After years of collaboration on other important issues, neighbors are now coming together to focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy.
In 2008, citizens of St. Anthony Park gathered at Micawber’s Books to discuss Pat Murphy’s Plan C: Community Survival Strategies for Peak Oil and Climate Change. Murphy reveals that 60% of energy consumption results from food, housing, and transportation. To spread word of this new priority, key members formed an organizing committee, talked with friends, wrote commentaries in the Park Bugle, hosted educational events, and worked with the community council.
2013 proved to be the decisive year. The organizing committee, which has ballooned to 18 members and meets monthly, established eight autonomous action groups: Getting Started, Reflective Circle, Sustainable Food and Land, Community Solar, Land Use Efficiency, Home Energy Curtailment, Zero Waste, and Transportation. These action groups vary in effectiveness and rely on individual motivation, but all share a common goal in becoming a transition town. According to leader Michael Russelle, a transition town is a “community that works together to reduce its carbon footprint and make a more resilient – both infrastructural and social – community from the effects of climate change.”
Currently, residents of this northwest St. Paul neighborhood are drafting statements for their 2040 vision. Primary goals include food production and conservation, waste reduction, school involvement, energy generation, transportation, and alternative housing development. Connecting north and south St. Anthony Park via land bridge and initiating a local currency represent bolder options. The committee recently hired an intern to foster relations with the Somali community. A unique solar garden is next—it’s self-financed through the community and the limited liability company doesn’t work directly with Xcel.
Leader Tim Wulling remarks that these are “neighbors working to make a neighborhood project.” Friends have been made, social networks created, and a neighborhood strengthened. Individuals can act, too, by subscribing digitally, eliminating food waste, avoiding air travel, and purchasing thoughtfully. Ultimately, Russelle’s advice to neighborhoods is “do it. It’s a fun way to activate change.” With global warming increasingly threatening, cities and neighborhoods can look to St. Anthony Park for inspiration.
Learn more about Transition Town: All St. Anthony Park at http://www.transitionasap.org.
Metro CERT provided valuable support for this Clean Energy Accelerator Rapid Assistance project. Your organization can apply for assistance from Metro CERT at https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/accelerator.
