Logistics of a Green Event

In recent years, Alternate ROOTS has increased its efforts to “green” the Annual Meeting and minimize the collective ecological footprint of a multi-day gathering with a large number of people.  Sustainability is basically the principle of providing for our needs in a manner that does not compromise meeting the needs for future generations.  But, it is also about more than environmental issues and impacts.  The three-legged stool is a common analogy that describes the three equally important components of holistic sustainability: ecological, economic, and social sustainability.



Alternate ROOTS is of and for the earth, and it clearly embodies a community working for social sustainability by addressing oppression and injustice and celebrating diversity and creative expression. ROOTS also strives for economic and social sustainability through universal Work Co-op assignments, which provide the essential operational functions of the meeting and offer a non-hierarchical structure that does not burden low-income participants with the bulk of the work.  So, it is only natural that Alternate ROOTS, as an organization and individual members, act collectively and intentionally to make practical efforts toward making the Annual Meeting as ecologically sustainable as possible.



One of the Work Co-op options is the Green Team, which is primarily responsible for coordinating the camp-wide composting and recycling and general awareness of green practices and opportunities.  However, it is important to think of the overall community we build this week as members of the Green Team because we are all responsible for conserving energy and water, reducing waste, and putting compost, recycling, and garbage in their proper places.  The Logistics Page includes tips for how individual participants can prepare to make a difference before arriving.  There will also be numerous resources and opportunities to learn more and do your part throughout the Annual Meeting.