Sustainability Advisory Committee – July 17, 2024

Sustainability Advisory Committee Meeting Recap – July 17, 2024

The Sustainability Advisory Committee convened on July 17, 2024, for a meeting open to the public via livestream and comment submission. This recap summarizes key discussions, decisions, and upcoming actions for residents interested in learning more about the city's sustainability efforts. The meeting focused on a variety of ongoing initiatives, from reducing waste to building community resilience in the face of climate change.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to updates on various working groups and projects. The Waste Reduction Working Group (Waredos) discussed the success of a recent single-use plastic campaign and considered participating in a Community Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant. A key point of discussion centered on the "Free Store" initiative, with committee members exploring options for volunteer support and better measuring its impact. Michael Totten presented research demonstrating that tree preservation and solar rooftop installations can coexist, provided responsible installation practices are followed. Updates were also given on stormwater management efforts, including tracking neighborhood matching grants and anticipating opportunities for green infrastructure improvements as part of upcoming Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) updates.

The committee received a comprehensive after-action report on the "Less Plastic Asheville" campaign, which saw over 57,000 residents engaged and more than 565 pledges to reduce single-use plastic consumption. Aurora Wynn highlighted the campaign’s success in combining social media outreach with in-person events, emphasizing the need for improved metrics to gauge future event effectiveness. Discussions also revolved around the "Elevate Asheville" project, a Climate Justice Initiative focused on co-creating a climate action toolkit with community members through listening sessions and incorporating their feedback. This project aims to foster a grassroots movement for sustainable change.

The committee formally approved the minutes from their May meeting and heard brief public comments. Steve No, a committee member, expressed appreciation for the Less Plastic Asheville campaign and underscored the urgency of addressing climate challenges. He also inquired about data related to the Asheville Edibles Map, a resource designed to connect residents with local food sources.

Looking ahead, several key action items emerged from the meeting. Committee members will review proposals for the 2024 Community Waste Reduction and Recycling Grant, with a focus on volunteer commitment to support the Free Store. Members will also closely monitor the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) update process, preparing to offer input at a leadership summit in January. The committee will continue supporting the Elevate AVL project and its community-driven climate action toolkit. Finally, plans are underway to schedule a retreat in mid-October (likely on the 15th or 16th) to further discuss these initiatives. Due to scheduling conflicts, the September meeting has been cancelled. Bridget Herring and Aurora Wynn will investigate data on views for the Asheville Edibles Map to better understand its reach.

Overall, the meeting demonstrated a commitment from the Sustainability Advisory Committee to community-led initiatives and a phased approach to tackling climate challenges. Residents can find detailed minutes of the meeting on the City website for those seeking more in-depth information.