News-Record.com

More than 100 people representing about 50 groups attended the city's Community Sustainability Council gathering on Thursday night. The advisory group wanted to tap into the existing environment and energy-related projects happening in the city and incorporate those ideas into its recommendations to City Council next year.

Participants divided into about a dozen different groups to brainstorm next steps for the CSC with topics including waste management, maintaining nature in the city, renewable energy, land use policies, water resources, transportation and local food production.

Some of the ideas: Neighbors pooling funds to purchase and install insulation in homes; church competitions to reduce energy consumption; wildlife education; improving public transit; incentivizing reduced water use and developing distribution networks for locally produced foods (i.e. processing plants and food preservation classes).

The CSC's report is due to council in March next year. I'll be following the group's work over the coming months to see how it influences the promotion and adoption of related initiatives.

Plus, a couple announcements:

* Green Drinks Greensboro meets on Wednesday at the Proximity Hotel's Print Works Bistro.

* UNCG students will present on Tuesday, Dec. 9, a community-oriented performance examining topics related to the "Going Green" movement. The inter-disciplinary performance will feature research relating to many different topics including: food production, wildlife conservation, economics and public policy, as well as sustainable design and a look at the practice of corporate "Greenwashing."

The performance will be staged in the auditorium of the Ferguson Building, located on Spring Garden St. on the UNCG campus. The approximately half-hour long show begins at 7:30pm and will be followed by a short question and answer session with the students as well as a small reception. The event is free and open to the public.

* Also, the Really Really Free Market returns to The HIVE on Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving):

What: Really Really Free Market
When: November 28, 10 am - 3 pm
Where: The HIVE, 1214 Grove Street, Greensboro, NC
How Much: FREE!
Contact: Kathy Clark at 336.409.9195 or Chelsea Simpson at 617.913.5964

"Here's how it works: Bring stuff you don't want or need. Leave it for others to take. Then look through all the stuff that other people have brought. It's like a yard sale, only FREE! Books, clothing, kitchenware, electronics, art supplies: you will find these and many more for FREE!

As well as loads of free stuff, there will be gift-making demonstrations, free musical performances and free food. Avoid the crowds and credit card debt. Consider buying nothing at the Really Really Free Market!"