Editorial: Synergy on city sustainability
Sustainability takes many forms in Guilford County.
It's seen in county government, with its Green Guilford plan. Now in a draft form, the plan establishes sustainability goals for county departments.
It's seen at area universities. UNCG's dining halls, to take just one example, follow many wise environmental practices -- from buying locally grown food to using napkins and other products made from recycled materials to recycling fryer oils.
It's seen at the neighborhood level at The Hive in Glenwood, where the Bike Me! collective makes old bikes new.
It's seen in local businesses, such as the Proximity Hotel, a global leader in sustainable design.
It's seen in the faith community, with Environmental Stewardship Greensboro, a group that helps congregations become more aware of their responsibilities to nature.
And it's seen in city government, which has long promoted the wise use of energy resources - from selling methane gas from its landfill to procuring an energy audit of its buildings.
Now, the city's Community Sustainability Council wants to bring such like-minded groups together. It's holding a sustainability "gathering" 4-7 p.m. Thursday at Holy Trinity Church, 607 N. Greene St.
"There are many groups who have sustainability projects going and don't know about each other. We're hoping to get people to connect," says council co-chairman Joel Landau, adding that he hopes the meeting will help his group "gather thoughts and proposals to present to City Council."
Not part of a green-minded group? If you are interested in the council's purpose, which is to suggest "strategies to reduce pollutants, reduce energy costs, conserve resources, protect and strengthen the local economy, and save money," the group wants to meet you.
With a tight economy making it more important than ever to cut costs and spend wisely, the promotion of conservation efforts should be a priority. The cities that use resources the wisest will be the ones that will withstand the economic and environmental challenges of the 21st century.
Want to help sustain Greensboro? Attend the meeting Thursday.
