By Allison Macon,
USGBC-Missouri Gateway Program Committee
Do you fret over the green house gasses released every morning when you drive your car to work? Do you mutter to yourself, “Geez! Why haven’t I set up my composting system yet?” while you grind valuable nutrients down the disposal? Have you experienced anguish while watering your garden with tap water when your new rain barrel sits, uninstalled, in your garage?
If you can relate to the emotional roller coaster described above, you might be experiencing the modern phenomena known as “green guilt.”
A recent study by Call2Recycle determined American “green guilt” has doubled within the last three years and now afflicts 1/3 of Americans, regardless of age, race or gender.
That translates to roughly 104.2 million additional particles of guilt added to the atmosphere by the US alone. These particles are now dispersed within our environment, almost certainly doing terrible damage to the ozone layer. (This hasn’t been scientifically proven yet, but I’m sure studies will begin in Scandinavia soon).
Luckily, the U.S. Green Building Council – Missouri Gateway Chapter (USGBC-MO Gateway) is teaming up with St. Louis Earth Day and St. Louis Green to offer a safe and effective treatment for “green guilt.” On Tuesday, September 10th, they will present “Do It Yourself Sustainability” where local presenters will showcase their creative and inspiring DIY projects – sharing ideas for sustainable projects you can do at home to jumpstart your own personal green revolution.
Each presenter will keep up the enthusiasm by presenting in the Pecha Kucha style. PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public. It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world, inspiring creatives worldwide. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat”, it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It’s a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.
Take control over your battle with “green guilt.” Join us for this free event at the Schlafly Bottleworks at 7260 Southwest Ave St Louis, MO 63143 from 5:30 to 7:30pm on Tuesday, September 10th! Light appetizers provided.
To learn more or to RSVP, give us a call at 314-577-0225 or visit www.usgbc-mogateway.org.