America has an undisputable pollution problem in its larger cities. All one has to do is to drive into any larger city and view the pea soup thick haze that cloaks the community on many days, but which its citizens are so accustomed to breathing their minds mistake it for clear air.

While many see the end results of our excess as being a harbinger of doomsday, I am inclined to disagree. We have within our grasp the power to control pollution; the need to do so just hasn't occured to many of us.

In the 1970's and 1980's, the National Arbor Day foundation stepped up their efforts to provide trees to help enhance the aesthetic appeal of communities, as well as to improve their air quality. Plants have remarkable capacity as a natural air filter, and their presence has a psychological effect that tends to improve our mood. While the latter statement may not be scientifically proven, I would say most of us have empirical experiences to support that theory.

So, what we need to do, in my opinion, is to begin serious inner city gardening campaigns. In some larger cities, rooftop greenhouses and gardens can be added to otherwise unused space, and tax credits should be given to owners of vacant lots who allow their unused land to be used for community gardens. This will be a step towards teaching self reliance to citizens, as well as improving the nutritional quality of their meals and stretching their already overworked dollar just a bit further. Farmer's markets can provide a small income bonus, and those who want to work to help the poor help themselves can feel good about their produce purchases, knowing they they are helping to build a stronger community.

Yes, there are drawbacks to such a system; there are drawbacks to almost every idea ever implemented. But I believe, if we are to build a stronger America, we must begin by restoring some semblance of pride to a strong underclass that has seemingly lost it.