Celebrating the Positive I must be getting mellow in my middle age. Instead <strong>of</strong> wanting to rant about some environmental injustice – idling cars, hectares <strong>of</strong> floating plastic in the ocean, global warming – I feel more like raving. Instead <strong>of</strong> focusing on what we're doing wrong, I want to celebrate the things we're getting right for a change. Lord knows the glass isn't always half-full in my world, so I think I'll run with this one. One <strong>of</strong> the things I feel we're getting right is community building. In the past few weeks, I've been lucky to take part in <strong>Redwood</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong>' first winter carnival; bask in the sunshine at the outdoor rink and chat with friends and neighbours; buy enough beans and grains through the local bulk-buying program to keep my family in baked goods for a LONG time; and meet two families who've just moved to the neighbourhood and have jumped into activities here. A strong sense <strong>of</strong> community, as I wrote in a Chatter article last spring, is a great step on the way to environmental friendliness and sustainability. When people feel connected to the place they live, they're more likely to want to work toward the success <strong>of</strong> the place. In many ways a green community is an oldfashioned community, where people get to know their neighbours and pitch in where they're needed. The winter carnival, organized by the <strong>Redwood</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> Community Association in mid-February, was a case in point. People came out not only for the maple syrup taffy and JoJo's BBQ truck, but also for the sense <strong>of</strong> community and chance to meet and socialize with their neighbours on what turned out to be a beautiful winter day. Another community builder is our outdoor ice rink, lovingly maintained by a core group <strong>of</strong> very dedicated volunteers. Frankly, I don't know whether the newly purchased Zamboni has decreased the quantity <strong>of</strong> volunteer hours, as some would claim, or just increased the quality <strong>of</strong> those many hours. Isn't it every guy's dream to drive a Zamboni? The groomed and trackset cross-country ski trails on the berm and golf course – and this is the first time we've ever had such a luxury in the neighbourhood – have given another boost to the feeling <strong>of</strong> community. Thanks to everyone who maintains them. The local bulk-buying program, which I mentioned above, has been growing in popularity too. In mid- February, there was a steady flow <strong>of</strong> residents picking up “happy chickens”; and buyers split almost 60 huge bags <strong>of</strong> beans, grains, nuts and dried fruit. Curious? You can get in on the next bulk buy, coming up in about three months, by contacting Shana at shana@barbourwelsh.com. If you need more examples <strong>of</strong> where our community spirit shines, wait a few months for the start <strong>of</strong> spring sports. Or come to an ethical movie night, a series <strong>of</strong> films presented by RMSC on the third Friday <strong>of</strong> the month. Coming soon is also the second annual Earth Hour bonfire on <strong>March</strong> 31 from 7 to 9 pm as well as Earth Day festivities on April 22. Out <strong>of</strong> curiosity, I checked into LEED standards for communities. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), provides a rating system for the design, construction and operation <strong>of</strong> buildings, homes and neighbourhoods. (Thanks, Wikipedia.) <strong>Redwood</strong> <strong>Meadows</strong> fails in a few key LEED areas. We're definitely not in a location with reduced automobile dependence, floodplain avoidance, or transit facilities. On the up side, we do have walkable streets, access to civic and public spaces, and maybe we can claim tree-lined and shaded streets. (To see the LEED checklist, visit www.usgbc.org.) By my standards at least, we have a great community and one that we can be proud to live in. Get out and enjoy it! Ann Sullivan 12 CHATTER IN THE WOODS, <strong>March</strong> <strong>2012</strong>
edwood meadows sustainability committee and redwood meadows community association proudly present ... <strong>2012</strong> earth day celebration sunday, april 22 11am—4pm Volunteer and help us make this day make a difference! email us at: sustainableredwood@gmail.com redwood house CHATTER IN THE WOODS, <strong>March</strong> <strong>2012</strong> 13
Change language