THE MORNING WORKSHOPS
AGRICULTURE - Pat McNiff of Southside Community Landtrust
CLEAN WATER - Clay Commons, will discuss source water protection and the future of the water supply in Rhode Island
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Workshop will focus on the transformation of the tax code away from taxing things like job production towards taxing pollution and depletion, trade/manufacturing, and the difference between prosperity and growth. Panelists are Greg Gerritt and Eric Hirsch.
EDUCATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY - This session will explore how education can be a leverage point to move toward a more sustainable society. Resources and case stories will highlight how a variety of stakeholders can link up to the sustainability efforts of higher education institutions. A short interactive exercise will allow workshop participants to talk about practical next steps for working with colleges and universities toward sustainability.
ENERGY - Photovoltaics, fuel cells, wind turbines, and more- a wide and sometimes bewildering array of technologies hold out hope for safe, clean, affordable, and sustainable energy to power our homes and businesses. Yet today these sources provide less than 1% of our region's electricity. This workshop will explore the various technologies and their benefits, the problems and issues associated with them, and provide a basis for further discussion on how we can meet more of our energy needs from sustainable sources. Panel: David Jacobson (with Narragansett Electric's Conservation and Renewable Energy Program), Mike Tennis (Board Member of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association, formerly with AllEnergy and Environmental Defense Fund), and Chris Warfel (independent consulting utility engineer, currently managing Block Island's Renewable Energy Grant Program).
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY BUILDING- This workshop will provide an introduction and overview of broad based design principles and resources for making homes and buildings more energy efficient, non-toxic and friendly for the environment. The workshop will cover ecologically friendly products, technologies and ideas for existing buildings, additions as well as new construction.
HEALTH CARE - The health care industry is not often thought of as a contributor to pollution. However, many practices within the health care industry can negatively impact public health. This workshop will explore the impacts on public health and the environment from medical waste incineration and alternative disposal options. The workshop will also focus on alternatives to some of the most dangerous things used in hospitals, such mercury containing thermometers and PVC plastics. Rhode Island's hospitals can and should be toxic free. Learn about the issues and then join Clean Water Fund's Toxic Free Hospitals Project.
POPULATION - Paul Beaudette of the Environment Council of Rhode Island and Jeff Herman of Boston Zero Population Growth will be on a panel to discuss the topic of population.
SPRAWL - An introduction to sprawl will be given, followed by a question and answer session from a panel of individuals from groups such as Grow Smart Rhode Island, Sierra Club Rhode Island Chapter, and several other sprawl fighting and awareness groups.
TRANSPORTATION - In this workshop we will explore the alternative forms of transportation that are flowering in our state, along with the successes and the challenges that face us. Panelist include: Barry Schiller, Transportation Chair of the Sierra Club Rhode Island Chapter; Ray Alexander of the Narragansett Bay Wheelmen; and a representative from RIPTA's planning department. Pedestrians, mass transit riders, bicyclists, automobile users and other transportation users are encouraged to attend and ask questions.
THE AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS
AGRICULTURE INITIATIVES IN RHODE ISLAND - Pat McNiff of Southside Community Landtrust
BUILDINGS AND ENERGY, CURRENT INITIATIVES IN RHODE ISLAND - Sustainable Buildings and Energy Our homes are one of society's largest consumers of resources and energy. At the same time, our homes are one area where many of us can take immediate action- working very locally to address global problems! What can be done to make our homes' energy use more sustainable? Where does our homes' electricity and heat come from- and where should it come from? What can we do to make our existing homes more sustainable? How can we build better homes in the first place? A panel of building and energy industry representatives will provide the basis for an at-large discussion of what steps Rhode Islanders can take -individually and collectively- to make our homes and buildings more sustainable.
DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES- This workshop will focus on ways for towns to explore alternative landuse techniques to more effectively plan for growth, prevent sprawl, protect sensitive natural resources, and promote sustainable development. Participants will learn how communities can protect their valued natural and cultural resources and will be exposed to methods to create and/or expand existing villages that concentrate new growth to avoid strip commercial and fragmented residential development. Alternative landuse ordinances will be presented that can be used as models throughout Rhode Island to encourage balanced growth.
ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLY BUSINESS IN RHODE ISLAND/RECYCLING IN RHODE ISLAND- Saprophyte and Clean Scapes will discuss the process of being an environmentally friendly business. Discussion of wood waste and techniques to manufacture products using it as a raw material. Focal points will be: energy conservation (designing around characteristics of waste) design for disassembly (creation of products whose components can be taken apart to enable reuse and or recycling) life-cycle analysis/ planned obsolescence (how long do products last and why)
GOVERNMENT AND ITS ROLE IN SUSTAINABILITY - Impediments to Sustainability in RI. Why does RI not create a sustainable society. How minority communities view this issue. Panelists are Ken Payne, Victor Cappellan, and Greg Gerritt.
URBAN REVITALIZATION - Building on the potential of an existing natural assets to promote neighborhood revitalization. Using a community led design process to promote the sustainable and productive reuse of abandoned vacant Brownfields in urban neighborhoods and promoting development of community stewardship of formerly neglected and trashed sites. Panelist include individuals from Sierra Club Rhode Island Chapter, Grow Smart Rhode Island, DARE, SWAP, and Woonasquatucket River Greenway Project.
WHY DRIVE? RHODE ISLANDERS FOR TRANSIT ALTERNATIVES - Audience includes cyclists, transit users, pedestrian advocates, physically/mentally challenged transit users, ferry users, auto drivers, many other alternative transportation users and YOU!!! How can we work together to ensure that the core needs of alternate travelers are met, including safety, job access, and more. What should we do about some of the current issues that are happening before our eyes, and are not being addressed? Attend this workshop and VOICE your concerns!!
