Since my move to Lincoln nine months ago, the switch from celebrating Earth Day every day to searching for a recycling bin reminds me I am not in Kansas anymore — more specifically Lawrence.

I have done some digging online to unearth a few eco-friendly programs happening here in the husker state. A community garden feeds residents with fresh produce, the energy company boasts about ways to save and the government funded a project to create energy-saving homes.

The last project interested me the most. Someone around here cares enough and thinks the community acres enough to implement a three-year program in Lincoln and Omaha, Neb. called reEnergize. Through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s BetterBuildings Program, the two communities will work with contractors to build 180 commercial and residencial properties along with update 2,100 residences.

In January 2011, the program started and allowed owners located in the five different zones to enroll to have access to financing and an energy-efficient workforce. For homeowners, the program streamlines the process of making your home green. The three stage process helps them and the environment. Check out the vision below to see the nine steps from interest to upgraded home.

The $450 million dollar government involvement helps the country, including Lincoln and Omaha.

1. Evaluating and upgrading a total of 180 commercial and nonprofit buildings and 2,100 residences;

2. Creating or retaining approximately 323 jobs;

3. Saving building owners an average of 25 percent in utility costs; and

4. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

So, even though I am in this state covered with red, they are starting to bleed a little of the green vibe I loved and reported about in Lawrence. Now only if they could stop cheering Go Big Red, this place would be that much better.