Beginning with a kick-off June 25 and culminating with Energy Independence Day, July 4, Power Down Week is a citywide event that offers a fun challenge for individuals and neighborhoods to experiment with reducing their collective carbon footprint and also promotes projects to build community self-reliance.

The vision is to inspire citizens of Milwaukee to transition to a post-carbon world through a week of play, practice and community building. Power Down Week is meant to inspire citizens to connect with their neighbors in order to design projects and events relevant to their unique neighborhood.

The event is volunteer-run, and all are encouraged to join. Ideas in the works include foraging hikes, bike rallies, community picnics, block parties and workshops on topics such as building solar ovens. Goals range from reducing home energy usage and improving water conservation to producing garden, art and music projects.

To get involved, contact Sarah Moore at 414-372-3824 or [email protected], or Beth Lukomski at [email protected]. Learn more at TransitionMilwaukee.org or on Facebook: Power Down Week 2011.