The Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC) planted a tree on the capitol grounds this past week in recognition of the success of its ongoing "Green Office Project." The planting took place on Friday, October 26 to coincide with Make a Difference Day.

Doing more to conserve resources and protect the planet are important goals to pursue. The MERIC Green Office Project was launched to promote awareness among staff; develop actionable steps (even small ones) for improving resource efficiency and the reduction of waste in the office; thinking boldly and creatively about ways to become a carbon neutral and zero waste generating office; and keeping tangible measures, both environmental and economic, of the progress being made.

"We have a lot of growing left to do on our project just like this tree," commented MERIC Director Dr. Marty Romitti at the ceremony. "But it is from the small seeds of action, like the one here today, that future trees are made; and only with our continued collective efforts a bigger forest of change."

MERIC planted a flowering dogwood tree, which is native to Missouri. Commonly seen in the wild in central and southern portions of the state, it is a small, deciduous tree which typically grows 15 to 30 feet tall. The flowering dogwood blooms in early spring. In the fall, the tree develops bright red fruits which are poisonous to humans but tasty to birds that last until December, and the leaves become dark red or orange. The flowering dogwood became Missouri's official state tree on June 20, 1955.

The generous contributions from MERIC staff made the tree planting possible. Special thanks to the MERIC Green Team for organizing the tree planting ceremony.  Team members include: Joyce Sanning Becker, Patti Brown-Bowers, Zurett Merridith, Mike Muin, Elizabeth Retherford, and Sreedhar Upendram.