I have to say that I’m pretty excited about the green movement in Haverhill. It’s certainly growing! We had our first single-stream recycling pick-up this morning (I was thrilled when they decided to expand the pilot into Bradford!) and we gave them about two whole trash barrel’s worth of recycled plastics, cans, and papers. Hooray for new ways to reduce our trash!

The resurgence of the Farmer’s Market also amazes me. To think that one year ago, we had one faithful vendor with their delicious crops, and now we have so many more farmers and craftspeople offering their locally grown and made products. I love being able to go every week and have five different varieties of apples to choose from, homemade goat cheese to sample, eggplants available to purchase from three different vendors, and locally made soaps and honey.

In that same vein, in many of our conversations with people from around the city, folks are energized about what community gardens could offer Haverhill. In addition to fresh vegetables open to all people – especially those who may not have access to local produce – community gardens offer a space for people to meet and create something together, an opportunity to reclaim and take pride in a neighborhood, a chance to build a greener city and a greener world.

Even though fall has come, the new life of this green movement continues to spread, bringing a new energy and a new vitality to Haverhill that I didn’t sense, even a year ago when I first moved here.

I sense new life sprouting in other ways – not just through Haverhill becoming more environmentally conscious. Even though times are tough economically, the downtown brims with potential for revitalization and expansion of small businesses. Art and music are everywhere – the Wingate Arts district has fast become one of my favorite streets to explore and visit (and I love the shoes everywhere!). I hear lots of hope about Haverhill’s future and what Haverhill has to offer the wider region. The “green” of this new life is everywhere to be seen!

For me, this is what we as Christians are called to do: “green” the gray world around us; bring new life and hope out of broken situations. Bring color and creativity to an otherwise dull and boring backdrop. Spark dreams and touch lives and partner in the creation of a new world of justice and peace and hope. In this way, I see Haverhill going green as more than just about the environment – it’s about a new life, a new dream, a new future for the city in which I live.