Thanks to the people behind Akron Peace Month, the city will continue its efforts toward zero waste with the upcoming conference “Hands On Sustainability 2025,” Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 7 pm. at the Bridgestone Firestone Technical Center.
The free event will be Akron’s first sustainability conference and will gather Akronites for education and inspiration about sustainable methods in regards to solid waste management and zero waste practices. The conference will consist of workshops, panel discussions, children’s activities and small groups that explore issues and solutions around waste in our community.
“Solving waste management hurdles has been something that many in the city, county, businesses, nonprofit organizations, social groups and citizens have been seeking,” said Beth Vild, COO/director of programming for The Big Love Network. “Collaboration of efforts and information-sharing are vitally important in this process. Hands On Sustainability 2025 will allow us to come together to learn and discuss best practices, current practices and where to plug in.”
“Hands On Sustainability 2025: Towards Zero Waste” is part of an eight-year sustainability initiative in which a yearly conference, along with other efforts, will be enacted with the county of Summit, city of Akron and The Big Love Network, focusing on a different issue each year.
Future topics are expected to include water waste management, energy, air, urban design, transportation and local food. The conference was inspired by the efforts that have taken place in Cleveland through its successful project Sustainable Cleveland 2019. The conference is named in honor of the year 2025 being the 25th anniversary of the Cuyahoga Valley National Parks’ (CVNP) official recognition as a national park.
According to the Big Love Netwrok’s website, “When we allow ourselves to work with nature, while taking our human needs into account, we are able to live in an environment that has healthier air, less disease-causing agents and lifestyle diseases, a thriving local economy, transportation for work and play, cleaner water, cleaner streets and more active and engaged community members.”
The Bridgestone Firestone Technical Center is located at 10 E. Firestone Blvd.
Though the event is free, registration is required by visiting the Facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/events/146931772566753 or www.biglovenetwork.us.
Lunch will be available for purchase from Ms. Julie’s Kitchen.
This event is sponsored by The Big Love Network, The city of Akron, county of Summit, Bridgestone, First Energy and other community partners.
Rides from Metro line-services buses will run for free from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. to the event. Riders must present the event flier.
For info, email ha[email protected] or call (330) 827-0457.
The Hands On Sustainability 2025 committee includes members from The Big Love Network, The City of Akron, County of Summit, City Council, Akron Waterways Renewed, GAINS, and Permaculture Akron.
