Summertime in the Northwest brings spectacular blue skies filled with bold yellow sun. A community of gathering smiles bloom in every neighborhood. Flowers and vegetables abound, while children laugh and dance to music in the park.
I’m just returning home from a Colombia Neighborhood gathering for Music in Elizabeth Park. Colombia is one of about twelve distinct and celebrated neighborhoods in Bellingham WA. Music for all ages entertained the family crowd ranging in age from 8 months to 80 years. The park dates back to the early 20th century and is lusciously arbored with large shady deciduous trees. Summer smelled so sweet in the lingering evening sun.
On one side of the gazebo stage, a few food vendors and sustainable exhibitors set up. The ice cream vendor featured homemade blueberry/raspberry ice and ice cream made from local organic grown produce. The Thai Cuisine was done with all local and organic vegetables. Even the kettle corn was local grown. All the plastic wear was made of bio-degradable and compostable corn-starch plastic. Everything was completely recyclable or compostable. Friendly neighbors were manning the trash cans to help you make sure you were properly placing your trash.
The coolest little sustainable exhibit touted the new local “be cool, stop global warming now” project. They were promoting ideas to reduce the carbon footprint of each neighborhood with each household pledging to make simple lifestyle changes like unplugging appliances and maintaining the family car more frequently. Neighbors are encouraged to log onto www.imcool.info to update a data base tracking changes in the carbon footprint of each neighborhood.
Ahhh, summer sun, community fun and savin carbon tons….this is livin!
Posted by mukeymon 
