Downtown event seeks to conjure environmentally friendly commerce
For one weekend, a downtown street block typically overcome by blight and empty storefronts was transformed into a budding area of businesses, resources and classes for the community.
On April 28 and 29, the section of Main Street just north of Charleston Boulevard behind The Arts Factory was buzzing with people buying organic food from a pop-up grocery store, participating in free yoga sessions outside and learning about sustainable living in the community classroom. The activities were part of the Build a Greener Block initiative in which volunteers turn a rundown city block into a place of environmentally friendly commerce.
Brandon Wiegand, who concocted the Greener Block idea after learning about a similar initiative with Build a Better Block in Texas and New York, said the event stemmed from the need to overturn a stereotype.
"For me, this (event) shows people that you can change your block or your city," Wiegand said. "We usually wait for someone to do it and never take action ourselves."
People took action during the weekend, promoting environmentally friendly products and sharing tips on how to maintain a green lifestyle. Kelly Bennett, founder of veganconsultant.com, passed out energy-efficient light bulbs and positive affirmations written on cards to attendees. She said Build a Greener Block is just one more step toward the type of community downtown in which residents desire to live.
"This (event) is extremely important for Las Vegas because we’re shifting our lifestyles," Bennett said. "It’s a beautiful message of a city that was down with the economy, and now we’re rising again. I think this is a great way for people to get exposed to these grass roots movements, and it gives you a preview of businesses we hope come to life, especially downtown."
Though the pop-up businesses at Build a Greener Block were temporary, Wiegand said the event created the possibility of permanent stores. He said people inquired about how to lease space along the street.
Six weeks was all it took for Build a Greener Block to happen. Wiegand pitched his idea to Green Jelly, a group of valley residents sharing ideas about environmental issues, and developed a plan with the help of a core team and volunteers.
Shavonnah Tièra, community outreach manager for Build a Greener Block, said volunteers catapulted the project from its early stages.
"We’ve had some amazing volunteers who feed us so much energy," Tièra said. "They’re part of this change that’s just starting. You see this tight pocket of action and serendipity (downtown), and these people want something to change."
Build a Greener Block team leaders, however, faced challenges. Wiegand said the event cost $10,000 , which included permits, materials and various other needs. Team members set up a fundraising page on indiegogo.com and accepted donations from residents wanting to get involved.
"(The event) creates hurdles, red tape and a lot of stuff you have to go through," Wiegand said. "But everyone at the city has been more than accommodating trying to (put on) the event within their guidelines. We didn’t think it would cost $10,000 at first … but the stars aligned, and in the whole scheme of things, with the amount of money put into this (event), it changes everything in a positive way."
Positive change is the message core team members hoped to send to volunteers and attendees during the first event. Tièra said delivering this message involved taking an "action now" approach.
"We definitely want to encourage and teach people about how to be sustainable," Tièra said. "We want to help change their regimens and start businesses. We’re testing out that concept right now."
Wiegand said the first Build a Greener Block event exceeded his expectations in terms of attendance and success within the popup businesses and activities. Core team members hope to put together another Build a Greener Block event within the coming months.
"Show us where you want to see the next Build a Greener Block," said Tièra, pointing at a map of downtown drawn on the wall of the community classroom. "We want to know where the community wants something to change."
For more information on Build a Greener Block, visit greenerblocks.com.
Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.