Greg Rice

The Michigan Earth Keepers are protecting the environment with hands-on projects that prove one person can make a difference. During 2007, the Earth Keepers: Continued annual Earth Day clean sweeps that have removed 370 tons of hazardous waste from the environment aross a 400-mile area. Held the the fourth planting of a wild rice restoration project that teams at-risk teens with American Indian guides teaching respect for nature and battling racism. Sponsored an energy summit that convinced 500 businesses, churches/temples and homeowners to reduce power consumption. Helped midwest musicians form the Boreal Chamber Symphony for a classical music concert that raised money for the Lake Superior Defense Fund. The Earth Keepers include members and bishops/leaders of nine faith traditions with 140 participating churches/temples, American Indian tribes, several environment non-profits, university students, teenagers, a 20-member core team plus a 400 person volunteer army. The Earth Keepers have been funded by grants from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans plus donations from the public. The Earth Keepers have broken federal hazardous waste collection records for three years in a row and the EPA says the group is an example for others on how to form an effective coalition that accomplishes its goals. Earth Keeper volunteer media advisor Greg Peterson looks back at 2007 and four years of environment protection.