Sustainability

=In a sustainable community...= In a sustainable community, people acknowledge the interconnectedness of all life, put the needs of the ecosystems and the human spirit above special interests, and accept responsibility for creating a healthy, sustainable environment. In a sustainable community, the population is stable and within the 'carrying capacity' of the land, water, and air. In a sustainable community people use water no faster than it can be naturally replenished. This means that consumption can be no greater than the maximum sustainable yield of the water supply. In a sustainable community, farmland is preserved for local food production, farmers and workers earn a living wage, non-toxic and humane practices are utilized, and soil and water are protected for future generations. In a sustainable community, people use materials efficiently, producing little or no waste that cannot be reused, reprocessed, or reabsorbed by the Earth. In a sustainable community, most daily needs can be met by foot, bicycle or public transportation. Public and private vehicles are powered by clean, renewable fuels. In a sustainable community, structures are designed and built in ways that meet human needs and support social and environmental health. Housing is safe, affordable, energy and resource efficient, and available to all. In a sustainable community, a diverse local economy supports the basic needs of everyone through satisfying, productive work, while making efficient use of materials and energy. In a sustainable community, human culture holds a high standard of equity and justice in the relationships among people and in their relationship with the natural world. People honor and uphold the well-being of the whole community. In a sustainable community, everyone is involved in community affairs and there is a high level of co-operation, collaboration, and consensus at all levels of governance: neighborhood, city and region. In a sustainable community, everyone is engaged in lifelong learning - developing the self-esteem, knowledge, skills, and wisdom to live in ways that support personal, social, and environmental health. In a sustainable community, people take responsibility for their individual well being and co-operate to nurture social and environmental health. In a sustainable community, people appreciate their unique potential for growth, invention becomes a daily event and random acts of kindness become the norm. It means showing by your actions what your true beliefs and values are. A safe, caring community comes about with work, interaction, communication, and planning. Ideas for Inquiry
 * Natural Environment**
 * Population**
 * Water Consumption**
 * Food Production**
 * Use of Raw Materials**
 * Transportation**
 * Housing**
 * Economy**
 * Social Equity and Justice**
 * Governance and Participation**
 * Education**
 * Health**
 * Spirituality**