Wed 9/17 @ 8:30AM
Thu 9/18 @ 8:30AM
Announced with fanfare back in 2009, Sustainable Cleveland 2019 aims to transform the city’s approach to building a sustainable environment on multiple fronts by engaging a wide range of citizens and experts to think about ways to transform Cleveland into a greener city.
Each year, the program has focused on another area such as local food or energy efficiency. 2014 is the year of zero waste. It kicked off in January with a showcase at City Hall for businesses, organizations, and individuals working in different ways to shrink the area’s waste stream, through re-use, recycling, upcycling, and cutting consumption.
Starting in 2009, a conference in the fall has brought together people interested in working on the topic of the year, to meet like-minded people and hear what work has been done of the issue. This year’s event takes place at Public Hall on Wed 9/17 and Thu 9/18.
On Wednesday morning, following welcoming remarks from Mayor Frank Jackson (sure to be brief, given his laconic style) and city chief of sustainability Jenita McGowan, keynote speaker John Cleveland, executive director of the Boston Green Ribbon Commission, will share what is being done in Boston to address climate change through promoting clean, efficient energy use.
The morning will be devoted to a café style “Discover & Dream” session, followed by afternoon breakout sessions.
Annie Leonard, creator of The Story of Stuff project, will open Day Two, sharing the results of her two-decade investigation into the impacts of our addiction to acquiring, consuming, and discarding products. The rest of the day will feature more breakout sessions, wrap-up reports, and awards and recognition during lunch. It concludes with a bike ride for those so inclined.
Participants are expected to commit to both days, in order to carry ideas and plans back to their neighborhoods and organizations. In addition to marking the Year of Zero Waste and furthering projects that have been ongoing throughout the year, the conference will also look at next year’s topic, clean water, and begin laying the groundwork for it.
Tickets are $40; and reservations must be made by Sat 9/13.
Cleveland, OH 44114