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What is Elm Place doing about all of these problems?

Rain Gardens

Well, in class we came up with a multitude of possible solutions. Two of those solutions are rain gardens, and geothermal energy. Our group's focus, is mainly rain gardens though. We are learning about Rain Gardens, and we will be making one soon. 
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On the picture above, notice the slant into the middle of the plants. This is a big factor in Rain Gardens. It makes sure that the runoff water goes to the plants.
Rain Gardens are basically a garden, but it slants into the middle of the plants, because then all the runoff rain water will go to those plants and make world more green. It will also make more plants and not waste so much rain or gutter water.

Geothermal Energy

 Aslo, we were thinking of doing geothermal energy. Geothermal energy, is very complecated but is a very simple idea.
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Geothermal Energy is a way of getting and using the energy stored in the magma in the Earth. You basically use the heat in the ground from magma, to generate power for schools, buildings and other facilities. There are many companys in local areas that can set up geothermal energy for your building. This is an almost completely green process, and it can save lots of many over time. For more info on geothermal energy, http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=geothermal_home