Going Green is now! We, as individuals, corporations and countries can’t seem to get enough of this new catch phrase. What does “Green” mean and who’s doing it in Memphis?
Strengthening Communities
Cooper Young has been on a revitalization path since 1991 when the Cooper Young Development Corporation (CYDC) was charted and subsequently formed Cooper Young Development Corporation. The mission of this group is to improve the housing stock in the neighborhood to compliment the existing character and create affordable housing to foster a diverse community. This endeavor is largely successful and continues to grow in scope.
The latest “Green” effort, Strengthening Communities Initiatives Grant, is a partnership between the CYDC, Evergreen Historic District Association and David Arant, chair of the Department of Journalism at the University of Memphis. David received the grant based on his proposal, The Smallest User, a neighborhood-based energy-efficiency project. To learn more about this initiative please visit Strengthening Communities. Cooper Young was picked based on the neighborhoods participation interest. The following information is a voice of the collective and not necessarily the opinion of each individual.
Think “Going Green”
As a part of the initiative to create a place of quality living, a focus group from Cooper Young, of homeowners and renters, were interviewed by the University of Memphis Journalism team to gather information about energy conservation within the neighborhood. The format presented questions in hopes of getting answers targeting what Cooper Young is doing to conserve energy and go green. Out of the myriad of pointed questions, some of these are highlighted below from the perspective of the homeowner.
What does energy conservation or going green mean and why the Mid-South? The general consensus is that energy conservation means lower energy bills. When asked which phrase is preferred, energy conservation or going green, going green won with no contest. “Using the term energy conservation sounds too painful” remarked one participant. The phrase “Going Green” elicits thoughts of comfort but at the same time implies cost increase.
Tennessee is home to a wealth of natural resources from coal to water. It is also one of the most affordable places to live relative to the quality of life. The group unanimously agreed that preserving these resources for these two reasons should be a prime interest. Memphis has some of the lowest energy rates in the country. The group expressed their concerns regarding low rates stating that cheaper rates enable the end user to be less concerned with energy conservation.
Strengthening Communities
Cooper Young has been on a revitalization path since 1991 when the Cooper Young Development Corporation (CYDC) was charted and subsequently formed Cooper Young Development Corporation. The mission of this group is to improve the housing stock in the neighborhood to compliment the existing character and create affordable housing to foster a diverse community. This endeavor is largely successful and continues to grow in scope.
The latest “Green” effort, Strengthening Communities Initiatives Grant, is a partnership between the CYDC, Evergreen Historic District Association and David Arant, chair of the Department of Journalism at the University of Memphis. David received the grant based on his proposal, The Smallest User, a neighborhood-based energy-efficiency project. To learn more about this initiative please visit Strengthening Communities. Cooper Young was picked based on the neighborhoods participation interest. The following information is a voice of the collective and not necessarily the opinion of each individual.
Think “Going Green”
As a part of the initiative to create a place of quality living, a focus group from Cooper Young, of homeowners and renters, were interviewed by the University of Memphis Journalism team to gather information about energy conservation within the neighborhood. The format presented questions in hopes of getting answers targeting what Cooper Young is doing to conserve energy and go green. Out of the myriad of pointed questions, some of these are highlighted below from the perspective of the homeowner.
What does energy conservation or going green mean and why the Mid-South? The general consensus is that energy conservation means lower energy bills. When asked which phrase is preferred, energy conservation or going green, going green won with no contest. “Using the term energy conservation sounds too painful” remarked one participant. The phrase “Going Green” elicits thoughts of comfort but at the same time implies cost increase.
Tennessee is home to a wealth of natural resources from coal to water. It is also one of the most affordable places to live relative to the quality of life. The group unanimously agreed that preserving these resources for these two reasons should be a prime interest. Memphis has some of the lowest energy rates in the country. The group expressed their concerns regarding low rates stating that cheaper rates enable the end user to be less concerned with energy conservation.
It's easy to understand why they are on the green train. Concern for the environment and saving money top the list of reasons; however, it is hard to prioritize this list because the kids and peer pressure also play a valuable role in going green.
Do “Going Green”Recycle, Recycle, Recycle! Everyone within the group is doing some form of recycling either curb side or drop off at the recycling receptacles placed on the corner of Cooper and Walker Memphis Recycling. Outside of their immediate dwellings they are setting up recycling centers within the places they work.
For Cooper Young to implement doing green things they had to learn about it. Their knowledge of going green came form a variety of sources including internet, television, neighborhood association meetings, work, MLGW knowledge sheet, and other people.
To be greener the group discussed their changes in purchasing habits. Pre-cycling, which does not cost a dime, is a simple way to start. Investing in universal chargers, compact fluorescent lighting, and cloth shopping bags are just a few. Other changes not only help the environment but are better for your health for example, not using commercial grade cleaner by switching to natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda. To learn of other non-toxic cleaner ideas go to Non-toxic Cleaning Solutions. On a larger scale, some purchased hybrids or highly fuel efficient vehicles over conventional models.
Share “Going Green”
This small voice of the collective that is Cooper Young is interested in reaching out to more of the community. A quick brainstorming session revealed some clever ideas that could be implemented to get any community involved in making a sustainable difference.
Getting buy-in is the number one necessity for getting the community involved and targeting the leaders and stakeholders. To gain buy-in the group suggested sending personal invites to the community that include incentives for participation. Another approach is to hold “green” block parties that encourage recycling and offer information on other green initiatives such as Project Green Fork Project Green Fork and Revolutions Community Bike Shop Revolutions.
It is hopeful and refreshing to see a community’s sensitivity to the impact their actions are making on the world while at the same time taking steps to minimize their footprints.
To be greener the group discussed their changes in purchasing habits. Pre-cycling, which does not cost a dime, is a simple way to start. Investing in universal chargers, compact fluorescent lighting, and cloth shopping bags are just a few. Other changes not only help the environment but are better for your health for example, not using commercial grade cleaner by switching to natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda. To learn of other non-toxic cleaner ideas go to Non-toxic Cleaning Solutions. On a larger scale, some purchased hybrids or highly fuel efficient vehicles over conventional models.
Share “Going Green”
This small voice of the collective that is Cooper Young is interested in reaching out to more of the community. A quick brainstorming session revealed some clever ideas that could be implemented to get any community involved in making a sustainable difference.
Getting buy-in is the number one necessity for getting the community involved and targeting the leaders and stakeholders. To gain buy-in the group suggested sending personal invites to the community that include incentives for participation. Another approach is to hold “green” block parties that encourage recycling and offer information on other green initiatives such as Project Green Fork Project Green Fork and Revolutions Community Bike Shop Revolutions.
It is hopeful and refreshing to see a community’s sensitivity to the impact their actions are making on the world while at the same time taking steps to minimize their footprints.
1 comment:
Can I use your pic for a non-profit I am starting
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