Chris Lara 5-5-14

Chris Lara 5-5-14

                Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision (SDEV) has changed my perspective of many environmental ideas and has led me into a greener way of life. Recently, SDEV has won the award of being a 2014 Michigan Green Leader, and I couldn't think of a better organization to receive it.

                Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision has changed my environmental activity by making me an advocate and an emerging community leader. They are partnered with The Ideal Group in creating a beautiful park, Scarcyny Park, and garden, Cadillac Urban Gardens on Merritt Street, which has demonstrated to the community on how to support themselves healthily. The parks and gardens are also focused on gathering the community, then letting leaders emerge from these groups. The work provided from SDEV and many other volunteers provide all of the colorful flowers, and the seasons of vegetables. These parks and gardens also provide an amazing atheistic look to our Southwest Detroit region and every single community member appreciates SDEV’s work.

                My perspective on the idea of sustainability has also changed dramatically due to SDEV’s continuous work and teachings in the garden. From them, I have learned that it is extremely important to teach the residents on how to improve the environment on a low budget income, so they can learn how to become more resourceful together.

                Overall, SDEV is an excellent organization that deserves the Michigan Green Leader recognition. They have taught the community on how to become more sustainable, the residents are living in a better quality of life, and people are becoming more engaged in their neighborhoods because of SDEV’s outreach. They are truly a Michigan Green Leader.