Draft Concept Paper
· With help from the Mid-Michigan Program for Greater Sustainability, an Advisory Team, and others, the Green Star Initiative, is evolving in to help promote sustainability-related ideas, projects, organizations, dialogue, and progress in the Greater Lansing Region.
· The Green Star Advisory Team represents local leaders involved and interested in “greening” the Tri-County area.
· Potential Outcomes (suggested by the Advisory Team):
o A network of people involved and interested in sustainability and related topics including an e-mail list.
o A list of “Green Star” projects, organizations, people, etc.
o Recognition of one or more “Green Stars” at the annual Tri-County Environmental Leadership Awards.
o Checklists to help others improve the eco-efficiency of their buildings, facilities, landscapes, lifestyles, etc.
o “Badges” or ways to identify expertise or accomplishments (water, landscaping, LEED, food, energy, community, etc.) on the list. This might help with referrals, media stories, etc.
o A map, building on the Capital Area Green Map identifying “Green Stars” in the region.
o Media outreach such as a “Green Column” in the City Pulse, Episodes on the Green Show, etc.
o A discussion group/forum at http://ideas.midmichigansustainability.org (please sign in and register on this site if you haven’t) and other connections on the regional www.midmichigansustainability.org (under development).
o Collaborative promotion of “green events” on a regional calendar at the site above and/or this Green Calendar: http://recycle.meridian.mi.us/greencalendar
o Simple ways to join (see form here) the network/email list and add Green Stars.
o Other? (more ideas will come up)
· Participation in the network and Green Star List is not exclusively limited to “sustainability” efforts, and will hopefully include non-traditional and creative approaches to improving quality of life and positive change.
NEXT STEPS
· Suggestion for “Green Star Network” , the Advisory Team, and/or Green Star Awards are welcome. A draft website and nomination form has been created: www.mygreenstar.org
· News releases, factsheets, video shows, Tweets, etc. will be used to promote the effort and individual Green Stars. There will also be links local co-sponsor websites.
· For more information about this initiative, please contact LeRoy @ 517-853-4466 or .
Version: 12/5/12