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