Hope on Inauguration Day

by kiwilog

This morning I woke up with a sense of hope. Today is the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. The first African-American President of the United States. I get chills just writing this. I called my Mom to say good morning and see how she was going to spend the inauguration. She said that she already started. For breakfast, her and my dad ate cereal with milk and blueberries and strawberries. This was her way to show her patriotism: red, white and blue breakfast.

Today, millions and millions of people all across the world are tuning in to the historic ceremony. My mom is DVRing it. I am watching on my computer at work. My boyfriend is listening on the radio. My friends are in DC trying to inch their way up to catch a glimpse of the action. Where are you watching?

Take some time today to reflect with your family.

Tonight? It’s all about the Green Ball.

According to the ball’s organizers, every facet of the Green Ball was designed to minimize environmental impact. Among the various green elements of the ball Treehugger reports:

1. The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium was selected as the venue for this event because it is conveniently located just a half a block from Metro and guests were encouraged to take advantage of public transportation

2. Buffets included organic and local ingredients with vegetarian and vegan options

3. The bars served local and organic beverages and all bottles were recycled

4. All of the food waste from The Green Ball was composted at a local farm

5. Staff and VIPs were transported to the Ball in electric cars

6. All ticket sales were handled on-line to eliminate paper waste

7. The power used to produce the event was offset by the purchase of Renewable Energy Credits from American Wind, Renewable Choice Energy’s signature portfolio

8. Our own Graham Hill said he was impressed that guests did not receive gift bags, which often create unnecessary waste

Well I may not be celebrating with Wyclef Jean or Al Gore, but that fact that there even is a green ball puts a smile on my face!

–Stephanie Singer, KIWI staff and lover of families

Tags: , green, green inaugural ball, inauguration, Obama, organic