Sustainable Ways, a group helping to move the Valley into the 21^st century with tools for living in more natural and sustainable ways, has been meeting since the beginning of April. The word “sustainable” has several definitions but generally means using renewable energy and resources, minimizing impact on the environment and leaving our planet in good standing for future generations.

Over the course of the last four months of meetings more than 80 people in the Valley have expressed their interest in this movement by attending the meetings, and getting involved in the 11 different focus groups. To find out more about the focus groups, visit the website, on line at index.htm, under co-ops. Currently the website is being hosted here, but those in charge of website development are hoping it will be standing on it’s own in the near future. In the subsequent meetings, each focus group will be defining sustainability as it applies to each concern, as well as clarifying the mission of each group.

Stein hopes what is currently called “alternative” will soon be commonplace practices, particularly in the sustainable living arena. The design and build committee is dedicated to using solar power and other renewable energy sources. Lynn Northup said, sustainable housing becomes more affordable in the long run allowing people to afford this beautiful mountain lifestyle so they may stay here and raise their families. There are high hopes that the success of the food co-op will benefit the entire community. Greenhouses will be used for local food production. Recycling and reusing will help reduce post-consumer waste. Within each of these movements, the hope is new jobs will be created with the community.

A group member, Don Pearson, will be bringing in Andrew Couch, Clean City Manager from Memphis to discuss bio-fuels Aug. 20-23. Couch will demonstrate how to install a bio-tank, a method for transforming diesel vehicles to use recycled vegetable oil (RVO). There will also be a discussion on Tuesday, Aug. 22 to inform those interested in bio diesel, and how to use this technology. For more information contact Don Pearson at 783-2163, or email.

The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday Aug. 24, at 6 p.m. at the Cliff Lanes meeting room. Sustainable Ways is scheduled to meet bi-monthly through Nov. 6, at which time meeting location and dates will be re-established. The focus of next month’s meeting will be the food co-op, and time permitting, the design and building committee will share its progress. For more information call Kimberly Stein at 783-4070.

Michele Woods

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