Where do we begin when seeking to live more lightly on the earth?
What principles should we follow as we make dozens of small decisions each day to
reduce our environmental impact and increase our beneficial impact?
The Living Green Expo seeks to empower households, businesses and
communities toward the long-term ideal of sustainability.
Where
do we begin when seeking to live more lightly on the earth? What principles
should we follow as we make dozens of small decisions each day to reduce
our environmental impact and increase our beneficial impact? The Sustainability
Education section of the Living Green Expo offers ways for eager learners
of all ages to learn the “basic operating instructions”
for planet earth.
The Living Green Expo seeks to empower households, businesses and
communities toward the long-term ideal of sustainability. One well-accepted,
scientific set of sustainability principles, the Natural Step
Framework, describes
how we can develop our products, services, our individual lives, our
economy and our society in a truly sustainable manner. The Natural Step
asserts that, in a sustainable society:
What we take from the Earth (fossil & radioactive fuels, mined
metals & minerals), and what we make synthetically (chemicals,
pesticides, plastics, etc.), must not accumulate long-term in the
environment as wastes. "Wastes" must ultimately be compostable
or remain in closed-loop reuse cycles that don't contaminate compostables.
What we do to the Earth. Biodiversity and natural systems
(soils, forests, water, air, and genetic material) must not be irreversibly
degraded by human activities.
The bounty of the Earth—food, raw materials, and natural
systems—must be used equitably, fairly and efficiently so
that the basic needs of all humans are met locally and globally. Fair
distribution of the world’s resources is vital to help stabilize
the human population of the planet and ensure that biodiversity is maintained.
Pay attention to stories related to our earth’s
future when reading the paper and listening to the news and call your
elected officials to share your views.
Reduce your environmental impact at home by following the Living
Green Expo’s household action
ideas
Buy local and sustainable products from locally
owned businesses when possible. Check the list of businesses at the
Living Green Expo and businesses listed in the Blue
Sky Guide.
Kids, parents, and teachers can make schools sustainable
by doing a Green School Audit.
Help engage your faith community to become a “green congregation.”
Learn about the the Alliance for Sustainablity's Congregations Caring for Creation (C3) program.
Make your block and neighborhood more healthy and green by organizing
a tree planting project, watershed clean up or other neighborhood sustainability
project. Learn more on the Alliance for Sustainability's Neighborhood
page.
Help your city or county to expand its “green government”
initiatives by contacting your local elected officials with ideas to
improve health and the environment while reducing costs. Learn more: U.S.
Cities for Climate Protection Campaign
Sustainability Education
