Over 400 Corvallis residents gathered on Wednesday evening for the annual 2011 Town Hall event sponsored by the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition and debated the question: which community-wide challenge would we pose to Corvallis? The Economic Vitality Action Team identified projects that will move us toward the Coalition’s vision of a thriving and sustainable economy.  Three of the projects would lend themselves well to a community-wide challenge.

The result? Buy local, by a landslide. So, here you go, Corvallis…we challenge you to buy local first.

In addition to choosing a challenge to issue to our community, attendees had the opportunity to discuss several questions. Here are some of the results of their discussions.

“What would you like to see businesses that you patronize do this year to model sustainable practices?”

Grocery stores – try to buy local – tastes better – want to have every store indicate local items.
There is no place to buy men’s affordable clothing in the City.  Keep the money locally
Businesses should look at long-term plan for sustainability including all factors involved in that decision such as hiring people to wash dishes vs throwaway packaging.
MORE>>>

“What would you like to see your organization do this year to model sustainable practices?”

Benton County could get more involved in water issues – many rural areas have insufficient supplies and damaged rivers.
OSU could install more covered bike parking or bike lockers.
Better job with recycling, and lot of recyling education in schools
Better shipping practices (away from foam, for example)
MORE>>>

“Which one of the community-wide challenges should be our top priority for 2011?

Ask financial institution how much money stays local?
One person can make the difference with advocating Power Purchasing
Buy Local First is pretty well covered in this area. The other two are things I haven’t considered as a part of sustainability.
A group could own a windmill or solar installation
MORE>>>

“Do you have an individual action that you’d like to tell others about?”

Sold car and bought a bike trailer made in Eugene – didn’t replace car
Started to plant a vegetable garden
Had ducts sealed which made a huge difference in heating costs
Insulated attic
MORE>>>