DOLLAR-WISE DIVA: SAVE MONEY ON A GREAT “GREEN” EVENT: ROBERT F. KENNEDY KEYNOTES SUSTAINABILITY CONFERENCE MARCH 3-4 AT SDSU

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By Nancy Clement

 
“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”  Margaret Mead
 
 
February 23, 2012 (La Mesa) - Did you know The United States ranks only 50th out of 151 countries of the world in sustainability,  according to http://www.ssfindex.com/results-2010/ranking-all-countries/
 
Sustainability refers to what we need as a society to survive and thrive, since everything we need comes directly or indirectly from our environment in the form of water, food and land.   Concerned over this statistic, a dedicated group of people have formed UnitedGREEN (GREEN is an acronym; Grassroots Energy and Efficiency Network). According to their web site, they have a two-fold mission:  “1. Facilitate a grassroots movement that engages and unites the community in a shared fight for a truly sustainable future.  2. Foster projects and initiatives that generate a green economy and accelerate the establishment of green enterprises employing a green-collar workforce.” 

As a part of its mission, UnitedGREEN is presenting a “Forging A Sustainable Future” Conference on March 3 – 4 at SDSU.  Professor Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  is one of the keynote speakers. Dr. Heather Honea will talk about how the San Diego region can become energy self-sufficient and Jim Bell will share ideas about how our region can achieve water self-sufficiency.   

 
Other  exciting and informative speakers including Congresswoman Susan Davis, Congressman John Garamendi; Congressman Bob Filner; Councilmember Marti Emerald; Professor Lori Saldana, and Captain Marko Medved, and many other knowledgeable speakers.
 
For the complete conference schedule, visit the UnitedGREEN website http://unitedgreen.org/
 
In November 2011, the first part of the Conference, Councilwoman Marti Emerald gave a dynamic presentation on “Sustainable Practices” for San Diego.  If you missed it, here are highlights from her talk http://eastcountymagazine.org/taxonomy/term/10979 .  Her message was very timely as San Diego ranked 26th out of 50 cities in 2008 by Sustain Lane, for information on our city and other cities nationwide check out http://www.sustainlane.com/us-city-rankings/overall-rankings.  
 
Also at November’s conference,  Lloyd Tran revealed plans to bring manufacturing of electric car engines for Amptran Motors to San Diego:  http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/node/7906 . There were many other dynamic speakers on energy, water, and food sustainability as well.
 
Dollar-Wise Diva and East County Magazine, in partnership with UnitedGREEN,  will offer a discounted rate to our readers of $35 for the two-day conference (regularly $95).   There is also a student, active and retired military discount two-day pass for $10.00.  This is an amazing opportunity to learn firsthand what is currently being done and what you can do to help create a sustainable environment for your children and grandchildren. 
 
 
Nancy Clement is a Certified Green Real Estate Professional (CG-REP).  She writes money saving tips to encourage mindful spending so you have more dollars available for housing, travel, retirement and investment plans.  E-mail her at Dollar-WiseDiva@Cox.net or call 619-589-6139 with column suggestions or comments.

 


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