News

The first Localvore Dinner occurred on Wednesday, February 3^rd at Penny Cluse Café in Burlington. More than 40 people attended including faculty, staff, board members, parents, students, alum parents, and friends of VCS. Claudia Barber and the VCS events committee orchestrated an absolutely engaging evening complete with delicious local food and "food for thought," including inspiring presentations by Mark Cline Lucey and VCS seniors, Sophie Daigle and Elena Mudd, and our special guest speaker.

Dr. Saleem Ali, associate professor of environmental studies at UVM, delivered a thought-provoking talk about his new book, Treasures of the Earth, which grapples with the central question, "Would the world be a better place if people curbed their desire for material goods?" Dr. Ali contends that consuming resources is a good thing. He argues that while current environmental movements to buy local and measure one's carbon footprint are valuable endeavors, we should not categorically exclude -- or feel guilty about -- consuming resources or even human greed. He gave examples of how greed and consumption often provide the financial means for developing countries to transition from dire poverty to a more sustainable economy. The discussion meandered from equations and environmentalism to the homogenization of the US and appearance of organic produce at Wal-Mart. The audience seemed to appreciate Dr. Ali's pragmatic perspective on large-scale solutions and sensitivity to eradicating poverty as we try to solve some of the economic and environmental challenges facing our world. It was a special evening with a truly remarkable individual.

Don't miss the second Localvore Dinner on Thursday, March 11^th at the Kitchen Table Bistro in Richmond. Our guest speaker will be Megan Camp, program director and vice president of Shelburne Farms. Ms. Camp will talk about her work in Vermont and internationally to promote sustainable agriculture and communities. NOTE: Tickets are limited to 50 guests, so contact Allison at VCS to reserve your spot today!

afayle@vermontcommons.org or 865-8084 x10.