This past semester, the Jonah Center for Earth and Art has partnered with Wesleyan’s Center for Community Partnerships in an exciting venture. Four Wesleyan students (as part of the Community Research Seminar course) have met with local businesses and nonprofits to develop an essential tool for a Green Business Initiative in Middletown. This is a “Green Practice Inventory” – a list of procedures and policies that businesses have adopted or might adopt as they “go green.”
On Wednesday, May 13, at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Room of First Church (190 Court Street) these students (Laura Masulis, Tanya Moss, Miller Nuttle, and Paolo Speirn) will make a public presentation on their work and their visions for the future of the program.
We want to thank the local businesses and nonprofits that have met with the students and assisted in this valuable work: Bianco Giolitto Weston Architects; Brewbakers; Citizens Bank; Community Health Center; It’s Only Natural Restaurant; Kidcity; Middlesex Fruitery; Pedal Power; Perk on Main; The Book Bower; and Neon Deli.
The Jonah Center’s vision is to use the students’ findings to collaborate with all interested parties in our community to develop a network and infrastructure (e.g. energy service partnerships, website, product sourcing, etc.) that would help business owners reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, recognize existing green businesses, and help and encourage other businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Public participation at the students’ Jonah Center presentation on May 13 is important since this initiative will need input and support from many sectors of our community — not just business leaders and employees, but also consumers and government. The students and the business owners whom they interviewed have done important groundwork that can add significant value to Middletown. We want everyone to be part of the conversation as we proceed from here.
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