Superbia! : 31 ways to create sustainable neighborhoods (with links to resources)
[ The resources linked below are those referenced in the book, p179ff ]
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.
- USDA Alternative Farming Systems Information Center – Community Supported Agriculture
- Wilson College – Locate a CSA farm near you
- Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association
- 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.
[more links to follow]
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.
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