At the September 16 gathering of Transition Asheville, we heard Laurie Timmerman share from her decades of experience working with government, commercial, United Nations, and non-profit organizations to provide development assistance and aid to diminish hunger and poverty. They often work collaboratively, and with definite guidelines and structures to assure that funded projects can have lasting effects.             Laurie mentioned a number of organizations that she believes do good work and have significant impact in alleviating problems related to sustainability,

Electric Vehicles: the Ethical Road Transition Asheville’s June program is to be presented by Dave Erb, Retired Professor of Mechatronics Engineering at UNC Asheville. In 36 years as an automotive engineer, he has developed vehicles using gasoline, diesel, biodiesel, alcholol, natural gas, electric and *since 1986) hybrid electric powertrains.  Dave says “I plan to talk briefly about some issues related to sustainable transportation, but primarily to lead an open-ended discussion about plug-in electric vehicles and their role in a sustainable

Discussion starters: – What are ways individuals/organizations can contribute to a stronger sense of community in WNC?” – How do you typically get to know your neighbors?  – How do you feel about the claim that the proliferation of short-term rentals (AirBnB) is detrimental to the sense of community in some Asheville neighborhoods?  Hotels vs. Housing? Discussion ideas: – meet your neighbors – dog walking – traveling dinners – neighborhood potlucks – yoga together – yard sales – tool sharing

Discussion starters: – How can we loosen the hold of capitalism on our lives?” – Some transition towns in the UK and even in the US have adopted local currencies.  Do you think that’s feasible in Asheville, especially with our tourism-centered economy?  – What are the challenges, and how can we overcome those barriers? Discussion ideas: – donate hours for community projects, e.g., AMS peace garden – tax the rich! – pass universal health care – guaranteed universal minimum income?

Discussion starters: – How can individuals/organizations help limit our dependence on fossil fuel vehicles in WNC?” – How do you get to work?  – Do you feel that public transportation in Asheville is adequate?  How are we doing on the “Asheville Redefines Transit” slogan? (ART bus line) Discussion ideas: – “Power of Community”, the experience of Cuba during the oil embargo –  free ourselves from car dependence – zip cars, city car sharing option; rent for a few hours –

Discussion starters: -What can individuals and organizations do to prepare for and adapt to climate change impacts in WNC? -How do you respond to someone who says that the fight to prevent climate change is a losing battle?  – If you also feel it’s a lost cause, how do we minimize the adverse impacts of the “inevitable” climate change? Discussion ideas: – change the systems humans live under (political/economic) and think of this more than climate change – hope seen

Discussion starters: – How can individuals and organizations we’re part of help Asheville and Buncombe County reach their clean energy goals? – What can individuals do locally to support City Council’s resolution calling for the City of Asheville to power itself with 100% renewable energy by the year 2030?  Reduce carbon footprint by 80% by 2050? Discussion ideas: – Learn from countries that are already going 100% renewable, e.g., Costa Rica – Develop neighborhood microgrids with ample battery storage – Deal

FOOD RESILIENCE Discussion starters: -What measures can individuals/organizations take to assure more than a 3-day supply of food in WNC?” -Are there any food deserts in Asheville? Where? How can we address them? Discussion ideas: – Ujamaa offered mobile source of food to food deserts – Gleaners could pick up restaurant leftovers, like 12 Baskets, and feed the hungry and homeless – “Cosmetically challenged” produced that is tossed by grocery stores could also be used  -Local food waste and grocery store

Join us for Transition Asheville’s 3rd program on housing resilience. This month’s program will be a discussion entitled: “Homelessness, Thinking Outside of the Box”. We will learn about programs using refurbished containers and tiny houses and discuss what is happening in Asheville and what other possibilities exist for this area. Monday, March 18 from 6:30-8 at First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak Street, downtown Asheville