Simple Living with Wanda Urbanska

Wanda's Diary Entries

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

What a transformational workshop David Johnston presented yesterday to over 115—homeowners, builders, realtors, contractors, students and just interested folks—at the Mount Airy Elk’s Lodge. A number of folks who are hard at work on the green remodel of Simple Living’s Sunflower House attended—our electrical contractor, our general contractor. A faithful Rotarian who serves on the board of the Gilmer-Smith Foundation here in town came. Even my octogenarian mother turned up. A number of people commented, “Thank you for making it so affordable.” At $45 for the full day, including a continental breakfast, full buffet lunch and afternoon snack—to say nothing of the content—it was a steal. Several interested parties called and asked if we’d left a “0” off the $45.

They came from far and near, from Charlotte, Raleigh and Boone; they came from Virginia and Tennessee to hear the green building guru from Boulder, Colorado who travels the nation and world bringing us up to speed on green building. An early proponent of green building—a person who helped to birth this movement—David could talk in his sleep about why it’s important to approach construction as “building science” and analyze every element that goes into new construction. A former builder, David knows whereof he speaks. Green building is about conserving natural resources, thus reducing pressure on landfills; green building practices save old growth forests and protects our rapidly diminishing water resources. Green building promotes indoor air quality and fosters healthier, happier living.

Folks were amazed at the turnout. David commented: “This is a bigger crowd than I often get at cities 10 times the size—or larger.” The two Mount Airy Rotary clubs sponsored 12 high school students. Surry Community College enrolled 18 students. Local builders came away saying that they could see new business opportunities in this rapidly growing and urgently needed field. It was a wonderful exercise in community building and cohesion.

We all learned so much. For my part, it was fun to work on the team that made this happen, in a short time frame: George and Greg from Surry Community College; Laura who helped with publicity; Betty Ann who put the Chamber of Commerce behind it; all the wonderful sponsors who lent their financial and emotional support: NCFI Polyurethanes; Ace Hardware/ Riverside Building Supply; United Plastics; Surry County Homebuilders; and Surry Community College.

George Sappenfield from Surry Community College urged me to make multiple announcements asking participants to turn in their nametags which are encased in plastic and can be reused. Go George! And the Mount Airy Elks Lodge served all the food on ceramic plates and used nothing but cloth napkins throughout the day. When we had to clean up a spill on the floor, a rag came out—nothing disposable. The spirit of zero waste can be downright infectious!

David and I were so busy connecting with students and sponsors and others that we didn’t get much private time to catch up. But having promoted sustainable living for more than two decades myself, and having been one who felt the compelling call of environmental issues since my childhood, it’s wonderful to find that the world is now with us, now clamoring for information.

“My role now,” David told me, “is to serve. Help others. Do my part.”

Inspiring language from an inspiring man who got us all going here in Surry County—including me!