Devastated Kansas Town Goes Green

Farming Town of Greensburg, Kan., Is Nearly Wiped out By Tornado, but Finds a New Idea for Future

The tornado that ripped through Greensburg, Kan., three months ago was ferocious and unforgiving. More than 90 percent of the town was simply flattened and 10 residents died, including Norman Volz's wife of 34 years, Beverley. "Our anniversary would have been a week ago last Saturday," Volz said. "Really that's the only reason I've kept going. She would have wanted me to." Gene Bender and wife Gerry were born in Greensburg more than 70 years ago. "We're alive and we're going to rebuild and be happy," Bender said.

Since just a few days after the tornado, the small farming town has made ambitious plans for rebuilding green, from a wind farm at the electric plant to green homes and businesses. Sketches of future plans for the city include a more walkable downtown and an energy-efficient city hall. Greensburg also hopes to leverage the strong winds in Kansas to power some of the town's electric needs.

Daniel Wallach, founder of the nonprofit organization Greensburg GreenTown, explained that green living comes naturally to his community. "Self-sufficiency and independence are strong values out here. Farmers and ranchers all make their living from the land, so they have an awareness and sensitivity to it that is unique," Wallach said. Residents are being encouraged to build energy-efficient homes, and the town is looking to the sun and the wind to help power its comeback.

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