I wanted to share a few things that have crossed my desk recently, some regarding Memphis directly, and another pertaining to other cities which might have relevance here.

  • The first deals with city-level initiatives regarding energy efficiency and renewable energy as covered in Yes! Magazine, which is worth a read and a bookmark. Transition Towns are those looking to move toward low-carbon economies, and there is no formula or prescription but rather the locality decides for itself what they want to work on. With the Copenhagen talks still fresh in everyone’s mind, it’s important to note that not all change  happens from the top down, from heads of state and international leaders. Rather, innovation of good ideas can come from towns and cities, and citizens and diffuse throughout the country. Sustainable Shelby is such an initiative. Additionally, the U.S. Conference of Mayors just met in Washington, D.C. and the issues of sustainability and livability were on the agenda. It’s conferences and gatherings like that where fresh ideas are shared and discussed.
  • The next one deals with one local family’s connection to the recent earthquake in Haiti. Prior to the catastrophe, the Moore family had taken in Saulin Noel, a youngster from Haiti who was in Memphis for surgery through Childspring International. Katie Moore describes her and her family’s role in nurturing Saulin not only through the surgery which was scheduled prior to the earthquake, but in locating his family as well as the family of another child for whom they cared previously. As the saying goes, to whom much is given, much is required. To do good when no one is looking is to be a true s/hero.
  • Finally, I hope everyone is taking the opportunity to read Going Green every Sunday in the Commercial Appeal. Thus far I’ve written two articles, most recently on January 17 about using biobased products for energy efficiency repairs, rather than petroleum-based products. I had the opportunity to talk with a very interesting farmer/insulation installer from Mississippi who occupies a unique position along the regional biobased supply chain. Going Green is an eco-friendly publication and is online only. The Green Jobs Memphis blog is also being resuscitated, with news updates throughout the week as well as links to regional studies and reports, conferences and happenings.