Winston-Salem Leads the Way
Well on the way to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions 7% below 1990 levels, Winston Salem, under Mayor Allen Joines, has raised the bar among Cool Cities in North Carolina. The city recently completed its greenhouse gas inventory and announced plans to launch energy reduction initiatives.
Winston Salem will host Go Green Winston-Salem, a week-long fair from September 15 - 19. The event was planned by the mayor, his assistant, and several volunteers, including Elyse Jung, Cool Cities coordinator for the Foothills Group.
"More people are looking for businesses that use sustainable practices, so they can support the 'green alternative' when they make purchases," says Elyse Jung, "Going ‘green’ can help a business's bottom line. And the business community's support is vital to reaching our goals for greenhouse gas reductions."
The Foothills Group, Mayor Joines, and Winston-Salem’s City Council are proving that local governments are leading the way in combating climate change. Be sure to visit the Foothills Group at their booth during Rock the Block, the music festival that dovetails Go Green Winston Salem.
Raleigh Convention Center - LEED certified, beautiful
The City of Oaks reinforced its commitment to environmental responsibility in attaining a LEED (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design) designation for its new convention center. With floor to ceiling windows, the Raleigh Convention Center cut down proposed energy costs and earned the coveted green building certification.
In constructing an LED (light emitting diode; an eco-friendly light fixture) mural, the convention center added a beautiful, energy efficient touch to its east wall. You can watch video of the Shimmer Wall on the News & Observer website. You can read about Raleigh's Cool City history here and press coverage here.
Shape the Action Plan on Mt Island Lake
To launch the fall push of its Mt. Island Lake project, the Central Piedmont group of the Sierra Club will host a panel workshop this Saturday on how to preserve and protect Mt. Island Lake, which sustains nearly half a million people in Mecklenburg County. If preventative measures aren't taken to protect this vital resource, Mt. Island Lake will share in the troubles of what is, according to American Rivers, the "Most Endangered" river in the US, the Catawba. Join us and help formulate an action plan. (Directions, Agenda)
Presenters will include:
Rick Roti, American Forests
Rick Gaskins, the Catawba River Foundation
David Kroening, Mecklenburg County
and Cassie Moore, the Central Piedmont Community College Center for Sustainability.
Help Keep the NC Chapter on course!
The NC Chapter Executive Committee is seeking enthusiastic and qualified Sierra Club members to run for at-large seats on the Chapter’s statewide governance committee. Experience in board management, financial management, fundraising, environmental policy, or volunteer outreach efforts are especially welcome. For more information, contact Chapter Chair Pat Carstensen at pats1717@hotmail.com. To submit your name as a candidate, please send a brief (no more than 250 words) summary of your experience, interests, and goals for the Chapter by Sept 21 to info@sierraclub-nc.org. ExCom members are elected by a vote of the membership in the 4th quarter of the year.
Outings
Sat, Sep 20 White Water Rafting Trip to the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte (Medoc Group)
Join us for an one-of-a-kind white water rafting trip at the US National Whitewater Center! These fully guided raft trips take you through the heart of the USNWC 300 acre wooded facility, providing an unparalleled whitewater experience minutes from uptown Charlotte.
Fri, Oct 10 We're Planning Our Fall 2008/Spring 2009 Outing with Other Chapters (North Carolina Chapter and co-sponsored by VA/WV/GA/FL Chapters)
Expression of Interest: We're making plans for Fall 2008/Spring 2009 Trips and interested in your feedback.
Fri, Oct 24 - Sun, 26 Nantahala National Forest Work Trip - Trail Maintenance (Capital Group)
We will be doing light duty trail maintenance on London Bald and Old Road Gap Trails out of Appletree Campground.
NC Sierra Club in the News
"Winston-Salem plans focus on 'going green'" Winston-Salem Journal September 05, 2008
Mayor Allen Joines signed the U.S. Conference on Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement last year, said Erin Baker, an administrative assistant in the mayor's office. Joines is also working to reduce carbon emissions in the city by 7 percent from 1990 levels.
For N.C., offshore drilling debate hits close to home Fayetteville Observer Aug 30, 2008
“Sacrificing North Carolina’s fragile coast and tourism economy for ugly rigs and oil spills isn’t going to alleviate the pain consumers are feeling at the pump,” said Christa Wagner of the Sierra Club’s state chapter.
Can't wait for our next issue? Check out the NC SIERRA CLUB BLOG for conservation links, green tips, volunteer insights, and local and regional news relevant to all our members and supporters.