Community Steps to Becoming More Sustainable

(compiled by Marilyn Hempel, with thanks to the Citizen Planners
Project and the Mountains Conservancy Foundation)

Protest, Reserve and Restore the Natural Environment
Acknowledge that the natural environment (our life support system)
functioning in a healthy manner is the basis for a healthy society and
a healthy economy, and that undisturbed natural beauty enriches our lives.
Develop Clustered, Mixed-Use Pedestrian-Oriented Neighborhoods
Clustering reduces infrastructure costs, and protects and pays for open
space.  People-friendly clustering encourages walking, bicycling and
public transit, and enhances the sense of community and place.
Utilize Advanced Transport, Communication and Production Systems
Establish transportation powered by clean fuels and electricity
produced from renewable sources. Utilize advanced communications
systems to move information rather than people. Employ advanced
production technologies to reduce cost, pollution, and energy use,
while increasing quality and quantity.
Maximize Conservation and Development Renewable Resources
Maximize the use of conservation technologies and practices, reduce
dependence upon non-renewable (polluting) resources, and develop
renewable energy, water, and material resources. 
Establish Recycling Programs and Recycled Materials Industries.
Expand recycling technology and establish extensive recycling and
composting programs.  Encourage the purchase of non-toxic, reusable and
recycled-content products.  Encourage recycled materials businesses and
industries.
Support Local Agriculture and Business
Use community products and services. Support self-sufficiency (where
possible) and the cycling of economic wealth within the community.
Establish True-Cost Pricing Economics
Try to make prices reflect true social and environmental costs. Utilize
whole-system thinking to recognize the true long term costs and
benefits of actions from an economic, environmental and social standpoint.
Support Social and Environmental Justice
If its not in our backyard, whose is it in? Who gets the benefit; who
pays the cost? Develop opportunities for all residents.
Stabilize Population Growth
Recognize that growth (quantity) is not the same as development
(quality). Growth cannot take place indefinitely. Plan toward an
optimal quality of life for all residents.
Support Education for Participatory Governance
Through broad-based citizen participation, build educational awareness
and public consensus on long-range, sustainable planning and policies.
Open government to all citizens

(This article appeared in Sustainable Communities: Guide for Grassroots
Activists, edited by Marilyn Hempel, Executive Director of The
Population Coalition, a nationwide educational organization of state
and local Leagues of Women Voters.)