Groundbreaking for Des Moines Demonstration Home

Construction is officially under way! Last week CHDC held a ceremonial (and actual!) groundbreaking for one of the three green affordable demonstration home projects we're working on in the Des Moines metro area.

The home will be located at 1347 Forest Avenue in the King Irving Neighborhood of Des Moines. Pictured are Emily Karsjens of COSC, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, architect Jamie Malloy of Wells + Associates, Karen Jeske of CHDC, David Downs of Double D Construction, and landscape architect Zach Zielonko, also of Wells + Associates. It has been great working with these fantastic partners!

You can visit COSC's website and CHDC's blog for more information and pictures.

Photos courtesy of Christine Hall at CHDC.

So, how many of you know Emily?

She's our Resource Manager - and waaaaaaay more than that. She turned me on to this site. I'd encourage you to check it out because she brings to top-of-mind real easy ideas towards sustainability.

Linda Mason Hunter is an expert in the way we live, specifically inside our homes, and how we can be green, clean and peachy keen.

Message today = Living sustainably is attainable and affordable. Period. What you have to add to that mix is thoughtfulness and action.

Go to it.

Photo courtesy of Flickr by xrrr

First Demonstration Home Workshop (so far)

Here are some photos, courtesy of Shelly Codner of Iowa
Waste Exchange, from our first Demonstration Home Workshop. (Thanks Shelly!)

What's that? You didn't know we're doing these?

Welllllll...here's your opportunity to sign up at our website for the great upcoming programming. We're building three different demonstration homes - in partnership with the City of West Des Moines and City of Des Moines, among other terrific sponsors.

These are real, live, in-process project homes - 2 new builds, one remodel - to clearly support the fact that Green (true green, not greenwashing) is affordable and attainable.

Sign up today - we'll see you soon!

Sharing Stories

We're taught in elementary school that sharing is good.

So share here's your opportunity to share with us your “Green” Rebuilding Iowa stories.

• Is your community planning rebuilding with sustainability in mind?
• Are you incorporating green design or green products into your home or business rebuilding efforts?
• What are the challenges and successes you’re experiencing?

We’ll gladly be posting your responses so they can be shared across the state and region.

Thanks - and keep going green.

Photo courtesy of Flickr by Danarah

What's In A Name

Center On Sustainable Communities!
I love a name that causes pause and encourages action.
What makes a sustainable community? We all do.
Every action we chose has the capacity to reinforce this notion.

Whether I center on the environment by taking my children for a walk in the woods or using my own cup each time I purchase a tea before a meeting - I help sustain community and build awareness.

Whether I center on neighborhood by picking up litter when I walk the sidewalks and alleys, or help the person next door with snow removal - I help sustain community and strengthen relations.

And whether I center on healthy living by helping clients to optimize their green choices for a renovation, encouraging staff to minimize waste or decrease my carbon footprint at home - I help sustain community and align my values.

Each decision we choose has capacity to foster a strong and vibrant community that supports itself. The operation and maintenance of our homes are no exception. The decisions we make with our homes greatly influence the environment, our neighborhoods and individual well-being. How we live influences the sustainability of our communities more than we have ever realized, and the impact we can have with our homes has never been more important or critical than now.

I am grateful for the amazing base of support and educational opportunities that Center On Sustainable Communities brings to central Iowa.

Chaden Halfhill
Co-Founder & COSC Board Member

Photo courtesy of Flickr by ramgirl27

Living Green

Being green for me has been a personal and professional passion for several years now. It's nice to see these efforts becoming more mainstream.

For example, I don't feel a little foolish bringing my cloth grocery sacks to the store anymore - I'm in the majority now. With so many choices out there, sometimes it's hard to take the time to make all the little decisions and feel like they're making any difference.

I continue to remind myself that each small decision does have an impact - if anything, I'm setting a good example for my two young daughters and all the people I come in contact with on a daily basis.

For me, living green means living simply - whether it's hanging my clothes out on a clothesline, growing an herb and vegetable garden, or planning extra time to walk more places. It also means connecting with others and being an active part of my community - serving on my neighborhood association board, supporting local shops, attending outdoor events, etc.

Make a commitment today to do one thing with "green" intention - you'll feel good about yourself and good about where you live.

Beth Hicks

Co-founder and Board member

COSC

Director of Advancement Services

Keep Iowa Beautiful

Photo courtesy of Flickr by mushroomvillagers

Small Steps to Sustainability

Welcome to COSC's blog - We want to hear what you have to say about all that is green out there.

• Are you confused, overwhelmed, skeptical?
  
• With everyone jumping on board the green bandwagon these days, how do you sift through it all?
  

If you are interested in incorporating some green steps into your home but don't know where to begin, let us help you get started. Start by exploring our website.

We have green nuggets - tips for everyday living, green product info, a list of professionals who can help you with green building projects big or small, articles, links to other great websites, a calendar of local educational events, and much, much more. Emily and Ginger in our office would be happy to help you with any questions you may have or at least point you in the direction of an expert who can help.

Take a step - make some easy choices first toward a more sustainable lifestyle and you may find it's not as confusing or as limiting as you first thought.

Lynnae Hentzen

COSC Co-Founder & Executive Director

COSC's new blog!

Thanks for checking out our new blog - More to come soon!