The History of "Green"

Before we started this company, Greenovation Builders was just a thought in our hearts and minds. We were going about our day to day lives, living out our own convictions and understanding of what was best for our family, enjoying our jobs, but always thinking of the possibility to do more. Little did we know what was coming.

In the fall of 2008 when the economy took a turn and situations and circumstances freed up more of our time, we decided it was time to think BIG. To think about the possibilities of doing more. It started with what seemed like big ideas, but were actually very small ideas. We realized that with all of our experience and training, as well as the abundance of knowledge we have gained over the years, that it was not only a conviction for our personal lives, but an opportunity and obligation to share with others. The timing couldn't be more perfect.

"Going Green" or the "environmental movement" has gained momentum in recent years, but is actually traced back to much of the philosophical thought of the latter part of the 19th century. An article entitled "A Brief History of the Modern Green Movement in America" (WebEcoist) sums it up very well:

"Environomentalism isn't a trend, or a cult, or a form of hysteria. It is rooted in American philosophy and, being at once innovative and practical, idealistic and active, one could easily define modern environmentalism as quintessentially American.

Environmentalism in America today is defined as: "...advocating the sustainable management of resources and stewardship of the environment through changes in public policy and individual behavior. [It is a] recognition of humanity as a participant in (not enemy of) ecosystems [and] is centered on ecology, health, and human rights.

There have been many names, books and eras worth mentioning that helped to spur on this movement, a few being:

Henry David Thoreau in his book Maine Woods
Rachel Carson’s breakthrough book Silent Spring
George Perkins Marsh who championed preserving the natural environment in 19th century
1860s-the United States government saw fit to create parks and set aside wild lands for public good
Teddy Roosevelt-publicized and popularized conservation
1970's-Natural Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, founding of Earth Day, banning of DDT, theWater Pollution Control Act were established
In the 1990's radical environmentalism formed a bad reputation for those "going green", depicting them as being "religious, cult-like, anti-society, anti-property ownership and anti-capitalist". It wasn't until the early years of the new century that "sobering international events, catastrophic weather, visible climate change, 9/11 and war, gas shortages and scientific consensus legitimized environmental concerns".

Today, "Going Green" encompasses a lot. There is conservation of natural resources, conservation of energy, energy independence, eliminating or reducing chemicals in agriculture and home use, protecting and conserving drinking water, protecting species and habitats, human rights, reducing pollution.

That's just to name a few. From food, to water, to cleaning products, the abuse of chemicals and overuse of natural resources seems to infiltrate our current lives. This, in turn, has heightened our national awareness to the importance of "going green".

Here at Greenovation Builders we believe that we have been given much, so that in return we can give much; be that through education, experience, hands on building or helping you design your next home. Our main objective while educating on "going green" is to illustrate how to live a healthier life. This in turn activates forward thinking for responsible stewardship of the earth we've been given today so that it is available for the generations who are here tomorrow!

Let's join together and change lives!