During the first year of operations, Sustainable Tompkins invited community members to monthly salons where they could connect with others and learn about sustainability efforts underway in the community. The salon was open to anyone interested in talking with others about issues such as learning to consume less, energy conservation, having more of what really matters in life, increasing our use of local foods, equitable sharing of resources, alternatives to sprawl, and systems-level change that can improve all our lives.  Volunteers hosted and facilitated connecting newcomers with others who are working on projects to help bring about a more sustainable community.