Learn More About Sustainability

There are many resources available to learn more about the state of our planet and how individuals, organizations and communities can make a difference and benefit at the same time. Here are just a few to consider accessing to learn more about incorporating sustainability into your organization and your life. If you have a website or other resource you would recommend adding to this list, please contact us at info at strategic-imperatives dot com.

Determine your carbon footprint

Find out what your carbon footprint is and how you can lower it by visiting the EPA site at www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/ind_calculator.html

Water – quantity and quality

A child dies every 15 seconds from water-related diseases. Only 2% of the earth’s water is considered fit for drinking. Learn more about water and its importance to health, industry, communities, safety and security. Running Dry has a wealth of information and access to documentaries on this topic. Visit their site at www.runningdry.org. Thirst-Aid is an advocate for safe water throughout the world. They utilize education, social marketing and technology to help communities to have access to safe water sources. Learn more at www.thirst-aid.org.

  • EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • National Lead Information Center: 1-800-LEAD-FYI

Sustainability and Higher Education

Higher education must be involved in building the capabilities needed to successfully addressing climate change. Working together with corporations, non-profit organizations, and their communities, these institutions are not only changing their environment, but also building capabilities by preparing graduates to face the challenges of our time. The Americans College & University Presidents Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) launched in February 2007 is a collaborative effort led by the presidents and chancellors of higher education institutions to address the climate change challenge by eliminating global warming emissions and by integrating sustainability into their curriculum. Find out more at the ACUPCC website at www.presidentsclimatecommitment.org. Second Nature's mission is to accelerate movement toward a sustainable future by serving and supporting senior college and university leaders in making healthy, just, and sustainable living the foundation of all learning and practice in higher education. Visit their website at www.secondnature.org.

"Gen-S" Promoting Sustainability in the Next Generation

Children who grow up learning about and adopting sustainability into their daily lives are in a position to help shape the future. There are a number of useful sits that educators, parents, community leaders and others can access to learn more about promoting "Gen-S". The EPA has a kid-friendly site that helps children learn about the environment and how they can make a difference and provides links to many other useful websites. www.epa.gov/kids. If you think innovation applies primarily to adults, think again. Did you know that Philio Farnsworth dreamed up the television when he was 14? Blaise Pascal invented the calculator at age 18. Frank Epperson invented the popsicle at age 11. "By Kids For Kids" encourages the creative potential of children. Visit their site at www.bkfk.com to learn more. To learn how to integrate sustainability and personal leadership into your school’s visit the website supporting Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s book "The Leader in Me" at www.theleaderinme.org.

Green Building

The U.S. Green Building Council, a non-profit group of leaders promoting green building, were the developers of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™. LEED was created to promote sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria. Visit the USGBC website to learn more about the changes for LEED v3, green building and certification, sign up for courses or workshops, discover how to build a green school and access a wealth of information on green building. www.usgbc.org. Learn about eco-friendly paints at www.paintinfo.com/mpi/approved/index.htm.

Reduce, reuse and recycle

Earth 911 provides ideas on the three R's – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Visit their site at www.earth911.org. Businesses can learn about how they can be more environmentally friendly at www.business.earth911.org.

Locate sustainable products and services

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a non-profit organization that sets standards to ensure that forestry is practiced in ways that are environmentally socially and economically sound. Strategic Imperatives seeks out and selects paper products that are FSC certified. Learn more at www.fscus.org. Not sure where to find eco-friendly products? Try a site such as www.greenpeople.org. Find information on sustainable lifestyle products such as food, clothing, toys and alternative sources of energy at Real Goods, a company that has been promoting solar living since 1978. www.realgoods.com. Green Seal is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the manufacture, purchase and use of environmentally responsible products and services. Find out how to source sustainable products or services or how to have yours certified by Green Seal at www.greenseal.org. Sustain Lane is a self-described "people-powered guide to sustainability". Visit their site at www.sustainlane.com for community resources and to contribute ideas. New American Dream’s promotes responsible consumerism to protect the environment, promote social justice and enhance quality of life. Learn more at www.newdream.org.