Walk the walk

Live Green in Plano training community volunteers

By Liz McGathey, Staff writer

For the third year, the city of Plano is looking to build its corps of volunteers committed to making Plano greener. Volunteer training for 2009 will begin Oct. 1 and will continue through Nov. 5. The courses, led by Deb Bliss, sustainability volunteer coordinator, will be from 7-9 p.m. every Thursday at the Parkway Service Center, 4120 W. Parker Road.

“Volunteers have the opportunity to receive in-depth training on composting, water conservation, air quality and energy conservation,” said Melinda Haggerty, sustainability communications coordinator. “The training allows people to get involved with their community and get to know their neighbors while doing something for the environment.”

She said Live Green volunteers should have a basic knowledge of environmental issues, enthusiasm for sharing green living information and the time and willingness to participate in activities and projects throughout the year.

Ongoing community events include educational programs, garden projects, puppet shows and others. One relatively new opportunity is Internet blogging. Live Green in Plano has pages on several social networking sites: Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and Blogspot.

The biggest event of the year is the Live Green Expo, coming up for its fourth year on April 17, 2010. Volunteers are needed to help the environmental services staff provide an organized event.

In addition to 12 training hours, volunteers are required to complete 24 hours of service in some capacity to become a full-fledged Live Green volunteer.

“Deb Bliss sends out e-mail notifications of current volunteer needs,” Haggerty said. “There’s also a compelling volunteer newsletter sent out.”

Volunteers are also encouraged to come up with their own ideas of service opportunities for consideration.

The volunteer program, which began in 2007, has continued to grow year after year.

“It is fulfilling a tremendous role in our department because we are able to fully utilize our staff resources because of the volunteer support,” Haggerty said. “That is particularly evident in the Live Green Expo -- it has become volunteer-driven in nature and I think it’s an excellent avenue for North Texas to experience the passion and wealth of information of Plano residents.”

Once a resident becomes a volunteer, they are always committed to the role. The city will continue to provide educational opportunities to help volunteers stay comprised of current green practices.

“‘Going green’ is more than a fashion statement or trend -- it’s a lifestyle,” Haggerty said. “And as the economy becomes more of an issue and our natural resources become more of a concern, then living a green lifestyle has become more of a priority.”

This year’s expo will have more focus on food and growing local, as well as green jobs or jobs in the environmental field.

For information about volunteer training or to register, visit livegreeninplano.com. For information about the expo or to exhibit or volunteer for the event, visit livegreenexpo.net.

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