A Gathering of Local Sustainability Seekers

OUR COMMUNITY

by: Allison Abdelnour TractorWindmill

Last May, I received an email announcing a meeting to be held at Colorado Mountain College to discuss, “a number of timely and important issues and events ongoing in Chaffee [County] that indicates the movement towards increased sustainability.” I was amazed when I arrived several days later at the meeting to find a room brimming with people. The enthusiasm was unmistakable. The group talked together for an hour or so about ideas of local food economy, communications, education, the potential of geothermal and other alternative energy opportunities, and sustainably built affordable housing. I HatGarden

was blown away by how many experienced professionals we already had living in and contributing to our community. It was clear to everyone that the synergy present in the room needed to be harnessed and embellished out to further reaches within the community. Thus, from this meeting came the idea of the Sustainability Showcase and Celebration.

The Sustainability Showcase & Celebration is being organized by Colorado Mountain College and will focus on three main topics: Renewable Energy, Local Food Production and Sustainable Economic Development. This first time event will be held on September 27, 2008 at the Orpheum Theater in Buena Vista. The organizers intend for the celebration to involve and attract community members not only from Chaffee County, but from surrounding areas as well. Starting at 9 am, there will be a variety of speakers and panel discussions as well as a trade show and farmer’s market.

When asked about the current state of sustainability knowledge and participation currently in Chaffee County, event organizer, Judy Green of Colorado Mountain College, responds by saying, “Higher than meets the eye. By that I mean, there are a lot of companies, individuals and organizations (non-profit and otherwise) offering green products and services to not only help the environment, but the family budget as well. Straw bale homes, bio diesel, engine conversions, locally produced food, etc. I think this offers a great opportunity for these folks to share information and learn even more from each other.”

Confirmed speakers include Randy Udall, known activist for energy sustainability, Quint Redmond, expert in the land use concept of “Agriburbia,” which integrates food production as an integral element in the community design, social network and financial viability of the neighborhood, and Michael Callahan, who will address the topic of photovoltaic solar energy. There will also be a panel discussion surrounding the topic of local food economy.

For this first time event, Judy Green says she is hoping for the outcome of, “increased awareness of what is available LOCALLY to meet everyday needs, in particular to those “green” thinking families and businesses.” This event should indeed be a great place to start.

Cost for the all-day event is $10 or $6 to only attend the evening community mixer, which will feature local musical talent. For booth space or more information go to cmcneverstoplearning.com or call Judy Green at 221-9842. Saturday, September 27 inside & outside the Orpheum Theatre 400 block of E. Main St., Buena Vista 9 AM—5:30 PM, Community Mixer 6—9 PM Event presented as a partnership between Colorado Mountain College and Chaffee County. Hope to see you there!

Middle photo: Seth Roberts

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