NEDERLAND - On Thursday, May 22, the monthly meeting of the Sustainability Advisory Board was held in the Nederland Community Center. 

Members discussed Nederland’s sustainability and ecosystems, including town clean-up day, several energy plans, the expectation of meeting those completion dates, and town and business resources.

During the first topic, zero-waste solutions, compost day was brought up. On June 7, you can bring your own bucket to the Nederland Transfer Station and fill it with compost for your gardens. This was specifically advertised as not for food gardens as there are biosolids in the compost. 

Along with zero waste solutions, the group discussed two new trash cans for First Street! The NDDA has approved two trash cans for First Street, one of which will be installed once the sidewalk construction has been finalized. This should reduce the amount of waste on the streets by providing readier access for walking citizens and tourists. 

Next topic was the conversation about energy and the different energy plans for Nederland. The Xcel Energy plan should be 80% in progress by the year 2030. The PIE (Partners in Energy) partnership and plan should be completed by 2045. Board members were reminded about the BOT work session that is expected to take place on June 17. 

The board went on to discuss grants for municipalities. Towns including Ward, Nederland, Jamestown, and Black Hawk all applied and received $50,000 in municipal grants. Thoughts and ideas were shared about combining resources, but nothing was made into a solidified plan. 

Sustainability coordination update: the EV fast charger is finally back up and running!

Several other topics were discussed in the meeting, some very briefly and others left undetermined. 

The members reminded observers that “if people are excited or interested about ecosystems, then join the meetings or the zero-waste committee to learn, help, or give feedback.” 

The meetings are held every fourth Thursday of the month at 6:45 p.m. in the Nederland Community Center’s multi-purpose room. Everybody from Nederland is not only welcomed but encouraged to come and talk about our ecosystems.