What do the following families, Bell-Berns, Dunns, Halbachs, Ross/Deloyas, Rulseh/Kasper/Muhammads, and Crossleys, have in common? We love living in the Tenney-Lapham Neighborhood? We reside on Sidney and Elizabeth Streets? Our lives and friendships intertwine in many ways? The word Jambachakaladest holds special meaning (hint: it has something to do with the first letter of the first name of every person in each family)? Over the past six months, we’ve operated as an EcoTeam!? Indeed, the correct answer is: all of the above.

Using a model created by Global Action Plan and with guidance from local staff, our six families met and formed an EcoTeam in late January. It was an experiment. Our goals were simple: 1) help one another identify and take more actions that encourage daily living that is even more environmentally-friendly, support one another in this undertaking, and challenge each other to do more than what we already were doing; 2) have fun together and celebrate trying to make a bit of a difference in the world; and 3) serve as a model and a catalyst within the neighborhood and the city.

As an EcoTeam, we formally came together as families and friends on six occasions and focused upon five main topics: Garbage, Water, Energy, Transportation and Consumption. Learning from one another and sharing information gained from other resources, we identified specific actions we chose to initiate as individuals, as families and as a group. The process has been inspiring and fun. For example: we analyzed how much garbage we produce on a weekly basis and learned how to recycle things that we formerly put out on the curb. We sang about saving water and all installed low-flow/shut-off valves on our faucets. We acquired nifty fluorescent bulbs and now monitor one another’s forgetfulness about leaving lights on. We received free bus passes for two months and share cars when needed. And we’re organizing a neighborhood equipment-lending inventory and swap event. And more!

Speaking on behalf of the Crossley family, we still drive way too often and far too many miles around town. Our house is not especially energy-efficient. We could make wiser purchasing choices. We still could shorten our showers and do fewer loads of laundry. And our lives are filled with too much stuff. However, on the positive side, we have become much more aware of earth-friendly practices and have begun implementing them in our daily lives. It has been relatively painless, challenging in a fun sort of way, and sometimes even humorous, e.g., my family was disgusted and embarrassed when I initially provided paper plates, napkins and cups for a pizza and salad supper in conjunction with the final EcoTeam gathering at our home in early June (Mom!!! Hello!!!! This meeting is with our EcoTeam pals, of all people!). They quickly replaced the paper products with washable dishes, cups, and napkins. What was I thinking?!

If you are interesting in learning more about our EcoTeam, ask any of us. The EcoTeam program also will be featured briefly at the Tenney Lapham Neighborhood Spaghetti Supper in the fall. Plan to come to the event and learn more. Details will be provided in conjunction with this future neighborhood gathering.

If you’d like to get better acquainted with your neighbors in a unique way, initiate some new actions related to living in a more environmentally-friendly manner, and make a bit of a difference in our neighborhood and in our community, check out the EcoTeam program. It may add a boost to your life in the short-term that will be sustained for a much longer time. And if you choose to form or join an EcoTeam, I hope, like us, your friendships will deepen, you will be inspired, and you will find joy and reward in supporting friends and neighbors in a fun and meaningful endeavor.

--Karen Crossley

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