Superbia! : 31 ways to create sustainable neighborhoods

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Easy Steps

• Sponsor community dinners.
• Establish a community newsletter, bulletin board, and community roster.
• Establish a neighborhood watch program.
• Start neighborhood investment clubs, community sports activities and restoration projects.
• Form weekly discussion groups.
• Establish neighborhood baby-sitting coop.
• Form an organic food co-op.
• Create car or van pools for commuting to and from work.
• Create a neighborhood work-share program.
• Create a mission statement.
• Create an asset inventory.

Bolder Steps

• Tear down fences: opening back yards to create communal play space and a space for neighbors to mingle and a community garden.
• Plant a community garden and orchard.
• Establish a neighborhood composting and recycling facility.
• Plant shade trees and windbreaks to create a more favorable microclimate.
• Replace asphalt and concrete with porous pavers and greenery.
• Establish a more edible landscape—incrementally remove grass in front lawns and replace with vegetables and fruit trees.
• Start a community-supported agriculture program in which neighbors “subscribe” to local organic farm’s produce.
• Create a car-share program–purchasing a van or truck for rent to community members.
• Begin community-wide retrofitting of homes and yards for energy and water efficiency.
• Solarize your homes.

Boldest Steps

• Create a community energy system.
• Establish alternative water and wastewater systems.
• Establish a more environmentally friendly transportation strategy.
• Create a common house.
• Create a community-shared office.
• Establish weekly entertainment for the community.
• Narrow or eliminate streets, converting more space to park and edible landscape, walkways and picnic areas.
• Retrofit garages and rooms in your homes into apartments or add granny flats to house students or others in need of housing.
• Establish a mixed-use neighborhood by opening a coffee shop, convenience store, and garden market.
• Promote a more diverse neighborhood.

From Dan Chiras & Dave Wann (2003). Superbia!: 31 ways to create sustainable neighborhoods. Gabriola, B.C.: New Society. This list courtesy of Terrain.org, a journal of the built and natural environments. Visit Dave Wann’s website.

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