Peace and Environment News* April 1996
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Peace and Environment News * April 1996 |
Editor's Note: The Sandy Hill Conservation Co-op is a unique co-operative housing development built to incorporate environmentally-friendly features. Residents are encouraged to orient their lifestyles towards conservation. Recycling and composting facilities are provided, and interior furnishings emphasize energy conservation and clean air. Parking space for cars is minimized, and residents are encouraged to cycle or use public transit. The Conservation Co-op opened its doors last December. The following is an account from one of the residents.
by Timothy Wingate
 Conservation Co-op. |
People have been living in Conservation Co-op in Sandy Hill for four months now. Although there may be eighty-four personal reasons for each of the eighty-four households who chose to live in this community, we want to form a strong entity and work towards the goal of environmental protection and sustainable living. The spring is almost upon us, and the gush of ideas is heartening.
In this building, we are learning the best way to organize an extensive recycling program in conjunction with education in conservation consciousness. The four recycling rooms on each of the four floors are in constant use. The support we give each other is making this easier than if it was an isolated effort. There is solidarity in a common goal, and members have varied skills and background knowledge.
For example, some households have "wormers," and plans are well under way for various forms of composting. Members have been saving composting material on their balconies over the winter for use in this year's gardening cycle. Composting will be a new challenge because many members have not seen the co-op grounds without snow. The Gardening Committee is active and most eager to begin putting their planting ideas "to earth."
We have a system to deliver enviro-safe cleaning products to co-op members from a location in-house. People are already using the secure bicycle storage room.
Most of us have changed our lifestyles considerably in order to live amicably here, and to date we are generally pleased. Ingrained habits acquired through years of acquisitive consumerism are hard to break, but we are patient. As in any innovative venture, the formation of a viable community has been frustrating at times. We do our share by meeting with other members and committees, exchanging fresh ideas.
We are still formulating many parts of the organization structure. The committees are always changing to allow for maximum participation of members. This new home of ours in Sandy Hill will enable us, we hope, to devise new thinking processes and reap the fruits of our efforts at Conservation Co-op.
Timothy Wingate is a board member at Conservation Co-op.
Converted April 11, 2000 - Lg
To follow up on this article, contact the author or the organizations/individuals mentioned; do not contact the Peace and Environment Resource Centre - we cannot provide follow up or contact information. This article is an archival copy of the printed one in the Peace and Environment News (PEN). Viewpoints expressed should not be taken to represent the opinions of the Peace and Environment Resource Centre, the PEN, or our supporters.
