It’s that time of year again!

We’re excited for Friday’s DVGBC Tri-State Sustainability Symposium. After speaking on a panel last year on about social media and sustainability, I’ll be moderating a panel on Oceans, Rivers and Waterways: Is Water a Precious Commodity or Awash and Aplenty?.

We’ve also been helping out with the Tri-StateSS Twitter Handle & Facebook page leading up to the event.

To hear more from Friday’s attendees, we co-hosted a Twitter chat yesterday with DVGBC (organizers of the Symposium).

It’s going to be a big year:

The Tri-State Sustainability Symposium, now in its fifth year, brings together 800+ sustainability advocates to @TempleUniv. #TriStateSS

— DVGBC (@DVGBC) March 4, 2015

Without further ado, let’s review the chat yesterday.

Biggest sustainability challenges in 2015

DVGBC kicked off with this question:

We’re curious as to some challenges faced when part of the #green movement. What are some challenges you’re facing in 2015? #TriStateSS — DVGBC (@DVGBC) March 4, 2015

And the people responded:

@DVGBC I think we struggle with how to stay up-to-date with all the #green things happening in #Philly. #TriStateSS — Kristen Gillette (@kristengillette) March 4, 2015

@DVGBC Trying to figure out ways to make content like yours accessible to low-income households- it’s important for everyone! #TriStateSS — Mo Manklang (@MoManklang) March 4, 2015

@DVGBC One #green challenge we encounter is automatic thinking based on old assumptions about what it takes to build a green building. — Jon Jensen (@JonEJensen) March 4, 2015

Our biggest challenge in 2015 is probably funding for schools to implement their green projects. @DVGBC @TRISTATESS #TriStateSS — PA Green Schools (@pagreenschools) March 4, 2015

What does the community want to learn?

.@DVGBC I think we, as regular people, need to learn how to lead in our communities, offices, schools, churches, etc. #TriStateSS — Lori Braunstein (@Lori_Braun) March 4, 2015

And possible solutions:

.@Lori_Braun @DVGBC I think programs like the block captains that @NKCDC has for spreading news and info are key #TriStateSS — Mo Manklang (@MoManklang) March 4, 2015

That really gets us thinking about what we can do as an org w/ a little more capacity to support grassroots activism @Lori_Braun #TriStateSS — DVGBC (@DVGBC) March 4, 2015

There’s opportunity to learn with many sessions, from green burials to green infrastructure. So we asked…

What TRi-State sessions is everyone looking forward to?

We see there are 4 sessions on materials- very relevant to schools! @TRISTATESS: What sessions at #TriStateSS are you looking forward to? — PA Green Schools (@pagreenschools) March 4, 2015

Friday – find out why we’re investing millions in green infrastructure #TriStateSS @OBrien_Gere @GSIPartners @DVGBC http://t.co/6mI7dB8C4u — Philadelphia Water (@PhillyH2O) March 4, 2015

The local food session sounds amazing! #yum @TRISTATESS: What sessions at #TriStateSS are you looking forward to the most? @DVGBC — Sustainable CH (@sojerseygreen) March 4, 2015

@TRISTATESS It was mentioned previously, but really looking forward to Painting a Greener Future with @RAIR_philly! #TriStateSS — MilkCrate Philly (@MilkCratePhilly) March 4, 2015

And we’re excited for…

We’re psyched for the young, cool sustainability leaders at @TRISTATESS on Friday! #TriStateSS #SoYoungSoHip — Green Philly Blog (@greenphillyblog) March 4, 2015

We think DVGBC’s Alex Yarde set the tone for tomorrow.

Stoked to make #TriStateSS trend in #Philly during the Synposium again. Fingers crossed! @bmolotsky — Alexandria Yarde (@yardealex) March 4, 2015

Follow the convo and tweet with us: #TriStateSS.

See you tomorrow!

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Julie Hancher is the co-founder and Executive Director of Green Philly, an independent media organization making sustainability accessible, affordable and actionable. Since launching Green Philly in 2008, she has grown it from a passion project into a leading voice for local climate storytelling, pairing impactful journalism with community events and experiences. Julie is a frequent speaker on climate, media innovation and the future of local journalism, and is the creator of SustainPHL and EcoFair. Outside of Green Philly, you can find her hiking, biking, traveling, or exploring Philadelphia. View all posts by Julie Hancher