My idea for our leadership class is to create a public awareness campaign about decreasing our consumption of natural resources as a community. By making small steps we can have a lasting change and impact through conservation. The first step would be to get our community to recognize Earth Hour this week on March 29th at 8:00 pm (maybe it’s not too late to get on the radio and in the local papers). See http://www.earthhour.org/
Most of our daily lives involve some depletion of natural resources. I would like to encourage a program where people try to take small steps to decrease their footprint: for example, turn down your thermostat by 1 to 2 degrees in the winter (it’s winter, wear a sweater) and turn your thermostat up by 1 to 2 degrees in the summer, change to electronic payment notices (bills) instead of paper to use less trees, limit your shower to 5 minutes or less, rake your leaves instead of using a leaf blower, only use lights when they are needed (i.e., use day light when you can and turn off outside lights that are not needed)…
While I think that switching to renewable energy sources is ideal and necessary, I think that we must also look at our energy consumption (and waste) and look at ways that we can work toward decreasing our use.
AP
Monday, March 24, 2008
Sunday, March 23, 2008
I am feeling pretty psyched about the solar power idea. I have zero knowledge in this area so hard for me to judge if we can chew, what we are biting off. It seems like such a logical next step for Park City but as others out in the basin I think we need to try to make the project inclusive of the Park City School District in fact I feel that about any project we do.
I also think it's a much stronger, bigger idea if we can get a few big businesses, organizations, or the school district on board.
The other idea that keeps popping up in the news but never seems to get traction, why I am not sure other than the usual $$$, is a bus for people coming up and down the canyon every single day. It seems only logical that we wouldn't all be driving our cars up and down the canyon. Both my husband and I commute down everyday and commute down together as often as possible. The pollution we are causing and the pollution coming into PC with the reverste commute is a pretty scary thing to think about. This may not be worthy of the community project but it does seem like if a group took ownership of this maybe it could happen.
See you all tomorrow.
Maddy
I also think it's a much stronger, bigger idea if we can get a few big businesses, organizations, or the school district on board.
The other idea that keeps popping up in the news but never seems to get traction, why I am not sure other than the usual $$$, is a bus for people coming up and down the canyon every single day. It seems only logical that we wouldn't all be driving our cars up and down the canyon. Both my husband and I commute down everyday and commute down together as often as possible. The pollution we are causing and the pollution coming into PC with the reverste commute is a pretty scary thing to think about. This may not be worthy of the community project but it does seem like if a group took ownership of this maybe it could happen.
See you all tomorrow.
Maddy
Friday, March 21, 2008
Jeff's Big Idea
Hi, everybody. Here's another idea for our class project. I've spoken to several of you about this and have been glad to hear your positive feedback. I'll outline it briefly here and hope for some further discussion.
Since our last meeting, I've been thinking a lot about the "Community Visioning" process that Alison and Phyllis presented to us that night, and that Myles and Lisa undertook years ago. Although my group's drawings were kind of weak, the exercise we went through was inspiring. I think it's very important to have a sense of community, especially in a growing town with a lot of history and such a promising future. We proved that night that we each value a lot of the same things about Park City, each has his own favorites, and that we're all very proud to live here.
In my breakout group, we talked about memories of our time in Park City and got to reminiscing a bit about our favorite times. That got me thinking about how to celebrate that and how to reinforce (and indeed to help define) the sense of community in Park City. In other words, how do we express the spirit we feel about our town?
Of course--we'll create a Yearbook! Imagine it: for each year you've lived in Park City, you could have a fine, bound book full of memories, headlines, photos, statistics, abd stories. I still have Yearbooks from high school, and flip through them from time to time. And I really would love to have one for each of my PC years.
OK, we'll skip the grids of pictures of every single citizen in shirt and tie. No point in even trying to do that. I'm thinking we focus on:
* events (World Cup, outdoor concerts, Clown Day, Park Silly Sunday Market, Jan's Winter Welcome, Barking Ball, Summerween)
* people / profiles (the mayor, old-time locals, business owners, Myles?!)
* sports (softball tournament, powder skiing, NORBA races)
* government (elections, landmark city / county decisions, current liquor laws, City Tour)
* lifestyle (more powder skiing, new trails, current routing of Tour des Suds, cocktail contest)
* news / headlines
* history (like "The Way We Were" from the Park Record)
* seasonal activities
* stats (snowfall, census data, skier days, lodging totals, budgets, school reports)
* lots and lots of pictures!
And we'll even leave a few pages blank for our friends to sign! Just today, I was remembering some friends who used to live here and who might have signed my 2003 Yearbook. I'd like to read what they may have written, and maybe dig up some pictures.
So, how does this meet the single criteria that Lisa laid out for us? Our project "must benefit the community in some way". Many of the other great ideas I've heard focus on solving a particular problem that we see in Park City: recycling, traffic, the environment, etc. The way I look at it, each of these issues is on our collective radar, and is being addressed to some extent already.
This idea is brand new! Nobody's doing it, we won't be stepping on anybody's toes. As far as I know, Lisa won't say, "my 12-year old nephew already did that". Hey, actually--maybe somebody's high-school-age kids could help us out.
I guess I already answered my question about how this would benefit the community. It would help bring us all together as a community and foster and preserve the sense of spirit in our town. (We could even devote some space to the "surrounding areas"...)
Maybe I'm starting to ramble, but I have a few more points to make. Maybe some Q and A:
Q: How do we pay for it?
A: Sponsorships and sales. I hope we could avoid straight advertising, and could model it after the Friend of Animals calendar--very classy, yet well-funded.
Q: Who's going to buy it?
A: Everybody. We'll make it nice, so everybody HAS to have one on their coffee table: locals, second-home owners, ex-locals, visitors. I've spoken to at least a small sampling from each of those categories, and everybody says: "I'd buy one!" In fact, I have a list of pre-orders already.
Q: Can we benefit [my favorite organization] with this?
A: Of course! If we do it right, we could turn profits over to the Peace House, Arts Kids, whatever. In fact, we could help benefit a different group every year!
Q: This idea is kind of weird, isn't it?
A: Yep.
Q: Who's going to take all those pictures?
A: We will solicit entries from the entire community. I'm sure we each have a handful of pictures, of which we are proud, that would be appropriate for inclusion.
Q: Why not a website instead?
A: Websites are cool and all, and are by their nature very dynamic. The beauty of a book is that it CANNOT change. It is a snapshot of our community, taken over the course of a particular year. It's meant to be left on a coffee table or collected on a bookshelf, and leafed through casually or used as a reference--for many years!
Q: OK, fine--I'm sold! How can I help?
A: That's another cool thing about this: we'll need all kinds of help. Like your high school's Yearbook Committee (though not as nerdy!), we'll need production people (layout, contents, printing), marketing, and sales. Of course, we'll have to think hard about how to ensure that we can continue the effort in perpetuity; we'll need people to work on that. And so on.
So, there you go. Sounds fun, right?
Jeff
Since our last meeting, I've been thinking a lot about the "Community Visioning" process that Alison and Phyllis presented to us that night, and that Myles and Lisa undertook years ago. Although my group's drawings were kind of weak, the exercise we went through was inspiring. I think it's very important to have a sense of community, especially in a growing town with a lot of history and such a promising future. We proved that night that we each value a lot of the same things about Park City, each has his own favorites, and that we're all very proud to live here.
In my breakout group, we talked about memories of our time in Park City and got to reminiscing a bit about our favorite times. That got me thinking about how to celebrate that and how to reinforce (and indeed to help define) the sense of community in Park City. In other words, how do we express the spirit we feel about our town?
Of course--we'll create a Yearbook! Imagine it: for each year you've lived in Park City, you could have a fine, bound book full of memories, headlines, photos, statistics, abd stories. I still have Yearbooks from high school, and flip through them from time to time. And I really would love to have one for each of my PC years.
OK, we'll skip the grids of pictures of every single citizen in shirt and tie. No point in even trying to do that. I'm thinking we focus on:
* events (World Cup, outdoor concerts, Clown Day, Park Silly Sunday Market, Jan's Winter Welcome, Barking Ball, Summerween)
* people / profiles (the mayor, old-time locals, business owners, Myles?!)
* sports (softball tournament, powder skiing, NORBA races)
* government (elections, landmark city / county decisions, current liquor laws, City Tour)
* lifestyle (more powder skiing, new trails, current routing of Tour des Suds, cocktail contest)
* news / headlines
* history (like "The Way We Were" from the Park Record)
* seasonal activities
* stats (snowfall, census data, skier days, lodging totals, budgets, school reports)
* lots and lots of pictures!
And we'll even leave a few pages blank for our friends to sign! Just today, I was remembering some friends who used to live here and who might have signed my 2003 Yearbook. I'd like to read what they may have written, and maybe dig up some pictures.
So, how does this meet the single criteria that Lisa laid out for us? Our project "must benefit the community in some way". Many of the other great ideas I've heard focus on solving a particular problem that we see in Park City: recycling, traffic, the environment, etc. The way I look at it, each of these issues is on our collective radar, and is being addressed to some extent already.
This idea is brand new! Nobody's doing it, we won't be stepping on anybody's toes. As far as I know, Lisa won't say, "my 12-year old nephew already did that". Hey, actually--maybe somebody's high-school-age kids could help us out.
I guess I already answered my question about how this would benefit the community. It would help bring us all together as a community and foster and preserve the sense of spirit in our town. (We could even devote some space to the "surrounding areas"...)
Maybe I'm starting to ramble, but I have a few more points to make. Maybe some Q and A:
Q: How do we pay for it?
A: Sponsorships and sales. I hope we could avoid straight advertising, and could model it after the Friend of Animals calendar--very classy, yet well-funded.
Q: Who's going to buy it?
A: Everybody. We'll make it nice, so everybody HAS to have one on their coffee table: locals, second-home owners, ex-locals, visitors. I've spoken to at least a small sampling from each of those categories, and everybody says: "I'd buy one!" In fact, I have a list of pre-orders already.
Q: Can we benefit [my favorite organization] with this?
A: Of course! If we do it right, we could turn profits over to the Peace House, Arts Kids, whatever. In fact, we could help benefit a different group every year!
Q: This idea is kind of weird, isn't it?
A: Yep.
Q: Who's going to take all those pictures?
A: We will solicit entries from the entire community. I'm sure we each have a handful of pictures, of which we are proud, that would be appropriate for inclusion.
Q: Why not a website instead?
A: Websites are cool and all, and are by their nature very dynamic. The beauty of a book is that it CANNOT change. It is a snapshot of our community, taken over the course of a particular year. It's meant to be left on a coffee table or collected on a bookshelf, and leafed through casually or used as a reference--for many years!
Q: OK, fine--I'm sold! How can I help?
A: That's another cool thing about this: we'll need all kinds of help. Like your high school's Yearbook Committee (though not as nerdy!), we'll need production people (layout, contents, printing), marketing, and sales. Of course, we'll have to think hard about how to ensure that we can continue the effort in perpetuity; we'll need people to work on that. And so on.
So, there you go. Sounds fun, right?
Jeff
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
I love the solar idea, as well as many of the others.
I'm so blown away by the talent in this class!
I'd like to see our project have an impact on the entire community, not just a select number within the Park City limits. I'm not sure how many low income Latino families own homes in the city, so involving this sector could be difficult.
What if we follow in Rossignol's footsteps and target the PC school buildings for our solar project? This would definitely involve all of us (except the 2nd homeowners.) There would be high visibility and it would have a huge educational impact.
Solar School System anyone? This project would involve aspects of many of our ideas.
Extending Program to County, Low Income & Latino Families
Annette et all,
I love your idea. The incentives would come from Park City muni, but we might be able to get them to extend it out to the Park City school district or If we could get Summit County to match
Park City's incentive then we could extend the program out the county.
If we start after our meeting on March 24th and try to complete the project by our final meeting and party on October 17th, that would give us 200 days. We would need to divide and concur
to get all the upfront work done in the first 100 days, so that the contractor can start installation on July 10th, so that they have 100 days to finish by October 17th. We could pre-purchase
and store the equipment, which would help. I think it's do able.
We could also help out some low income families by making income a factor in the solar home selection criteria, kind of in line with some of the affordable housing ideas.
By focusing on low income families, I'm sure we could get some latino families with solar panels on their homes, which could help bring the latino community into project "Ciudad Solar".
Bo
I love your idea. The incentives would come from Park City muni, but we might be able to get them to extend it out to the Park City school district or If we could get Summit County to match
Park City's incentive then we could extend the program out the county.
If we start after our meeting on March 24th and try to complete the project by our final meeting and party on October 17th, that would give us 200 days. We would need to divide and concur
to get all the upfront work done in the first 100 days, so that the contractor can start installation on July 10th, so that they have 100 days to finish by October 17th. We could pre-purchase
and store the equipment, which would help. I think it's do able.
We could also help out some low income families by making income a factor in the solar home selection criteria, kind of in line with some of the affordable housing ideas.
By focusing on low income families, I'm sure we could get some latino families with solar panels on their homes, which could help bring the latino community into project "Ciudad Solar".
Bo
Solar Roof Mount Question
Q: why do they have to go on the roof? can't they be integrated into a landscape/xeriscape near the ground level? the south side of our house/deck is cranking hot.
A: Good question. The problem is any "hard" shadow lines (telephone line, trees, other homes, etc) on any portion of the solar array (a bunch of panels) will shut off the entire array. The array must be facing within 15 degree of due south within 5 degree of a 40 degree tilt and exposed to the sun between 9am-3pm on the winter soltice, Dec 21st. Unless you live on top of a mountain or in Oakley, the only place you can install them is on top of a house.
Bo
A: Good question. The problem is any "hard" shadow lines (telephone line, trees, other homes, etc) on any portion of the solar array (a bunch of panels) will shut off the entire array. The array must be facing within 15 degree of due south within 5 degree of a 40 degree tilt and exposed to the sun between 9am-3pm on the winter soltice, Dec 21st. Unless you live on top of a mountain or in Oakley, the only place you can install them is on top of a house.
Bo
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Rule on Solar (and other energy saving) installations
Bo, your expertise in this area is admirable and inspiring! I think absolutely this project can and should include our brothers and sisters "out in the county" as well... maybe even the poor blokes beyond Summit Co.
Separately, the below excerpt may help illustrate the legislative cover a solar installation we would have in overriding restrictive CC&R's. One of our Utah barred JD's should probably double check this but the trajectory of this rule seems pretty clear....
http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE10/htm/10_08062.htm
10-9a-610. Restrictions for solar and other energy devices.
The land use authority may refuse to approve or renew any plat, subdivision plan, or dedication of any street or other ground, if deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements running with the land for the lots or parcels covered by the plat or subdivision prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting reasonably sited and designed solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on buildings erected on lots or parcels covered by the plat or subdivision.
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 254, 2005 General Session
Download Code Section Zipped WP 6/7/8 10_08062.ZIP 2,395 Bytes
Separately, the below excerpt may help illustrate the legislative cover a solar installation we would have in overriding restrictive CC&R's. One of our Utah barred JD's should probably double check this but the trajectory of this rule seems pretty clear....
http://le.utah.gov/~code/TITLE10/htm/10_08062.htm
10-9a-610. Restrictions for solar and other energy devices.
The land use authority may refuse to approve or renew any plat, subdivision plan, or dedication of any street or other ground, if deed restrictions, covenants, or similar binding agreements running with the land for the lots or parcels covered by the plat or subdivision prohibit or have the effect of prohibiting reasonably sited and designed solar collectors, clotheslines, or other energy devices based on renewable resources from being installed on buildings erected on lots or parcels covered by the plat or subdivision.
Renumbered and Amended by Chapter 254, 2005 General Session
Download Code Section Zipped WP 6/7/8 10_08062.ZIP 2,395 Bytes
Annette
Bo,
I LIKE IT!! But I kept reading Park City Municipal everywhere. What about us lower class saps that live in the unincorporated county? ;o) The husband and I have often talked about getting solar panels; I’d like to be the first on your list! Wouldn’t we want to do it as a Summit County project, instead of just Park City? You may even find the homeowner’s associations easier to deal with on some of the issues you spoke about out there! Do you think we could get it up and going in enough time to finish it?
I LIKE IT!! But I kept reading Park City Municipal everywhere. What about us lower class saps that live in the unincorporated county? ;o) The husband and I have often talked about getting solar panels; I’d like to be the first on your list! Wouldn’t we want to do it as a Summit County project, instead of just Park City? You may even find the homeowner’s associations easier to deal with on some of the issues you spoke about out there! Do you think we could get it up and going in enough time to finish it?
Solar City – 100 Solar Panels on 100 Homes in 100 Days
Flavs,
Sorry, I’ve been so quite, not like me, but I’ve been away from Park City for a while and I’m really happy to be back. I really like so many of the ideas, I didn’t want to even propose one, but here’s one that is in line with a bunch of the sustainability ideas.
I can’t claim this as my idea, because Alex (one of our flavs) and Mayor Dana (one of our favs) really came up with this idea, but I would like propose that we turn Park City into a Solar City by installing “100 solar panels on 100 homes in 100 days”.
Solar panels thrive in high altitude, cold weather, and sunny climates. Few people know that Park City is one of the premier solar locations in the US. A solar system installed here can overproduce by nearly 150% on peak days!
Solar Power (AKA Photovoltaic or PV) is a clean safe renewable maintenance free and inexpensive (yes, inexpensive) way to reduce electric power supplied by dirty polluting coal burning power plants.
Here’s a summary of the project plan, which can be greatly expanded, reduced, changed, improved, tweaked or anything, it’s just me mind spitting out ideas:
1. Gain Knowledge and Self Educate: Get a solar expert to educate us on grid tied solar systems, so we understand our product.
2. Lowest Cost (Bulk Purchase and Economy of Scale): Team up with a low priced reputable licensed and bonded solar design and installation subcontractor, a solar system supplier that can provide a discounted complete system (Solar Panels, Rack and Inverter Package) and Rocky Mountain Power (Net Metering Equipment) and come up with bulk discounted low priced cost including design and installation for 100 systems. I would estimate that we could get the complete cost to design, permit, purchase, and install a 1 kilowatt system for around $8,000. A one kilowatt solar system will power about a 1,000 square foot normal home.
3. Tax Credits, Incentives and Utility Offsets: Petition Park City municipal to offer and incentive of $2,000 for each home. Meet with Rocky Mountain Power and setup a special program to credit $2,000 ($2 per watt) for each home. Utilize the existing Federal (30% up to $2,000) and State (30% up to $2,000) tax credits. If we could receive all credits, incentives and offsets we could raise $8,000 for each home. When I said inexpensive before, how about if we could offer those solar systems for FREE???
4. Public Education, Awareness, and Advertising: We could do a public education, awareness and advertising campaign for the importance of utilizing renewable resources like solar and having the utility companies perform and energy audit of your homes. We could try to get as many applicants as possible.
5. Application and Home Selection Criteria & Selection: If we could offer the solar systems for free we might even get more than 100 applicants. The applicant would need to meet the solar installation criteria to ensure that the system would operate efficiently. Also, we could insist that all homes must go through an energy audit by Questar Gas and Rocky Mountain Power, and complete all recommended improvements prior to receiving the Park City Incentive and Rocky Mountain Power credit. If we improve the energy efficiency, a 1 kilowatt solar system can now maybe power a 2,000 square foot home.
6. Bulk Design and Permitting: We could submit all the systems design for permitting into one application to help lower the cost and expedite the review and approval process. We could involve the city chief building official in the process so that this would by a seamless process.
7. Delivery and Storage: The lead time on solar panels, rack and inverters can take some time, but we could order and store all materials until they have all arrived.
8. Installation: Send out the subcontract to install 100 solar systems on 100 homes in 100 days. Park City Muni would perform the inspections and Rocky Mountain power would change out the meters for net-metering.
9. Party: We have a huge party at the 100th house to celebrate our success.
There is one big bridge we need to burn and that is that most home owner associations in Park City either don’t allow or require architectural design approval of solar power systems. We would need to talk to the city’s attorney to find out how we could not allow HOA’s to stop roof mounted solar panel installation.
Can’t wait to see y’all soon.
Bo
Sorry, I’ve been so quite, not like me, but I’ve been away from Park City for a while and I’m really happy to be back. I really like so many of the ideas, I didn’t want to even propose one, but here’s one that is in line with a bunch of the sustainability ideas.
I can’t claim this as my idea, because Alex (one of our flavs) and Mayor Dana (one of our favs) really came up with this idea, but I would like propose that we turn Park City into a Solar City by installing “100 solar panels on 100 homes in 100 days”.
Solar panels thrive in high altitude, cold weather, and sunny climates. Few people know that Park City is one of the premier solar locations in the US. A solar system installed here can overproduce by nearly 150% on peak days!
Solar Power (AKA Photovoltaic or PV) is a clean safe renewable maintenance free and inexpensive (yes, inexpensive) way to reduce electric power supplied by dirty polluting coal burning power plants.
Here’s a summary of the project plan, which can be greatly expanded, reduced, changed, improved, tweaked or anything, it’s just me mind spitting out ideas:
1. Gain Knowledge and Self Educate: Get a solar expert to educate us on grid tied solar systems, so we understand our product.
2. Lowest Cost (Bulk Purchase and Economy of Scale): Team up with a low priced reputable licensed and bonded solar design and installation subcontractor, a solar system supplier that can provide a discounted complete system (Solar Panels, Rack and Inverter Package) and Rocky Mountain Power (Net Metering Equipment) and come up with bulk discounted low priced cost including design and installation for 100 systems. I would estimate that we could get the complete cost to design, permit, purchase, and install a 1 kilowatt system for around $8,000. A one kilowatt solar system will power about a 1,000 square foot normal home.
3. Tax Credits, Incentives and Utility Offsets: Petition Park City municipal to offer and incentive of $2,000 for each home. Meet with Rocky Mountain Power and setup a special program to credit $2,000 ($2 per watt) for each home. Utilize the existing Federal (30% up to $2,000) and State (30% up to $2,000) tax credits. If we could receive all credits, incentives and offsets we could raise $8,000 for each home. When I said inexpensive before, how about if we could offer those solar systems for FREE???
4. Public Education, Awareness, and Advertising: We could do a public education, awareness and advertising campaign for the importance of utilizing renewable resources like solar and having the utility companies perform and energy audit of your homes. We could try to get as many applicants as possible.
5. Application and Home Selection Criteria & Selection: If we could offer the solar systems for free we might even get more than 100 applicants. The applicant would need to meet the solar installation criteria to ensure that the system would operate efficiently. Also, we could insist that all homes must go through an energy audit by Questar Gas and Rocky Mountain Power, and complete all recommended improvements prior to receiving the Park City Incentive and Rocky Mountain Power credit. If we improve the energy efficiency, a 1 kilowatt solar system can now maybe power a 2,000 square foot home.
6. Bulk Design and Permitting: We could submit all the systems design for permitting into one application to help lower the cost and expedite the review and approval process. We could involve the city chief building official in the process so that this would by a seamless process.
7. Delivery and Storage: The lead time on solar panels, rack and inverters can take some time, but we could order and store all materials until they have all arrived.
8. Installation: Send out the subcontract to install 100 solar systems on 100 homes in 100 days. Park City Muni would perform the inspections and Rocky Mountain power would change out the meters for net-metering.
9. Party: We have a huge party at the 100th house to celebrate our success.
There is one big bridge we need to burn and that is that most home owner associations in Park City either don’t allow or require architectural design approval of solar power systems. We would need to talk to the city’s attorney to find out how we could not allow HOA’s to stop roof mounted solar panel installation.
Can’t wait to see y’all soon.
Bo
Bags bags bags...
Hey Flavs,
great ideas - wow!
I really like the "bag idea." This is something we can do in the little time we have and where we can really have a longer-lasting impact. I agree with Anette there.
Also, in Germany we have been using cloth bags and baskets for at least over 10 years. It's normal there and nobody questions it anymore...
See you all soon!
Johanna
great ideas - wow!
I really like the "bag idea." This is something we can do in the little time we have and where we can really have a longer-lasting impact. I agree with Anette there.
Also, in Germany we have been using cloth bags and baskets for at least over 10 years. It's normal there and nobody questions it anymore...
See you all soon!
Johanna
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Project proposal - "Solar City"
Ok, so here goes (I've never blogged before so signing in was a challenge). Below is a project idea I bounced off a couple of folks just to sanity test it. With some really good input and polishing, here's what we pulled together and hope it is one that will be worth batting around further at the brainstorming session. At any rate, thanks for considering it.
I. “Solar City” Project
II. Mission: To reduce overall community energy consumption through installation of renewable energy projects and education on best practices in this area.
III. Class Project Concept: Through an initial pilot project, we will analyze the energy use of a Park City non-profit organization (beneficiary) to establish a baseline of consumption during a typical year. This step will highlight initial cost savings opportunities through energy management techniques to lower this baseline (and thus, operating costs). With the baseline set, we will scale a proposed photovoltaic system, a solar thermal system, or both; the goal being to offset a substantial portion, if not all, of the beneficiary’s grid sourced electricity, natural gas or both, thereby providing an ongoing cost savings to the beneficiary.
Through implementation of this project, we will log the physical, financial and regulatory steps so as to create a “how to” booklet for other members of the community to use in considering their own such systems, as well as for related educational purposes. This effectively creates a template that is easily followed and removes most, if not all, roadblocks to community members taking action. In some instances, we may be helping the regulating authorities in the city and the county in revising or even establishing rules on these. We will also investigate and potentially test the federal rules that overrule HOA restrictions on rooftop systems like these to further streamline the process and open up the market for these systems.
We seek to develop a bulk purchase mechanism to reduce both material and installation costs of such systems in an effort to reduce the overall unit cost for business and homeowners. This requires coordinating the purchase of such systems by multiple area businesses, residences, and organizations, as well as providing to vendors and installers multiple customers at once with a goal of at least 10 consumers.
Reduction of potential costs will include providing information on, and utilization of, city, state, and federal tax benefits, as well as private business programs and rebates, to minimize the cost to the beneficiary and accelerate the payback period on these installations.
Lastly, we will work with the city, county, state and the private sector to support efforts in regulatory, sales tax, public relations, property tax, and possibly grant opportunities to streamline the process and reduce the implementation costs.
This project is scalable both in breadth and depth so depending on constraints, we can limit our efforts to a single installation, energy audit template and “how-to” booklet. If met with enthusiasm, the program can expand to increase the number of beneficiaries and work for additional support from our town, county, state and others.
IV. Benefits:
• Long term economic support of a local non-profit organization
• General educational outreach on energy efficiency and conservation
• Clarify rules, restrictions on installation of solar systems
• Create materials (deliverables) to support residents and businesses in decreasing energy consumption (works for owners and tenants) and providing a “how to” for installation of solar systems
• Maximize benefit of city, county, state, federal and other grants, rebates and incentives to reduce costs
• Leverage collective buying power with vendors and installers
• Tie local businesses to local non profits more closely
• Generate local and regional publicity about the pilot project to increase interest in and acceptance of these systems
• Significantly reduce our community’s energy consumption (energy mostly from coal fired power plants) thereby saving our air, our snow, our water and thus our quality of life and property values
• Further educate the community with regard to the following benefits: global warming, limits of the Earth’s resources and the conservation thereof, health and air quality, property values.
V. Talents / Skills Needed to Implement: As the largest leadership class to date, Leadership XIV has the size, breadth and depth of talent, experience and knowledge to take on a project of this magnitude, and maximize its benefits in our community. We see the need for
• negotiating skills
• financial analysis
• accounting expertise
• legal support
• project management
• public relations and outreach
• writing skills
• fundraising skills
• networking and sales
• event planning
• grant writing
• construction trade skills
• knowledge of and contacts in city and county government (and beyond if we are successful in these first few).
VI. (Other?)
VII. Potential beneficiaries of pilot project:
a. Swaner Nature Preserve
b. National Ability Center
c. Olympic Park
d. People’s Health Clinic
e. Recycle Utah
f. Egyptian Theatre Company
g. Mountainlands Community Housing Trust
h. Furburbia or Summit County Friends of Animals
i. KPCW
j. Kimball Arts Center
Note. Potential beneficiaries either need to be paying their own power bill, own their own building or have a long-term lease with a landlord willing to pass on the energy savings through the lease.
Regards,
Alex
I. “Solar City” Project
II. Mission: To reduce overall community energy consumption through installation of renewable energy projects and education on best practices in this area.
III. Class Project Concept: Through an initial pilot project, we will analyze the energy use of a Park City non-profit organization (beneficiary) to establish a baseline of consumption during a typical year. This step will highlight initial cost savings opportunities through energy management techniques to lower this baseline (and thus, operating costs). With the baseline set, we will scale a proposed photovoltaic system, a solar thermal system, or both; the goal being to offset a substantial portion, if not all, of the beneficiary’s grid sourced electricity, natural gas or both, thereby providing an ongoing cost savings to the beneficiary.
Through implementation of this project, we will log the physical, financial and regulatory steps so as to create a “how to” booklet for other members of the community to use in considering their own such systems, as well as for related educational purposes. This effectively creates a template that is easily followed and removes most, if not all, roadblocks to community members taking action. In some instances, we may be helping the regulating authorities in the city and the county in revising or even establishing rules on these. We will also investigate and potentially test the federal rules that overrule HOA restrictions on rooftop systems like these to further streamline the process and open up the market for these systems.
We seek to develop a bulk purchase mechanism to reduce both material and installation costs of such systems in an effort to reduce the overall unit cost for business and homeowners. This requires coordinating the purchase of such systems by multiple area businesses, residences, and organizations, as well as providing to vendors and installers multiple customers at once with a goal of at least 10 consumers.
Reduction of potential costs will include providing information on, and utilization of, city, state, and federal tax benefits, as well as private business programs and rebates, to minimize the cost to the beneficiary and accelerate the payback period on these installations.
Lastly, we will work with the city, county, state and the private sector to support efforts in regulatory, sales tax, public relations, property tax, and possibly grant opportunities to streamline the process and reduce the implementation costs.
This project is scalable both in breadth and depth so depending on constraints, we can limit our efforts to a single installation, energy audit template and “how-to” booklet. If met with enthusiasm, the program can expand to increase the number of beneficiaries and work for additional support from our town, county, state and others.
IV. Benefits:
• Long term economic support of a local non-profit organization
• General educational outreach on energy efficiency and conservation
• Clarify rules, restrictions on installation of solar systems
• Create materials (deliverables) to support residents and businesses in decreasing energy consumption (works for owners and tenants) and providing a “how to” for installation of solar systems
• Maximize benefit of city, county, state, federal and other grants, rebates and incentives to reduce costs
• Leverage collective buying power with vendors and installers
• Tie local businesses to local non profits more closely
• Generate local and regional publicity about the pilot project to increase interest in and acceptance of these systems
• Significantly reduce our community’s energy consumption (energy mostly from coal fired power plants) thereby saving our air, our snow, our water and thus our quality of life and property values
• Further educate the community with regard to the following benefits: global warming, limits of the Earth’s resources and the conservation thereof, health and air quality, property values.
V. Talents / Skills Needed to Implement: As the largest leadership class to date, Leadership XIV has the size, breadth and depth of talent, experience and knowledge to take on a project of this magnitude, and maximize its benefits in our community. We see the need for
• negotiating skills
• financial analysis
• accounting expertise
• legal support
• project management
• public relations and outreach
• writing skills
• fundraising skills
• networking and sales
• event planning
• grant writing
• construction trade skills
• knowledge of and contacts in city and county government (and beyond if we are successful in these first few).
VI. (Other?)
VII. Potential beneficiaries of pilot project:
a. Swaner Nature Preserve
b. National Ability Center
c. Olympic Park
d. People’s Health Clinic
e. Recycle Utah
f. Egyptian Theatre Company
g. Mountainlands Community Housing Trust
h. Furburbia or Summit County Friends of Animals
i. KPCW
j. Kimball Arts Center
Note. Potential beneficiaries either need to be paying their own power bill, own their own building or have a long-term lease with a landlord willing to pass on the energy savings through the lease.
Regards,
Alex
What if we combine cultural connectedness with environmentalism in the form of community dinners on Main Street.
Literally ON Main Street: Tables would line Main Street---on Sundays following the Silly Market. There would be a charge/sponsorship for each table of 8, with guidelines.
The theme would be to share traditional cuisines of residents in a green manner.
A new take on "mind your--green--manners."
The green part would be that each table provide reusable dinnerware/drinkware for themselves. We could have Mexican, Filipino, Swedish, Russian, Czech, Hawaiian, Chinese, etc., etc.
Musicians could be encouraged to share their talents during the event.
Awards could be given to groups who have the "greenest" tables.
It could be a Global Green Promotion, demonstrating what goes into a family meal. We could educate people about grocery store/farmer's market shopping habits---products we choose and how we carry groceries home, to the dinnerware at the table, then to waste disposal.
This would involve everyone---tourists, 2nd homeowners, Latinos, all cultures, all ages. It would incorporate green awareness, and EDUCATE all of us about each other and how to be gentle with our environment.
Piggybacking with the immensely successful Park Silly Market would be another tourism draw for Old Town and demonstrate our community commitment to diversity and environmentalism.
Maybe there would be an entrance fee, waived by a stamp from taking public transportation.
We'd be bringing our dining rooms to Main Street. There would be a limit to the number of tables, so restaurants would be on board. Draw people to witness the spectacle and spend money in Main Street eateries.
Tables and chairs would be provided, and each party would supply tablecloths, place settings, foods with a theme, and ambience. We'd need to have a permit for BYO beverages.
Outreach would get participation from different sectors of our community.
I know I would love to participate--go to the Silly Market with friends and family and bring a fabulous spread for afterwards. Educate, entertain, and mange, mange mange : )
We would promote the Flavors of Park City. We could sell reusable grocery bags with that logo, and have Recycle Utah present with a composting demo/sale.
We could also sell resusable Flavors of Park City water bottles and provide large water dispensers at each event. Small fee for people with their own containers, and no fee for people with the Flavors bottles. And ZERO cups available for distribution.
We would knock out bags, water bottles, Latino outreach, 2nd homeowner outreach, transportation awareness, walkability, waste disposal, green awareness---all in one fell swoop!!!
It would be a brand new idea that would incorporate projects that are already being worked on by many other organizations in town. Hmmmm....or yummmmmmmm....
Annette's
I also love the reusable bag idea, maybe we could get some made up and either sell or give them away! Maybe we could sell them at the Silly Market! I do think our project should be something that we can start and finish in a couple of months, but it should be something that will last for years to come. With that in mind, my two ideas of a dog park and TAG project wouldn’t fit into that very well, as they would be long term projects or take just too long to facilitate. Maybe as we all look at that list, there are others that also seem a bit unreachable for the short time period that we have.
Not that I am obsessed with dog poo to be bringing it up again, but every time I clean up after my dogs, I wonder just how long that smelly little time capsule is going to sit in a landfill. Maybe a more earth friendly or biodegradable dog poo bag is in order? Maybe they already are and I don’t know?
I look forward to the 24th, see you all then……..
Annette
Not that I am obsessed with dog poo to be bringing it up again, but every time I clean up after my dogs, I wonder just how long that smelly little time capsule is going to sit in a landfill. Maybe a more earth friendly or biodegradable dog poo bag is in order? Maybe they already are and I don’t know?
I look forward to the 24th, see you all then……..
Annette
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
me again...
it's less than 5 minutes after my last post, but i just read a comment made a while back that asked if those of us in the green building arena had anything to say regarding niches (i'm not sure whose post it was - there was no name attached)
anyway, bo and i attended a seminar today titled "new concepts in heating and cooling"
we discussed many systems - solar electric, solar thermal, geothermal, etc. (which is a little funny since those are sort of age old forms of temperature control)
but, one gentleman mentioned that utah is the second best (if not the best) place in north america to produce solar energy.
we do not currently take advantage of this. park city spent alot of time and$ of buying wind power -and a major shout out to those who implemented such a great renewable energy credit plan!!!! - but we neglected and still neglect the energy that we could produce locally - solar (and geothermal)
at this time, both systems are costly to implement. the investment is recovered after a number of years, but the start-up overhead is high. additionally, this city/state/country does not incentivize such responsible action.
i know that the park city historic code makes it very difficult to apply panels in old town, but i'm not certain about greater pc.
if we could get the city to promote solar (or, like in my dreams, have them install a district net) we could reduce our dirty coal consumption (93% or so of utah's energy is from coal fired plants) as a community and preserve our ski based economy.
good night all
kaitlin
anyway, bo and i attended a seminar today titled "new concepts in heating and cooling"
we discussed many systems - solar electric, solar thermal, geothermal, etc. (which is a little funny since those are sort of age old forms of temperature control)
but, one gentleman mentioned that utah is the second best (if not the best) place in north america to produce solar energy.
we do not currently take advantage of this. park city spent alot of time and$ of buying wind power -and a major shout out to those who implemented such a great renewable energy credit plan!!!! - but we neglected and still neglect the energy that we could produce locally - solar (and geothermal)
at this time, both systems are costly to implement. the investment is recovered after a number of years, but the start-up overhead is high. additionally, this city/state/country does not incentivize such responsible action.
i know that the park city historic code makes it very difficult to apply panels in old town, but i'm not certain about greater pc.
if we could get the city to promote solar (or, like in my dreams, have them install a district net) we could reduce our dirty coal consumption (93% or so of utah's energy is from coal fired plants) as a community and preserve our ski based economy.
good night all
kaitlin
Mike Thuman's
what? who me? yes, still alive but in Washington DC this week. A couple of thoughts:
-what we should be doing is coming up with lots of ideas without judging or processing each one in detail so I'd say we should have at least 31 ideas up there.
-an actual brainstorming session in person might be a good idea. maybe we are going to be doing that in the next meeting but generally brainstorming has certain ground rules and by doing it in person, the energy and creativity of the process and people, gets more ideas down on paper.
-after all that, we have to apply some criteria, like what our overall objective is and would the concept be SMART (specific, measureable, achievable, relevant and time related)
I'd be glad to faciliate the brainstorming session but I got the sense that maybe that's what Lisa was intending on doing March 24.
For the record, I'll throw in a few brainstorm ideas:
1. Learning is Cool and Drive for Excellence campaign in PC schools: with classroom sizes growing and already too large, more resources are needed in the schools to help with math, reading, art and music (both really weak compared to other parts of the country) etc. Collaborate with the schools on areas of greatest need and put 31 flaves to work in their area of interest and passion.
1a. The Future is Yours-similar idea to #1, make 31 flaves available to the schools to talk about what each of us does, the education choices we took and did not take, the career experiences that each has had, our advice. Ski bum is a valid career choice!
2. Walkability Starts Now-
take the bus, ride your bike, walk the whole distance but when you come to a cross walk, do drivers know that its illegal to continue through the cross walk if a pedestrian has started into the cross walk.
As a few of you know, I walk my kids to school whenever I'm home and cars don't stop at the crosswalk. Even when the principal sends out letters to parents alerting them to cross walk safety there are parents that drop their kids and then blow through the busy crosswalk. Orange flags are interesting, flashing lights maybe, bridges/tunnels won't be everywhere but a campaign that broadly changes the understanding of the law and changes the thinking of drivers would make PC and Utah a leader in walkability and safety. Whenever I go to California, they seem to respect the crosswalk, we don't seem to have the same respect.
regards
mike
-what we should be doing is coming up with lots of ideas without judging or processing each one in detail so I'd say we should have at least 31 ideas up there.
-an actual brainstorming session in person might be a good idea. maybe we are going to be doing that in the next meeting but generally brainstorming has certain ground rules and by doing it in person, the energy and creativity of the process and people, gets more ideas down on paper.
-after all that, we have to apply some criteria, like what our overall objective is and would the concept be SMART (specific, measureable, achievable, relevant and time related)
I'd be glad to faciliate the brainstorming session but I got the sense that maybe that's what Lisa was intending on doing March 24.
For the record, I'll throw in a few brainstorm ideas:
1. Learning is Cool and Drive for Excellence campaign in PC schools: with classroom sizes growing and already too large, more resources are needed in the schools to help with math, reading, art and music (both really weak compared to other parts of the country) etc. Collaborate with the schools on areas of greatest need and put 31 flaves to work in their area of interest and passion.
1a. The Future is Yours-similar idea to #1, make 31 flaves available to the schools to talk about what each of us does, the education choices we took and did not take, the career experiences that each has had, our advice. Ski bum is a valid career choice!
2. Walkability Starts Now-
take the bus, ride your bike, walk the whole distance but when you come to a cross walk, do drivers know that its illegal to continue through the cross walk if a pedestrian has started into the cross walk.
As a few of you know, I walk my kids to school whenever I'm home and cars don't stop at the crosswalk. Even when the principal sends out letters to parents alerting them to cross walk safety there are parents that drop their kids and then blow through the busy crosswalk. Orange flags are interesting, flashing lights maybe, bridges/tunnels won't be everywhere but a campaign that broadly changes the understanding of the law and changes the thinking of drivers would make PC and Utah a leader in walkability and safety. Whenever I go to California, they seem to respect the crosswalk, we don't seem to have the same respect.
regards
mike
Composting, bags and ideas to follow...
howdy ya'll...
good getting to work on this conversation - the blog is super and i think the soliciting emails just might be working.
i have a small number of ideas that are not quite ready to be articulated, so tonight i will just speak to two that were mentioned:
city-wide composting and the elimination of plastic bags - both noble endeavors.
san francisco has a very successful organic waste collection - i think if a huge city can implement such a system, that surely park city could meet that goal. i have, however, spoken at length with insa at recycle utah regarding this idea and the development of a city-wide management plan for the "disposal"/recycling of organic waste. for some reason, the super woman that is insa believes this to be an unattainable goal at this time. (and i know that she has introduced the idea to certain city officials)
perhaps if we all jump on the natural waste train together we could get enough momentum to support a city-wide compost. i just think that if we embark on this path, we must start with a conversation with insa and the folks at recycle utah.
onto plastic bags:
many cities in europe charge the customer for plastic bags - ANY plastic bag, not just the durable one that we americans consider worthy of sale. i believe that this is how it must be if one is to actually think of the resources they use each time they leave the store with a new plastic bag, a free, fragile and disposal bag. the fee is small, like $0.25, but, like alison said,it would add up quickly. i don't think that this system would deter customers from the grocery store, but that if would act as a solid reminder to bring your own bag. if we did plan to supply reusable, more durable bags, i don't believe that all stores would need to offer them. in fact, i think that small stores would actually benefit from not having to stock so many wasteful bags.
i heard on the radio recently that the number one complaint of tourists and locals alike is park city traffic.
i do believe that this is rapidly becoming a major problem in our little community and i don't believe that local walkability is going to even begin to make a impact on the congested situation (NOT to belittle the walkability, safe street mission - i'm a huge supporter!!! - i just think we need more) and, mike, i like the mention of raising awareness of crosswalk conduct.
i hesitated bringing this up, as i'm not proposing a project, or a solution out at this time; but, i wanted to get you all to start thinking about this issue. i find it to be a dually environmental and humanitarian sickness. one that park city must start paying attention to.
oh, my, sorry for the length of this post.
and julie - i'm bummed to have missed arte latino on saturday, my family was in town and i simply couldn't round up the troops - i heard it was wonderful!
thanks all!!
kaitlin
good getting to work on this conversation - the blog is super and i think the soliciting emails just might be working.
i have a small number of ideas that are not quite ready to be articulated, so tonight i will just speak to two that were mentioned:
city-wide composting and the elimination of plastic bags - both noble endeavors.
san francisco has a very successful organic waste collection - i think if a huge city can implement such a system, that surely park city could meet that goal. i have, however, spoken at length with insa at recycle utah regarding this idea and the development of a city-wide management plan for the "disposal"/recycling of organic waste. for some reason, the super woman that is insa believes this to be an unattainable goal at this time. (and i know that she has introduced the idea to certain city officials)
perhaps if we all jump on the natural waste train together we could get enough momentum to support a city-wide compost. i just think that if we embark on this path, we must start with a conversation with insa and the folks at recycle utah.
onto plastic bags:
many cities in europe charge the customer for plastic bags - ANY plastic bag, not just the durable one that we americans consider worthy of sale. i believe that this is how it must be if one is to actually think of the resources they use each time they leave the store with a new plastic bag, a free, fragile and disposal bag. the fee is small, like $0.25, but, like alison said,it would add up quickly. i don't think that this system would deter customers from the grocery store, but that if would act as a solid reminder to bring your own bag. if we did plan to supply reusable, more durable bags, i don't believe that all stores would need to offer them. in fact, i think that small stores would actually benefit from not having to stock so many wasteful bags.
i heard on the radio recently that the number one complaint of tourists and locals alike is park city traffic.
i do believe that this is rapidly becoming a major problem in our little community and i don't believe that local walkability is going to even begin to make a impact on the congested situation (NOT to belittle the walkability, safe street mission - i'm a huge supporter!!! - i just think we need more) and, mike, i like the mention of raising awareness of crosswalk conduct.
i hesitated bringing this up, as i'm not proposing a project, or a solution out at this time; but, i wanted to get you all to start thinking about this issue. i find it to be a dually environmental and humanitarian sickness. one that park city must start paying attention to.
oh, my, sorry for the length of this post.
and julie - i'm bummed to have missed arte latino on saturday, my family was in town and i simply couldn't round up the troops - i heard it was wonderful!
thanks all!!
kaitlin
Just FYI
My fifth grade daughter Emma came home today and told me Recycle Utah was at Parleys Park today. What did my fifth grader remember, "Mom we should stop using plastic bags at the grocery store"! Recycle Utah would be a terrific partner if we go the bag route.
I just had a glass and half of some yummy red wine. Time for bed. Night.
Maddy
My fifth grade daughter Emma came home today and told me Recycle Utah was at Parleys Park today. What did my fifth grader remember, "Mom we should stop using plastic bags at the grocery store"! Recycle Utah would be a terrific partner if we go the bag route.
I just had a glass and half of some yummy red wine. Time for bed. Night.
Maddy
Better Bottles and Bags
As I look over the many posts (thanks Megan for the summary of ideas) I see a lot of great possibilities. And while surely our processing at the next Monday will grant more clarity I see momentum in environmental stewardship direction. Maybe it'd be too big to combine the initiatives but what about a 'better bottles and bags' campaign. The city's decision to be responsible with water bottles could be lifted up and we could try to build on that. As far as the bags we would have to take an angle that addresses the additional cost and/or the perceived inconvenience.
As much as the environmental responsible options are compelling, I'd love to see our efforts behind an idea that helps out a group of people be it youth or any demographic.
I'll keep thinking. When it comes down to what we decide, I'm up for composing some catchy little rhyming song to infiltrate people's minds for good.
A difference will be made, of this I am sure-
Russ
As much as the environmental responsible options are compelling, I'd love to see our efforts behind an idea that helps out a group of people be it youth or any demographic.
I'll keep thinking. When it comes down to what we decide, I'm up for composing some catchy little rhyming song to infiltrate people's minds for good.
A difference will be made, of this I am sure-
Russ
No more plastic bags!
I think that trying to reduce the use of plastic bags is a great idea.
The company that I work for used reusable bags made from recycled plastic last year as part of a marketing promotion (we put our brand names on the bags and gave them away for free at our key retail stores). The bags fold up on themselves and secure with velcro so they fit easily in a handbag.
The bags are relatively inexpensive when purchased in larger quantities and can be recycled. I will try to locate the vendor and pricing information before our next meeting. The costs could always be offset by potentially placing sponsoring logos on them.
I have used the bags for more than a year and they are very durable (I hang them on the handle bars of my bike and not one has ripped). Also, the Park City Market and Albertsons both offer a discount when you bring your own bag (it's only 5 cents a bag, but it could add up if you consider the number of visits to a grocery store each year).
Alison
The company that I work for used reusable bags made from recycled plastic last year as part of a marketing promotion (we put our brand names on the bags and gave them away for free at our key retail stores). The bags fold up on themselves and secure with velcro so they fit easily in a handbag.
The bags are relatively inexpensive when purchased in larger quantities and can be recycled. I will try to locate the vendor and pricing information before our next meeting. The costs could always be offset by potentially placing sponsoring logos on them.
I have used the bags for more than a year and they are very durable (I hang them on the handle bars of my bike and not one has ripped). Also, the Park City Market and Albertsons both offer a discount when you bring your own bag (it's only 5 cents a bag, but it could add up if you consider the number of visits to a grocery store each year).
Alison
Bag Ladies & Gentlemen
Hi Flavs.
Regarding Maddy's response, I was chatting with Margaret from Clear Channel yesterday. Apparently, at her Whole Foods, they offered her a .99 bag, which she bought. Then, the .99 could be deducted from her grocery bill OR donated to recycling.
The one glitch I see, and it is a very small one, but working with Wal Mart on their expansion through planning commission, I've been thinking a lot about their clients. There are people in our community who can't afford the extra .99. Perhaps we could raise money to donate extra bags. . .this is a problem to be solved.
BUT, there are people who shop at Wal Mart who can . . . we need to raise EVERYONE'S awareness. People need the education until it finally clicks and they do it.
Clear Channel is already working with either Smiths or Albertsons in Salt Lake City, so they can help us with that chain.
I think it will be more difficult with some of our smaller stores -- because of the cost.
NOW, I have NO idea about the costs. However, I'll email Margaret since she's done a bunch of research and see if she can send it along to us.
MicaJAH, I'll need your help to BLOG it. Otherwise, it's going out regular email.
Another thing is reminding the people who already have bags to keep them in their car and ready to use.
As far as "going big, or going home," well . . .maybe we have special 31 FLAVOR bags designed.
I think, regardless of if we do this project, we should, as a class, commit to bags. There's a guy in town that makes organic t-shirts. . .I'm meeting with him to do my job (beg for money and or an in-kind donation) and I'll ask about bags.
IS ANYONE AN ARTIST? (Besides Andrew????)
Hugs,
Julie
Regarding Maddy's response, I was chatting with Margaret from Clear Channel yesterday. Apparently, at her Whole Foods, they offered her a .99 bag, which she bought. Then, the .99 could be deducted from her grocery bill OR donated to recycling.
The one glitch I see, and it is a very small one, but working with Wal Mart on their expansion through planning commission, I've been thinking a lot about their clients. There are people in our community who can't afford the extra .99. Perhaps we could raise money to donate extra bags. . .this is a problem to be solved.
BUT, there are people who shop at Wal Mart who can . . . we need to raise EVERYONE'S awareness. People need the education until it finally clicks and they do it.
Clear Channel is already working with either Smiths or Albertsons in Salt Lake City, so they can help us with that chain.
I think it will be more difficult with some of our smaller stores -- because of the cost.
NOW, I have NO idea about the costs. However, I'll email Margaret since she's done a bunch of research and see if she can send it along to us.
MicaJAH, I'll need your help to BLOG it. Otherwise, it's going out regular email.
Another thing is reminding the people who already have bags to keep them in their car and ready to use.
As far as "going big, or going home," well . . .maybe we have special 31 FLAVOR bags designed.
I think, regardless of if we do this project, we should, as a class, commit to bags. There's a guy in town that makes organic t-shirts. . .I'm meeting with him to do my job (beg for money and or an in-kind donation) and I'll ask about bags.
IS ANYONE AN ARTIST? (Besides Andrew????)
Hugs,
Julie
Monday, March 10, 2008
Thanks Megan for your easy sign on steps! I am finally aboard.
I absolutely love Julie's idea. It's tapping into the sentiments in my house. Just this week my husband brought up again that we really need to buy canvas bags for the grocery store. Lot's of people say really should but I am excited about actually making the change and bringing the whole town along with us! I also think this has an even bigger scope than Park City. If we can show how to make an entire community make this change then I believe we can inspire other communities to do the same.
Love it!
Maddy
I absolutely love Julie's idea. It's tapping into the sentiments in my house. Just this week my husband brought up again that we really need to buy canvas bags for the grocery store. Lot's of people say really should but I am excited about actually making the change and bringing the whole town along with us! I also think this has an even bigger scope than Park City. If we can show how to make an entire community make this change then I believe we can inspire other communities to do the same.
Love it!
Maddy
It is that easy, bein' green when you're a flav
Hey all!
Okay, I'm switching gears and going back to the environment. What if we were the class that eliminated plastic bags from WalMart to Whole Foods to the Back Street Deli?
Seriously, I had a meeting with Clear Channel regarding the Arts Festival. They have a GREEN TEAM. They are working to eliminate plastic bags and plant trees.
So, if we design a campaign in Summit County to eliminate plastic bags and ensure that retailers/grocers provide reusable options, we can get PSAs on Clear Channel stations (they now have 6 broadcasting in our area) and space in their booth at the Arts Festival to educate people. (Okay, I have a little pull there, we could get our own space anyway to educate people.) BUT, they have corporate sponsors and connections that will be valuable.
What do you think? What about being the class that eliminates plastic bags?
Hugs,
Julie
Okay, I'm switching gears and going back to the environment. What if we were the class that eliminated plastic bags from WalMart to Whole Foods to the Back Street Deli?
Seriously, I had a meeting with Clear Channel regarding the Arts Festival. They have a GREEN TEAM. They are working to eliminate plastic bags and plant trees.
So, if we design a campaign in Summit County to eliminate plastic bags and ensure that retailers/grocers provide reusable options, we can get PSAs on Clear Channel stations (they now have 6 broadcasting in our area) and space in their booth at the Arts Festival to educate people. (Okay, I have a little pull there, we could get our own space anyway to educate people.) BUT, they have corporate sponsors and connections that will be valuable.
What do you think? What about being the class that eliminates plastic bags?
Hugs,
Julie
Reaching out to Latino Community
Hey Flavs!
I hope you all had a great weekend!
I did some more research on the Latino Outreach Project. It seems like it is hard to get adults involved (as I mentioned earlier there are a bunch of programs for kids). Supposedly there have been a few attempts to get them more involved, but nothing has worked very well, supposedly. I have heard comments like "they are too proud" but also learned something new, that I think is the cause for them not wanting to be involved: Many are illegal immigrants. They work 2 or 3 jobs and don't have time, or are afraid to sign up for anything "official" like an ESL class,or attending community events.
As far as illegal immigration goes, we all know that this is not only a political problem, but also economic, because businesses in PC are obviously hiring illegal immigrants.
I am very much in favor of trying to do something for the Latino Community. When we did our little exercise at the last meeting, all of you were so excited about PC's community: "quality people," "quality liefstyle" etc. So what about that part of our community? Are they taking part in all the free events that we are so excited about?
At Aspen Villas, one of the affordable housing complexes in town, they have done a lot of outreach, together with city departments, for example with the Police. Maybe we can learn from them and implement a program like that at many of the other apartments where mostly Latinos live.
Let me know what you think about this.
Many thanks, Johanna
I hope you all had a great weekend!
I did some more research on the Latino Outreach Project. It seems like it is hard to get adults involved (as I mentioned earlier there are a bunch of programs for kids). Supposedly there have been a few attempts to get them more involved, but nothing has worked very well, supposedly. I have heard comments like "they are too proud" but also learned something new, that I think is the cause for them not wanting to be involved: Many are illegal immigrants. They work 2 or 3 jobs and don't have time, or are afraid to sign up for anything "official" like an ESL class,or attending community events.
As far as illegal immigration goes, we all know that this is not only a political problem, but also economic, because businesses in PC are obviously hiring illegal immigrants.
I am very much in favor of trying to do something for the Latino Community. When we did our little exercise at the last meeting, all of you were so excited about PC's community: "quality people," "quality liefstyle" etc. So what about that part of our community? Are they taking part in all the free events that we are so excited about?
At Aspen Villas, one of the affordable housing complexes in town, they have done a lot of outreach, together with city departments, for example with the Police. Maybe we can learn from them and implement a program like that at many of the other apartments where mostly Latinos live.
Let me know what you think about this.
Many thanks, Johanna
Maddy's comment
I feel most passion for the environmental projects. I also much prefer that we leave our legacy not so much by what we do, but how we get individuals to make a change that will make a big difference in the community. I think it is a worthy goal to empower people to take responsibility for issues by giving them a way to
make a realistic change. Our challenge is how to do that and then be able to
measure the results.
Thanks,
Maddy
make a realistic change. Our challenge is how to do that and then be able to
measure the results.
Thanks,
Maddy
Sunday, March 9, 2008
These Ideas are soo awesome!!!
Hey guys!! So many project ideas, they are all sooo awesome!! I just figured out how to use this, so, sorry about not making comments earlier!!
I love the environmental theme!! A few things that I think would be awesome:
I like the idea of organic waste stuff
At the highschool we have an environmental club and we had an idea of getting plastic shopping bags outlawed... they are soo harmful to the environment... they have outlawed them in San Francisco already...
Can't wait for the discussion at the next meeting!! :)
Lindsey
I love the environmental theme!! A few things that I think would be awesome:
I like the idea of organic waste stuff
At the highschool we have an environmental club and we had an idea of getting plastic shopping bags outlawed... they are soo harmful to the environment... they have outlawed them in San Francisco already...
Can't wait for the discussion at the next meeting!! :)
Lindsey
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Hail to the Flavs!
You guys are awesome!! This is truly amazing. Never underestimate the power of a group of exceptionally bright, impassioned people. Our session in March will be a breeze thanks to all of this discussion prior to getting together as a group, and I suspect that the project choices will be more meaningful to everyone as a result of thinking these through in advance. Just one thought to consider: Is everyone contributing to the discussion? Are there any voices absent? If so, who? Are you willing to reach out to those folks and invite them into the dialogue, to make sure that you are capturing the creativity, concerns, issues and wonderful ideas of everyone in the group that wants to contribute? We will do that together as a group at our next session, but is there a way to ensure that everyone has a chance to be involved now as well? Just something to add to your conversation.
Looking forward to seeing you all soon,
Lisa
Looking forward to seeing you all soon,
Lisa
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Project List
So Flaves, here's a list of what we've come up with so far:
1. Integration of Latino families
2. Jump In for Latino youths ages 10-16
3. Increased Communication/Community Visioning for Park City, Summit County, Wasatch County
4. Affordable Housing
5. Graffiti
6. Dog Park
7. Second Homeowner Integration
8. Recreational Opportunities/Carpooling for Latinos--target teens
9. Off-the-Grid Living/Green Building/Water Awareness
10. Light Rail
11. Volunteer Coordination Hub
12. Water Bottle Issue
13. Organic Waste Disposal
14. Community Gardens
15. Historical Preservation Society for Summit County
16. Plastic Bag Elimination
17. Walkability
18. The Future Is Yours--Career Days at PC schools
19. Learning Is Cool & Drive For Excellence in PC schools
20. Green community dinners on Main Street
21. 100 Solar Panels in 100 Homes/Solar City
22. Park-n-ride incentives
23. Get Out The Vote!
24. Town Hall Meetings--regularly scheduled for all to be heard
25. Annual Park City Yearbook
26. Mass transit between SLC and PC
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