A Greener Indiana

Everybody can do something to make a greener Indiana

David Fritsch

Indiana Skill Exchange

Information

Indiana Skill Exchange

This will be my first attempt at the creation of a skill network. Much like a dating service, this is meant to connect people. It connects people with skills with people who want to learn those skills in their area.

Members: 15
Latest Activity: Mar 19

The purpose and goals of this group.

This group was created as a way to help people such as myself who want to make a difference for the environment but recognize that there are basic skills that we lack. For example, I really want to have my own garden but would love to learn some basics from a knowledgeable gardener. Classes do not always fit schedules, cost money, and tend to be abstract. With a network of skills, two people can connect to work on a project such as a garden. The teacher gets an extra hand in the garden, and the student gets first-hand knowledge of gardening.

From this goal of connecting the skilled with those eager for knowledge, I feel that A Greener Indiana is a great place to begin. I know of no other service currently operating in Indiana like the one I am proposing, and I think that it is very valuable to the environmental community. One of the goals is to have a more local economy, and this is only possible with people who know how to efficiently produce things in the area. I am open to any suggestions about how to build a catalog of individuals interested in sharing their skills and those who would like to learn in a one-on-one environment.

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rosemary weston Comment by rosemary weston on July 29, 2009 at 6:40pm
david, do you have any ideas on how you can organize some kind of skill/time bank? i don't think this is going to work unless there is some organization to it. several people have responded posting skills they have and are willing to share, but how is this going to operate?
Greg Silcox Comment by Greg Silcox on July 28, 2009 at 9:14am
I have skills in the green building area, construction management, lifecycle cost analysis, facility management, and safety. I have been in this market for 25 years; and, so I know a lot of resources as well.
rosemary weston Comment by rosemary weston on July 26, 2009 at 9:37pm
if you are going to have some kind of exchange group, there has to be some structure to organize it. the time bank idea seems good to me and there is none at present in this area. what do you think of it?
Tom Butler Comment by Tom Butler on July 26, 2009 at 9:05am
I am an environmental entreprenuer who works as a technical market resarcher in the alternative energy field. I can offer technical vetting services for you if you want a second opinion on an investment in an energy saving or alternative energy product or company.
rosemary weston Comment by rosemary weston on July 16, 2009 at 7:49pm
what's the difference between a "comment" and a "discussion"?
rosemary weston Comment by rosemary weston on July 15, 2009 at 6:13pm
http://www.timebanks.org/ i think this is what we want!
rosemary weston Comment by rosemary weston on July 15, 2009 at 5:45pm
the only skill i can come up with is childcare. i want to volunteer with habitat for humanity...one of the reasons is to aquire some skills. i think this is in line with what you have in mind. i'd be willing to help with my time and what energy i can muster to learn skills and add to my knowledge. then there is the old barnraising reasoning...an exchange of labor and hell, it's more fun to do it together...make it a party!

i was thinking too that an exchange of resources would fit in with this idea. i could possible provide a place to stay in exchange for skill and/or labor.

how would these exchanges be set up in a reasonable and safe manner?

laura, i guess it's kind of relative...most of us would ideally like to be greener than we are. many of the greener choices involve spending a lot more money...at least initially. i often feel like a hypocrite because i believe one thing and do another. right now i'm dealing with ground water draining into my septic...no inexpensive choices...mound system or look into greywater and compost toilet systems which means thousands of dollars more. making your own or doing it yourself may be cheaper and greener, but is very time consuming. people with little money usually have little time also. it is unfortunate that it is much easier to be green when you have enough money. i wish you well in your efforts!
Paul Lootens Comment by Paul Lootens on June 10, 2009 at 12:52am
as far as available skills to offer pertaining to gardening...
i have some knowledge of rain gardens and how to make them work, from sizing, to digging, plants, and drainage.
some basic techniques with food gardening as well. I also don't mind physical labor!
Laura Cone Comment by Laura Cone on June 9, 2009 at 11:40am
I am trying to start up a non-profit. My website is Natural Families of Indiana. It is far from there yet. Right now, I am trying to build up membership. It is based on helping those who financially do not have access to buy the green choices (bath products, organic food, health aids) and may not otherwise have the information or resources (lacking internet, education or mentors) to help themselves. We believe all people, regardless of economic or social status, are entitled to good health, nutrition and an organic lifestyle. I have a small lending library which I continue to add to. I have workshops and events in the pipeline.`
 

Members (15)

David Fritsch A Greener Indiana Anna Smith Laura Cone Paul Lootens Power-Link America, Inc.-Chad Geoffrey G. Boyles rosemary weston Drake Dean Miller Tom Butler Greg Silcox Dave Terpstra Chris James Greg Silcox Keith Johnson
 
 

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