Sustainable September planning a whole month of programs

For the first time this fall, Spokane will dedicate an entire month to sustainability. Throughout September, eco-conscious people and others wanting to learn more about becoming green can be part of a sustainability gathering almost daily. They’ll be able to visit with local experts and like-minded folks in a variety of activities – from planting trees with The Land Council and learning to harvest and preserve food to touring green homes, watching environmental films at the Magic Lantern Theatre and even cutting loose at a “sustainable uprising.” These events and more are all part of Sustainable September Spokane — a month of discussions, activities and presentations designed to build community and increase awareness so that Spokane can become more environmentally and economically resilient. “We’re trying to define sustainability as thinking constantly of future generations and being aware of the way we live now – how the choices we make now affect future generations,” said Angie Dierdorff, coordinator of Sustainable September. Several local organizations and non-profits already devote a lot of effort to promote energy conservation and “green issues,” said Dierdorff. One of the goals of Sustainable September is to bring these different organizations together and find others to join forces on urgent issues such as food security, climate change and preservation of the environment. “We wanted to build a coalition that supported each other and not duplicate efforts,” explained Dierdorff. That’s why she and others involved wish “to work with partners in creating a series of events that will increase public awareness and lead to significant new steps toward community resilience and greater sustainability,” she said. Sustainable September came about as a result of several conversations that took place during meetings of the mayor’s task force on sustainability. During that time, many who at the table shared concerns about climate change, peak oil, the recession and other issues that have affected their own lives as well as others throughout the planet. Participants wondered about what they could do to stop the erosion of natural resources and how people in the region could find alternative and sustainable sources of energy. They also asked themselves how they could “re-localize” food supplies and promote economic stability in the Inland Northwest. Community-Minded Enterprises — a non-profit agency in Spokane that coordinates projects that promote the environment, health care, diversity and equity, the local economy, youth and families and other collaborations that “demonstrate the ingredients of healthy, inclusive and resilient communities” — took the initiative. In January, CME hired Dierdorff, a longtime sustainability activist, to create partnerships among local organizations and to organize a month full of events dedicated to sustainable living. “We’re finding ways to talk to folks and to connect to people who wouldn’t normally be interested in these issues,” said Dierdorff. “Most people feel overwhelmed by change. This month will provide people with ideas on how to make small and meaningful changes that, as part of a community, will make a huge impact.” In recent years, people interested in these issues have attended the annual Spokane Beaming Bioneers Conference, a three-day event that showcases ideas and innovation in green building, alternative media, fair trade and other topics involving the environment and sustainability. Sustainable September Spokane hopes to build upon the momentum and ideas inspired by the Bioneers event by offering different activities and events that will draw not just activists and others who are already on the path toward sustainability, but people who don’t have a background on these issues and wish to learn more. That’s why Dierdorff and others want to use this month to encourage people to get to know one another and work together. By supporting neighbors and local businesses, growing food together in gardens, planting trees, even cooking together and learning how to preserve food, “we build community and become more resilient,” she said. Since January, Dierdorff has focused her energy on fostering relationships and bringing people together in the name of sustainability. She has created a website and a Facebook page to encourage people to join Sustainable September and become part of the conversation. Members of Sustainable September also will receive event updates as well as monthly “commitment cards” that ask participants to make simple yet meaningful changes such as supporting a farmer’s market or eating a few vegetarian meals a week. Sustainable September Spokane will kick off with a 11:30 a.m. luncheon and presentation on Sept. 1 at the Lincoln Center, 1316 N. Lincoln St. just north of downtown Spokane. The event will be catered by Spokane’s Sante Restaurant and Charcuterie and participants also will receive tree saplings that they can plant in their own yards. The luncheon launch is free, but registration is required. During the month, people can learn about how local businesses are becoming green during forums known as “The Faces of Sustainability.” The month also includes a special event for youth called “Sustainable Uprising,” which will combine hands-on art, music and environmental education. The multimedia event designed especially for youth will happen on Sept. 12 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Community Building, 35 W. Main Ave. Working with several core partners including Avista, the City of Spokane, Greater Spokane Incorporated, Friends of the Falls, Spokane Bioneers, The Lands Council and the Community Building Foundation, CME hopes to offer a month of “fun, educational and community-building events and workshops, as well as publicizing existing events, that will increase awareness of the ways in which we are and can live more sustainably as a community,” according to CME’s website. Even after September, Dierdorff hopes people will continue to come together both in-person and online to build upon the relationships they’ve established and communicate year-round on sustainability issues. “It’s about getting to know our neighbors and sharing ideas,” she said. “When we support each other, we build that sense of community.”