Building Green Neighborhoods with Community Meetings in San Mateo
Recently I went to a meeting in the San Mateo County Council room for local residents interested in learning about how to green their homes. The meeting was part of a bi-monthly series called “A Taste and a Talk,” where San Mateo residents get together, eat, and talk about some green issue. This time is was “Ask an Expert: Saving Energy at Home,” featuring local green business owners and consultants.
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I went to network more than learn about building techniques, since I am a renter, but once I got there I was impressed by the meeting. There were probably 30 people in attendance and they all seemed genuinely interested. At least a third of them asked questions and many more were actually taking notes!
Amazing, a community meeting where people actually came to learn, asked questions and got answers. Not once did the panel say, “Well, we can’t really comment on that.” What a refreshing change from politics. Questions ranged from simple requests for building references to detailed questions on which water efficiency systems were best, how to retro-fit a 70’s solar water heater for optimal efficiency, and where to get salvaged wood. Great stuff.
If you don’t live in San Mateo, you may think this doesn’t apply to you. But think about how green you are, how green you want to be, and who you turn to when you have questions. Now think about how many other people are just like you and how amazing it would be to get your neighborhood into a room a few times a month just to share local know-how. Inspiring.
When you get done with all of your Holiday celebrating and it comes time for New Year’s Resolutions, make one to bring your community together to talk about whatever issue is dearest to your heart. As I said, what makes the green movement so great is the necessity for local action. When the new year comes, resolve to make it happen.
