BNB Youth Instructors and Youth Staff attended a community workshop for youth on Saturday, February 27th, to discuss ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, deal with the effects of climate change and develop the green economy.

The youth shared their messages in small groups promoting sustainable transportation as a key component in climate change discussions. BNB teens argued that biking, which has no carbon emissions, should be promoted and supported through infrastructure and policy development. This would not only decrease the emissions from transportation, but also contribute to the health and wellness of Boston’s Neighborhoods.

In the workshop, the city officials suggested a number of different ways to decrease the effects of climate change associated with private residences and transportation. Ideas suggested included fees for resident parking stickers and higher parking meter costs to deter driving, a ‘pay as you throw’ trash system, in which residents pay for their trash service but have unlimited free recycling and compost, and requiring homes to meet minimum energy efficiency standards before being sold. Each of these methods, along with others, were voted on by the more than 120 youth that attended the workshop.

The city will hold 3 more neighborhood-specific workshops. All workshops begin with registration and dinner from 4:30-5:30 pm, followed by the workshop from 5:30-8:30 pm. All workshops are free, but pre-registration is required by visiting cityofboston.gov/climate or calling 617-635-3425.

Mon. March 8, 2010 at Boston Lodge of Elks No 10 / West Roxbury Elks Club
1 Morrell Street, West Roxbury
Target neighborhoods: West Roxbury, Hyde Park, Roslindale, Jamaica Plain
Interpretation available on request in: American Sign Language, Spanish, Haitian Creole

Wed. March 10, 2010 at Metcalf Ballroom, George Sherman Union, Boston University
775 Commonwealth Avenue
Target neighborhoods: Allston, Brighton, Fenway, Back Bay/Beacon Hill, Kenmore, South End
Interpretation available on request in: American Sign Language, Portuguese, Spanish

Mon. March 15, 2010 at Roxbury Center for the Arts, Hibernian Hall
182-186 Dudley Street, Roxbury
Target neighborhoods: Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain
Interpretation available on request in: American Sign Language, Spanish, Vietnamese