Transition & Health

The Local Economy Action Group had their monthly meeting on Sunday, and amongst all the other discussions we had about educating ourselves, developing a keen vision and mission, and what short- and long-term projects we might initiate, was a conversation with Mary H. about Transition and health. As Mary reminded me, we had a brief go at starting a Health and Wellness Action Group a couple of years back.

Whether by coincidence or synchronicity, the Transition Culture blog this month has been focusing on the role of Transition thinking in public health. While it has been largely focused on the British health system, much of what has been discussed applies as well to our US situation. As a matter of fact, several times this month Rob Hopkins has referenced Jamaica Plain New Economy Transition (an Initiative in Boston) and their investigation into what would be required to make a cancer-free community. Indeed, it may be that his visit there during his US tour was the impetus for this month's theme.

Perhaps now is the time to take another run at a Health and Wellness group. If you have any energy around this issue please let me know; the opportunities and rewards are immense.

--Mark Juedeman

Gentle Reminder

Please remember our Transition Houston meeting Tuesday evening, June 3. As you will see in the information below, we will welcome guest speaker Gerald Herd, who will be helping us to understand our insulation options. We look forward to seeing you there!

Transition Houston June Meeting, Tuesday, June 3
You've heard that insulation can have a big effect on your energy bills, but what is the most effective way to insulate a home? Where should you insulate: floors, walls, attic floor, attic roof? What is the best type: fiberglass, cellulose, spray foam? Should you be worried about off-gassing or condensation issues? We will welcome Gerald Herd as our June guest speaker in our ongoing exploration of the themes covered by Transition Streets (working toward a fall roll-out). Gerald is a member of the NARI Houston Chapter, and he will be talking about building insulation: types, uses, strategies, etc. As is our tradition, the business program will end at 8:30 and the time for food, conversation, and community will begin (until 9:00pm, in consideration of the facility staff!). Details and location information are here on our calendar and FB event.

First June Heart and Soul Meeting, Thursday, June 12
The Heart and Soul Action Group is meeting twice a month, on the second and fourth Thursdays, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The purpose of the group is: to support each other in taking concrete actions in our personal private lives to move ourselves away from consumerism and towards simplicity, service, and respect for all forms of life. Contact Megan or Nell for the location of the meeting.

Energy Action Group Wind Turbine Installation, Saturday, June 14
The Energy Action Group has organized an event to help with a wind turbine tower build at Blue Heron Farm near Waller on Saturday, June 14. The work will be from 10am to 2pm, followed by a group potluck. This is a small group event, but there are a couple of slots open for additional participants to be filled on a first-come basis. Please email Mark by June 8 if you would like to help out. Those who successfully RSVP will receive details about location, what to bring, what to wear, potluck, carpool options, etc.

Quick Notes
Continuing with the recent Water theme, you may be interested in attending the workshop on residential landscape water conservation on Saturday, June 7, in Richmond, but hurry as the registration deadline is June 5 (there is a fee) ... AIA's 2014 Gulf Coast Green conference is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, and Friday, June 20, and amongst all the other great speakers and panelists will feature David Orr from Oberlin College as a keynote speaker; registration required.