A couple of tidbits to pass on from my affiliation with Sustainable Arlington, a group of townspeople who want to spread the ideas and practices of sustainability among our neighbors:

* Four of us had our first book club discussion, discussing "The Ecology of Commerce," a 1993 book by Paul Hawken that we agreed was eerily current. I may want to refer to it in a post just about what I read, but I did feel sad and surprised that the urgent issues I've come to discuss so often these days were being already apropos more than 15 years ago.

* There'll be an "eco-fest" on March 28 from 9 to 1 at Town Hall in the auditorium. Its focus appears to be mainly agricultural, as a TV figure will speak briefly on natural lawn alternatives, compost bins will be sold at a reduced price, and sustainable landscapers will be on hand. Admission is free.

* SA's representative to the steering committee of the Mass. Climate Action Network, Robin Johnson, completed her tour of service, and I volunteered to take her place. Not sure how much work it is, but I'm excited to be joining fellows who are working to carry the message.