Talk:Sustainability Subgroup

Sustainability Bootstrap Subgroup Meeting

"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."

When: March 29, 2007 – 7 pm to 9:30 pm (movie at 8:15 pm) Where: Austin Java – Barton Springs (back patio), 1608 Barton Springs Road

What is Sustainability?

Sustainability is how we derive our food, fiber, feed, fuel and fertilizer from the landbase. By using renewable energy supplies, energy efficiency, and embedded energy reduction, as well as re-configuring supply chains to use less energy, we find ways to maintain and restore the Earth such that it can in turn maintain and restore us.

Who should come?

Individuals and companies involved or interested in permaculture, green building, renewable energy and fuels, energy efficiency, composting, organics, local food, transportation, triple bottom line, water conservation, etc.. They all drive towards the same goal. What can we learn from each other? How can we work better together to bring attention to the marketplace for sustainability products and services? Can businesses cooperate/partner to create new markets/services (if deemed needed) that value conserving resources instead of exploiting them? Can we organize?

What do we want to do?

We want to explore how the disruption of price increases in energy and all its ramifications will make it possible for people to start or grow a business. How do people make cash flows to support a living/business while making our communities more sustainable? Ecosystem service markets are a start. Can we do that within Bootstrap? Can we create a Lloyd’s of London for sustainability?

How?

It must be more than speakers or policy, if that. It has to be about exchanging ideas and growth, either personal, professional or business. If it doesn’t facilitate growth, it is more likely to be abandoned. Bootstrap boards of could be formed to operate in a more confidential manner, and for bouncing ideas around or for getting opinions on your business strategy(s). The group could bring more awareness to the challenges and resources of the community. Realistic short-term actions are the desired result derived from informed discussions.

Movie Showing:

Also, we shall be showing the 56 minute movie of how Cuba dealt with an 'imposed' Peak Oil situation. See http://www.communitysolution.org/cuba.html