Program areas at Sustainable Hudson Valley
Regional climate action road map and tool kit. Translated climate strategy developed by over 90 experts into a web-based collaborative action resource with timelines and analysis of on-the-ground steps needed to build demand for decarbonized buildings, electric transportation, renewable energy and regenerative land use practices. In partnership with regional council of governments, held daylong stakeholder retreat and finalized design for publication in january 2023. Publicized through regional climate solutions week in september with 40 events hosted by collaborating organizations. Scheduled demonstration workshop with village of rhinebeck comprehensive planning committee for january 5, 2023, and ended 2022 with 60 people signed up.
Repair cafe of the Hudson Valley and catskills. Continue coordinating the repair cafe of the Hudson Valley and catskills, a grassroots program in which people help each other to fix broken items, keeping waste out of the landfill and preserving important skills. Founded by shv board member john wackman, who passed away during the pandemic, repair cafe community volunteers unanimously approved the program's adoption by shv. Donations were raised to hire a highly skilled half-time coordinator to help the volunteers with scheduling, publicity, recruitment of repair experts and overall coordination. In 2023, over 6,000 items were kept from the landfill, and over 100 repair events were held in over 55 communities.
Education. Shv's education program helps decision makers and influencers to understand the severity of the climate crisis and the abundance of opportunities to do something about it. We continued the annual publication, clean power guide, in partnership with chronogram media, distributing 10,000 print copies and reaching over 75,000 online. We led the second annual climate solutions week with 40 events and an expanded regional media presence. Our volunteers developed a climate solutions speakers bureau. We also entered into three education and community engagement contracts with ulster county, one each on green business, Sustainable transportation and materials re-use.