“If everyone contributes to solutions we can make real progress,” proclaims Out for Sustainability President Gerod Rody. Their recent Winter (Green) Social gathering with fellow green-minded organization Environmental Coalition of South Seattle (ECOSS) at Liberty Bar (517 15th Avenue East) was a reminder that environmental issues are still a vital force in our region. The teaming of the two organizations is part of their greater goals for community cooperation and collaboration. Their successful collaboration includes Earth Day at the Duwamish Waterway Park this past April.
Out for Sustainability began in 2009 and has since been a present force for environmental issues not only on Capitol Hill and the LGBTQ community, but in the larger region. This organization, according to their website, “engages and mobilizes the LGBTQ community to advance social and environmental sustainability.”
Highlights of their organization include a Green(er) Pride and Earth Gay. With Greener Pride, they goal is for the annual Seattle Pride event to have zero waste and be carbon neutral by 2015. The cleverly titled Earth Gay is their Earth Day event and has many volunteers at service sites throughout the region building community. Thie past Earth Gay’s event included planting a garden in South Park and restoring the habitat on Beacon Hill.
ECOSS launched in 1994. It works in South Park/lower Duwamish River region and aims to build an environmentally responsible community. It collaborates with other local neighborhoods to meet this goal. ECOSS is at the forefront of sustainability for multicultural communities.
One of their many successes includes outfitting 2,000 homes with the direct installation of free energy efficient fixtures in neighborhoods and assist families with energy saving ideas through the Powerful Neighborhoods Program. These ideas save them money and also help to make a desirably environmental conscientious neighborhood. ECOSS member Elise Kross (Roberts!) wants to emphasize their commitment to offering these diverse communities their commitment in makings sure these communities are greener.
Out for Sustainability members socialize at Liberty Bar on Capitol Hill
The enthusiastic crowd, who were enjoying drinks and sushi, are optimistic about the collaboration. Rody’s energy and passion are evident and has allowed this group to flourish. Check their website for future events like Sustainability and Society Symposium in February 2011 and the next Earth Gay in April.