3 Steps to Build a Green Community

A forum of experts discussed strategies, tips and examples of how to create a sustainable future during the 2012 Sustainability Forum at on Thursday.

The large range of information shared among the approximately 50 attendees all centered around the theme of education.

1. Start with the kids
Lisa Sachen, co-founder of Savannah’s Organic Ranch, shared stories about her daughter who turned to an organic diet while fighting cancer. The organic food, which made her feel better while undergoing treatments, became not only an outlet of relief but also a source of hope for the future. Read more about Savannah’s story here.

Savannah’s curiosity continued to grow about organic food.

“If parents buy the food, why are all the commercials for kids?” Savannah asked in response to the candy, sugar and junk food advertisements she was seeing on television.

“This was Savannah’s ah-ha moment,” Lisa said during the forum. “It was the kids who needed to learn about yummy organic food.”

From this moment on it was Savannah’s dream to open an organic ranch where children and their families could come together and learn about healthy organic eating.

Savannah died in 2007, but her parents are still dedicated to making her final wish come true. Planning has begun to build Savannah’s Organic Ranch on a 24-acre piece of property in Aliso Viejo.

Lynn Hatton, Capistrano Unified School District trustee, discussed the district’s plans to enhance education and inspire students to make sustainable life and career choices.

A STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) pilot program, which focuses on bringing new experiences and educational focus to students across the district, will begin at Newhart Middle School in Mission Viejo this fall. Eco-Stride, who organized and presented the third annual Sustainability Forum, will bring subject matter experts into classrooms to assist students in projects, which focus on energy efficiency, water conservation and materials management.

Hatton stressed the importance of promoting hands on learning—the kind of learning you “remember as an adult.” To do this Hatton hopes schools will begin partnering with companies and individuals who will bring their passion to the classroom.

“If this ignites the fire in one or two kids then it is worth it,” she said.

One of the partnerships already planned is with Savannah’s Organic Ranch and their organic school garden program. Newhart Middle School was recently named the ninth school to receive a garden from the foundation.

“We want to get the kids’ hands dirty—literally,” Lisa Sachen said.

2. Set an example
Ross Chun, CEO and Founder of Eco-stride, shared what he has learned from those working to build sustainability awareness in the community. Chun was happy to announce that to date he’s stayed true to his new year’s resolution to not use plastic grocery bags for the entire year. He said if he forgets to bring his reusable bags, he either buys a new one or carries out his groceries by hand.

“Let people see you doing the right thing and see what happens,” he said.

Transition Aliso was present at the forum encouraging attendees to sign a petition banning the use of plastic grocery bags in Aliso Viejo.

The “bag monster” made an appearance, personally thanking Chun for his bag-less efforts.

3. Smart landscaping
Jerry Rathje, from Professional Community Management, spoke about the sustainable ways to maintain landscapes. Changing landscape practices can reduce water use and maintenance requirements.

Soka University students recently planted a native plant garden on campus, which has helped reduce water use in the area. The students aimed to give the plants enough room to grow and expand to their natural size.

“A big part of sustainability is putting the right plant in the right place,” Rathje said.