Sustainability and Craft Making: A panel discussion at UNCA

In the world of energy production, particularly bio-fuels, most efforts focus on large scale production and utilization. But two ongoing projects in western North Carolina - the Energy Xchange and the Jackson County Green Energy Park - are going in the other direction, and focusing on smaller, community-scale applications for the use of bio-methane from landfills.

Both of these facilities use landfill gas as a fuel source to provide heat for greenhouses and a range of craft efforts, including glassblowing, ceramics, blacksmithing, and a metal foundry. In this way, the two projects can offer artisans an opportunity to practice their craft and further their businesses, without incurring the high energy costs normally associated with such art forms.

A moderated panel discussion will be held at UNC Asheville Owen Conference Hall on Wednesday March 16th from 7 - 8 p.m., to discuss barriers to and opportunities for sustainable practices within the WNC craft industry. Panel participants will include the directors of both Energy Xchange and the Green Energy Park, as well as working artists from both facilities.