How does the Project Work?
Each team made a one-year commitment, which includes six days of formal, intensive training, analysis of current practices, dedicated networking and professional coaching. The fourteen trained Early Adopter organizations will show the community by example that it is possible and economically advantageous to increase sustainability using The Natural Step framework.
What is The Natural Step?
The Natural Step is a scientific, systematic framework for sustainability being used successfully by communities around the globe. The Duluth City Council and the Douglas County Board of Supervisors have passed resolutions adopting the four principles of sustainability that are part of The Natural Step framework.
The Four Sustainability Principles of The Natural Step:
Reduce dependence upon fossil fuels, scarce metals and minerals.
Reduce dependence on chemicals and synthetic substances that can accumulate in nature.
Reduce dependence on activities that harm life-sustaining ecosystems.
Meet present and future human needs fairly and efficiently.
How Will You Know the Outcome?
We are documenting the process and results of the Project in two ways.
Documentary:
Visit the Sustainable Twin Ports YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/sustainabletwinports to watch web vignettes that will track the progress of the Early Adopter teams. The vignettes will be posted as the project progresses, and if you “subscribe” to the channel, you will receive updates when new clips are posted. A final documentary video will be produced after the training is completed to share the stories of the Early Adopters as they move forward on the path toward sustainability. This project is funded in part by the Dr. and Mrs. Bernhard Boecker Charitable Fund of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation.
Case Studies:
We are also recruiting college students and community volunteers who are capturing the stories of each participant through case study interviews. The final documentation will be published online.
How is the Project Funded?
Thanks to the A.H. Zeppa Family Foundation and the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation’s Fund for the Environment and the Wildey H. Mitchell Family Fund and the University of Wisconsin - Superior for their support.
How Do I Get Involved?
We welcome your time, talent and treasure. Consider getting involved! Click here to send us an email or contact Tracy Meisterheim, Project Coordinator at 715-394-8325.
