How did Sustainable Seattle get started?

In the early 1990's six people got together to take action at the local level in response to the United Nation's convening of the first Earth Summit (Rio Convention on the Environment and Sustainable Development) inspired by the Brundtland Commission.  This group of six quickly became a dozen, and they decided to create the world's first regional sustainability indicators developed through a grass roots activism process known as participatory action research. They felt that if we measured our progress towards sustainability, we would take better actions on the ground and in policy formation.  Our founders include Alan AtKisson, Karla Berkendall, Nea Caroll, Richard Conlin, Jan Drago, Susan Hall, Steve Nickolas, Vicki Robin  and David Smukowski.

How does Sustainable Seattle fit in the bigger picture of non-profits working on environmental, social and economic issues in the area?

Our goals are social justice,  collaboration and stewardship. We work with other non-profits, businesses, agencies and individual throughout the region with the aim of getting the sometimes competitive world of non-profits to be more collaborative and partner based. 

What is an indicator?
Indicators are measures or metrics. They measure progress. The ides of "you can't manage what you don't measure" fits for sustainability as well as business. Indicators tell you where you are going because they are used to measure progress towards goals, for example  goals for clean air, safe climate, local food systems, healthy and satisfied citizens (see B-Sustainable.org for our 4th set of regional sustainability indicators and the goals they measure).

There are a lot of different programs, is there a unifying vision for all of them?

Our programs are based on our regional indicator work and are designed to help us reach our goals. Our Sustainability Training and Resources program provides trainings and resources so people, businesses and individuals have the knowledge and capacity to work towards sustainability as defined by our indicators and the goals for them. Our Whole Environment Building Recognition program gives businesses and agencies a clear  definition and clear action steps for sustainable business practices based on the indicators. Dream a Sound Future asks contestants to create the visions and action steps by 2020, 2050, and 2070 to realize the goals our indicators measure.  SPARC provides fiscal sponsorship for others and ourselves to "be the change."

So what exactly does Sustainable Seattle do then?

Sustainable Seattle is a resource and catalyst for positive change. At our core, we work with the community to provide the indicators that measure our progress towards sustainability. As a resource, we provide the tools, trainings and processes for people, businesses and government agencies so they can better effect a sustainable future. As a catalyst, we "are the change" in our programs such as SPARC and community development projects. We are a combination of a leaders, innovators,  community organizers a community and optimistic dreamers with a vision for a new, more socially just and sustainable world..

What does racism  and social justice have to do with the environment and/or sustainability?

Racism and discrimination are the systematic barriers to mobility and reaching one's full potential.  Sustainability is not just about the environment, but it is about the holistic view of our life on this planet.  Environmental sustainability is not possible without social justice.  We risk a world where the rich have very nice backyards, and the poor live in poisoned environments.  Racism is a boot stomping on a face forever and sustainability cannot exist in the same realm as injustice.  The environmental damage that comes from short sighted policies or ignorance effects the poor and socially immobile more immediately than their richer counterparts.  Childhood asthma, lack of access to clean water, general health problems and the underlying absence of hope all are influenced and sometime driven by environmental factors.

Why the focus on social justice and collaboration?

We define social justice as equal access to opportunities and resources. Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of the Independence of the United States that all have the right to  "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."  In a perfect world people will be judged not by their color, wealth, paycheck or zip code, but by who they really are or who they wish to be.  Lack of equality is the sleeping tiger in the room that everyone tip toes about in American society.

We define collaboration as work that we do together than builds competency or capacity within each other's organizations; sharing financial burdens and benefits and building on past successes.  This is a working definition. We believe that as a collective, we do not really know what collaboration is or how to do it, and  this is one of the great failures of the sustainability movement. We seek to be collaborative and define it in our actions and programs.

What can Sustainable Seattle do for me?

We offer tools and resources so you can take positive action. Check out our community development program for a "how to" manual on developing indicators.  Whether you represent a business, agency or yourself, use our programs to gain knowledge to better reach sustainability.  You can also take advantage of opportunities for volunteering and learning about sustainability in theory and action.

How do I get involved with Sustainable Seattle.

The best way to get involved is to follow our twitter, friend us on Facebook, join our events or volunteer.  We also encourage you to look into your neighbor's eyes, greet people in your neighborhood, and enjoy our region on foot or cycle.  Also, know your representatives and city government.  Get involved in your children's education and love the time you have with those you care about.

Is sustainability just the new buzz word for the environmental movement?

The environmental movement has been a success in many ways, but its biggest failure was in its lack of focus on humanity, diversity, social justice, and renewable living.  We cannot reasonably expect everyone to change their lifestyles because it is the "right thing to do," but we must make the stakes more human, more tactile.  The environment is counting on us of course as the only creature on the planet who can actively do large scale stewardship, but for most people that message comes off as too esoteric and not based on on-the-ground facts.  If you tell a person that they should advocate for stricter building codes because of the environmental effect on old growth forests, you will get some response.  But, if you tell someone that the connections between the types of chemicals we use in housing and childhood asthma or stunted growth, you may reach even more people.

What are the stakes if sustainability does not catch on?

Our very lives are at stake.  We cannot continue to march on with the overwhelming evidence of climate change, the growing evidence of people living unfulfilled lives even when they buy the latest toys, and the crushing toll of feeling isolated and disconnected.  We as a people need to change our priorities to be more in line with our best interests.  Livable, walkable neighborhoods, clean water and air, healthy lifestyles, and strong fulfilling relationships will only improve our quality of life.

What can individuals do to make a difference in regards to their environmental impact?

Probably the most important change people can make is in changing their priorities about what makes them happy.  When we buy into the hype machine that more and more stuff will fulfill us we are left feeling empty with materials we do not need.  We substitute things for people and relationships.  We judge ourselves by the shine of our cars or the greenness of our manicured lawns.  When people realize that things are not the road to happiness, all the other factors start to make logical sense in lifestyle change.  Changing to more environmentally safe light bulbs makes sense when one realizes that the quality of light is comparable, the cost is cheaper and we need light to aid in other pursuits.  When we start turning down the thermostat it is not only to stop wasting materials, but it is also an excuse to snuggle up.  Comforts that are inherently energy intensive begin to make less and less sense.

Why is Sustainable Seattle volunteer run?

We have an aim to turn this non profit organization into a sustainable, recurring revenue stream model organization.  We are working to make a difference in the region and we feel that the need is great enough to sacrifice personal profit.  We also know that for this organization to be sustainable we do need to feed ourselves and our families.  We are realistic as we push forward our ideals.

How does the organization cover its operating costs?

The organization is forging a new path of multiple revenue streams that include: grants, angel funders, pay for service fees, sponsorships and donations.  We are focused on diversifying our income so as not to lose sight of our vision if we became beholden to one particular income source.