By Mary E. Burgess, AT&T
On October 25, 2007, more than 80 women from the electric, telecommunications, gas and water industries, the Department of Public Service, and other Government Agencies gathered at the Normanside Country Club to enjoy a day dedicated to renewal. The theme of the conference was “Renewing Our Environment, Renewing Ourselves,” and all of the presentations addressed various aspects of restoring, refreshing, and replenishing everything that is good and valuable in our lives and our surroundings. Even the flower arrangements on the tables reflected the day’s theme, because they contained river stones (water), sunflowers (sun) and a pinwheel (wind), and were provided by a local florist.
The first panel addressed a variety of public and private energy efficiency initiatives. Tina Palmero provided an overview of the Commission’s projects and proceedings, including the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Peggie Neville of NYSERDA described the agency’s energy education initiatives, highlighting the Energy Smart Students Program, which educates children about how they can make a difference in the world’s energy conservation efforts. Nancy Carey Cassidy described several energy efficiency initiatives undertaken by the Picotte Companies, such as the installation of compact fluorescent lights, and the use of open floor plans which maximize natural light. Nancy also dispelled the myth that green costs more and highlighted the benefits of building green.
Anna Campas of the NYS Office of General Services Design shared her experience with the 100 Mile Diet challenge in which all of the food one consumes has to be produced within 100 miles of where you live. Eating “locally” helps build awareness of where our food comes from and how much energy is consumed in connection with the average American diet. Anna encouraged everyone to make small, simple changes over time.
The conference’s keynote speaker was Miquela Craytor, Deputy Director (now Executive Director) of Sustainable South Bronx, a community organization which addresses land use, energy, and waste policies to advance the environmental and economic renewal of the South Bronx. Miquela described several of the ways in which Sustainable South Bronx encourages investment in the community’s most valuable resource—its residents.
After lunch, we were treated to an interactive workshop by author Sam Horn, who helped the group take account of the aspects of our lives that should be nurtured and renewed, as well as the events and circumstances in our lives that sometimes prevent us from reaching our full potential.
The Fall WICE conference provided a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues, expand our networks, and invest some valuable time in ourselves.
