GreenTown to Discuss Eco-Friendly Rebuilding Efforts in Wake of Tornadoes

The President’s Sustainability Action Committee presents “GreenTown – Experiences from Greensburg and Joplin: Better Homes, Communities and Lives” at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 in Baldwin Auditorium.

On May 22, 2011 an EF-5 tornado struck Joplin, Mo., and created a disaster on a scale that few communities have ever had to deal with in the U.S. While the tragedy was nearly overwhelming in its scope, it also presented unique opportunities to the community for recovery.

GreenTown Joplin was launched through the cooperation of Joplin residents, sustainability experts from throughout southwest Missouri and the leadership of Greensburg GreenTown.

Greensburg GreenTown was created following the May 4, 2007 tornado in Greensburg, Kan., when the city and citizens had to consider how they would rebuild. Daniel Wallach and Catherine Hart launched a nonprofit organization, called Greensburg GreenTown, which helped residents, business owners and the community make informed decisions about building durable and efficient homes.

GreenTown has since been able to expand its reach by launching its first chapter in Joplin. The GreenTown organization provides building resource information, free of a sales motive, to communities throughout the country.

Willy Crane, a volunteer member of the GreenTown team will discuss what the organization has done and how all communities can benefit from GreenTown’s experiences.

Tickets are not required for this event, and admission is free. For more information, contact Lori Shook at lshook@truman.edu.
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