ORONO – Running faster on the economic treadmill doesn’t always lead to a better quality of life and may in fact be at the root of some social ills, said John Jemison, University of Maine Cooperative Extension educator.

“Maybe instead of ‘kicking it up another notch,’ we need to think about bringing everything down a notch,” he suggested.

Jemison will lead a new eight-week course in Orono focusing on sustainable living, the environment and healthy eating. Sessions will be held 6:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays from March 16 to May 4. There is an optional $25 fee to support project costs.

“Americans spend millions of dollars on diet and exercise programs that have limited success,” Jemison said. “Interest in energy conservation programs comes and goes. Maybe there is a need to try to approach these problems and issues together in a more comprehensive manner.”

Jemison is a water-quality and soils specialist who was inspired to develop the sustainability course by recent experiences in Italy, where he conducted research at the University of Perugia. He was particularly struck by the Italian approach to food, community and family life.

“There is real community in Italy,” he said.

The new course will focus on four topics:

. Sustainability – you and your community.

. Environment, climate change and you.

. Celebrating food – healthy food systems for Maine.

. Graceful simplicity.

At the conclusion of the course, participants will be asked to contribute 25 hours of community service on projects of their choice.

Registration information is available from Gale Clendenning at the Cooperative Extension, 581-2953, or by mail at 495 College Ave., Orono 04473.