part of the plan: Separate trash from reusable waste and RECYCLE WHATEVER YOU CAN. Joules talked about all the recyclable things they d always tossed in the waste bin. Bottles, newspapers, magazines, cans, that could be used over and over again. They recycled catalogs, cartons and cups, and gazillions of green things galore. They used paper - not plastic - for their shopping bags when they shopped at The Green Grocer s store. The bugs put new green bins on every street corner, in their homes and in their workplaces. Recycling put green living back in their lives, and put smiles back on all their green faces.
Number 2 on the list was to SAVE THE GREEN TREES. That would help keep Earth greener for good. Joules explained how less trees would get chopped to the ground if we all used less paper and wood. Before you click print on your computer screen, here s something to think about: Do I need to waste 38 sheets of new paper? Do I really need this printed out?
Chances are no, but if it must be so, you can save paper - pack after pack, turn that page over and print on two sides, there s a whole new blank page on the back! When you buy paper towels and tissues and pads, Choose recycled for all that you do. We can all save the trees that green up our Earth (and be sure to plant a few too!)
Electric excitement was now filling the air which brings us to Step Number 3. Joules said, It s time to find ways in our minds to save power and SAVE ENERGY. I could turn off the lights when leaving a room! exclaimed Mr. Frank O Firefly. Joules said Yes siree, and to save energy, CFL bulbs are what you should buy. I could turn down the A/C when I m not there! said June Bugowski, proud and fast. And this meant a whole lot, coming from June, who always ran her air at full blast. More and more bright ideas to save power were told, brought forth by bug after bug. They kept finding new energy inside themselves, and they kept their electronics unplugged.
Joules had a big challenge for Step Number 4, especially these days, which seemed hotter. We re saving recyclables, energy and trees, now it s time for us all to SAVE WATER. I know! I know!... shouted little Bee Tull, how to stop so much water from gushing! We need more faucets that use much less water, and toilets with more efficient flushing. They turned off every faucet as tight as they could and saved gallons of water as proof. They recycled the water they used in their homes, and the rain water that fell from their roof. Joules smiled as the team came up with ideas, their Save H20 plan kept growing. Now while teeth-brushing, dish-washing and bathing, they would all keep less water from flowing.
Joules liked the way this green movement was moving, he admired their ideas and demeanor. It was time to bring it home in Step Number 5: BUILD GREEN HOMES that help us live greener! Imagine! A home that can help save the world, the power to us they d be giving. A home built with green features and technologies, the next generation of living. Imagine! A home that does it all! And with this, Joules big speech was concluded: Saving power and water, saving us money, too, A home where everything s included!
A warm glow of contentment filled each lightning bug, as they imagined their green homes and village. Their glows filled the town with vibrant green light you could see from a satellite image. Keep the green ideas coming, Joules told the crowd, as excited as he d ever been. Keep the power burning in your hearts and your minds THE ENERGY COMES FROM WITHIN! YOU make it happen, nobody else! Always create, innovate and discuss. We must keep on moving and keep on improving. Our environment depends on us!
HOME SWEET HOME The book that you re reading has come to the end, but the real story is only beginning. Our Earth has a long way to go to be greener, but it s now on the green path to winning. Green ideas are flowing all over the world, up and down, sideways, over and under, all because of the efforts of people like you, who share Joules green spirit and wonder. YOU have the power to green up our Earth. It takes commitment and much discipline. And just like a lightning bug, glowing with pride, THE ENERGY COMES FROM WITHIN!
For detailed information, green living tips, and the latest in green home design, power on your computer, we ll see you there, at LENNAR.COM online!
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