There’s plenty of green in the city’s stimulus plan to revive the local economy and push back against the recession. It’s the green of money — lots of money.

But today is Earth Day — the 39th year since the very first one was celebrated on April 22, 1970 — so we’re going to talk about another kind of green. You know, the Save the Earth kind of green.

The city’s plan proposes to create 3,700 jobs, provide loans to small businesses and offer incentives for shopping “inside the triangle,” but we think it could do a smidge more, for the sake of the environment. For starters, it could set a goal for the number of green jobs it could help create and invest in green-collar startups.

Sure, the city is saving tons of paper with its new E-Track-It permitting process, and it’s using those fancy light bulbs and motion sensors now in its buildings. It’s also working with Pacific Gas and Electric to increase energy-efficiency.

But aren’t there programs besides those of a utility company that the city could use to help lower electricity use? We bet there are, and we challenge the city to find them.

Meanwhile, we should probably challenge ourselves to be a little greener, too.

Here’s how local filmmaker Curtis Dinsmore does it — by making what he calls “a one-dollar film to change the world.”

He and three others plan to take a summer road trip across the country to produce a documentary, the Green Seed Project, which asks people from ages 16 to 30 how they are leading sustainable lifestyles.

Dinsmore, a 2001 West High School grad who majored in film at University of California, Riverside, has the backing of the Tracy Performing Arts Foundation, which gives his project nonprofit status. But he needs to raise enough money to set out in June — and to do that, he’s asking for a dollar from every person he meets.

Another Tracy resident, Christine Frankel, has started writing, and her column, Living Green, makes its debut in Voice today (see Page 11). Her column is printed on our recycled newsprint, using soy-based ink.

I’m sure she’d agree that when you and your family finish reading these pages, you can line your birdcage with the Tracy Press — or put it in your blue bin, along with all your other recyclables.

Have a Happy Earth Day.

The issue: Earth Day 2009

Our position: We all can do something to bring forth a little green.

Information: To reach Curtis Dinsmore about the Green Seed Project, 969-9904 or www.greenseedproject.com.