Stepping Stones: Seven Insights into Community Sustainability

By Kelly Hawke Baxter and Chad Park

From Alternatives Magazine: Environment Ideas + Action | Full story here.

More than a set of scientifically based conditions for a sustainable society, the Natural Step Framework has been the foundation for hundreds of innovative sustainability programs around the world. After five years of applying its community-based approach in Canada, The Natural Step’s executive director Kelly Hawke Baxter and principal advisor Chad Park say the organization has learned a great deal about community sustainability. Here are seven hints to help your community move toward a more sustainable future.

Community sustainability is about creating the kind of world we want for ourselves, our neighbours and future generations. It involves living our lives and making decisions as individuals, organizations and societies, so that the opportunities and quality of life available to future generations are equal to – or even exceed – what we inherited from our ancestors. But what does it take to become a sustainable community? What do we need to get there? These are the questions many community leaders and champions from across the country are asking themselves. As thousands of Canadian communities embrace the challenge of creating healthy, vibrant and safe places to live for today and tomorrow, lessons are beginning to emerge about effective planning processes for sustainable communities.  >More