Build a Greener Block- April 28 & 29, 2012

This past weekend was the first, of hopefully many, Build a Greener Block events. Simply put, we're a group of Las Vegans who are aiming to change our neighborhoods, our cities, and show that joining our skills, talens, experiences, and resources together and create a Las Vegas that we all appreciate and take care of. We transformed a block downtown- at Main St. & Charleston, to be exact- from empty storefronts to be small, sustainable restaurants, boutiques, a cafe, a flower shop, dog park, obstacle course, and food stands from loacl farmers. There was a classroom where people shared their knowledge on canning, gardening, and learning how to make your own instruments. Bike lanes were created. The empty, desolate block turned into a safe, enjoyable, loving, living place for residents living, working, and playing downtown. While I don't have the numbers of people in attendance, I know it was a huge success. I'm honored to have been a part of it (I created a digital & physical map of recycling locations throughout the valley, which can be seen here) and I can't wait to see what other projects are developed after this one. Oh, and I should mention that we raised the neccesary funds to make it happen using a new crowdfunding platform, IndieGogo. We raised about $5000 in just a month to cover expenses, city permits, and some advertising. The power of WE for sure. Some of my photos from the event art below. More can be seen at my flickr set. Find out more about the Greener Blocks movement by visiting their website. 

The main block

An amazing strawberry-tomato (& avocado, carrot, & spinach) sorbet made by Raw Fusion

Local farmers brought their produce to sell at reasonable prices

Bike lines were created for those who would ride to the event without an automobile

Again it was a great success. And I just wanted to take a second to point out something that wasn't necessarily part of the event, but is still notable. The photo below looks like a parking meter- and it is. But it isn't used for paid parking anymore- it's been upcycled by the city leadership as a way to collect donations for people who are less fortunate. Las Vegas has a huge homelessness problem that is tied in with the immense foreclosure crisis. The funds collected go towards helping with shelter & transportation costs, and other life essentials to get them back on their feet. There are a few of these "Donation Stations" around downtown, and while I don't know if they're very effective, I think they're a really interesting and creative approach to donations. Their placement makes it possible for both locals and tourists to donate their spare change, something that is valued less and less as debit cards and digital currencies become more widely accepted. 

A parking meter upcycled into a "Donation Station" by the city for collecting funds for the homeless population