Chattanooga Green Committee Meeting – Earth Day, April 22nd:
WHAT: Chattanooga Green Community Commitment Event
WHEN: April 22nd, 5:30-8:00 pm
WHERE: UTC, University Center, Tennessee and Chattanooga Rooms
WHY: To enlist local citizens in volunteering their time and skills in the implementation the Chattanooga Climate Action Plan.
In April of 2008 the Chattanooga Green Committee hosted the Chattanooga Green Visioning Event. At this event 500 citizens were asked to envision a more sustainable city. Over 1000 ideas were generated that night. Ultimately these ideas became the Chattanooga Climate Action Plan (available at http://www.chattanooga.gov.ChattanoogaGreen ).
One year later the community will again come together. This time they will be asked to commit to an active and vital role in the implementation of the Climate Action Plan. The event will be the first step in mobilizing passionate individuals to lower the City’s carbon footprint, increase energy efficiency, reduce waste and improve our quality of life. Citizens will be asked to join an “Action Team” focused on the topic of their choice.
“Now is a great time to step up and volunteer to help bring to life to one of the 47 potential actions,” said Green Committee Chair Gene Hyde. “Many people have asked us how to get involved and this is the time and place to learn more and to sign up.”
The meeting will take an open house format. Participants can stop by between the hours of 5:30 pm and 8 pm to sign up and take part in the Chattanooga Green movement. Short briefings will take place at 5:30 and 6:45. The community is encouraged to attend these briefings, however, staff and volunteers will be available throughout the evening to answer questions and assist. (See the attached flyer)
Communities throughout the United States are becoming aware of the impact they have on the global environment. Many fear that the battle against global warming will hinder development and adversely impact quality of life. However, experience now shows that opportunity lies in the development of sustainable communities. Green business is booming, jobs are being created and quality of life is improving. Additionally, volunteer rates are on the rise as people are responding to calls to create communities that will better serve all citizens and generations. The Chattanooga Green Community Commitment Event will give the citizens of Chattanooga the opportunity to dedicate to that change locally.
Citizens can sign up to be apart of Action Teams that include energy conservation, alternative energy, waste reduction, green buildings, recycling and waste, sustainable industrial practices, smart growth, food and agriculture, transportation, air quality, biodiversity, green infrastructure, urban and regional forests, water quality and quantity, community awareness and participation, business participation, government policy and purchasing, and schools.
The event is part of the National Climate Conversation. Through the conversation hundreds of communities will engage citizens in discussions to drive dialogues about climate action opportunities. Please RSVP at http://www.climateconversation.org/
Karen Hundt 423-668-2266 Hundt_karen@mail.chattanooga.gov
Brad McAllister 423-668-2274 Mcallister_b@mail.chattanooga.gov
For more information contact:
