What is Sustainability?

If you ask fifty people to define sustainability, you are likely to get fifty different responses.  The Board of Directors of Sustainable Greensboro believe that, while defining the term invites alternative interpretations of sustainability, it is important to root the organization in a common definition.  For Sustainable Greensboro, Sustainability is meeting the community's present needs for economic, environmental and social vitality while ensuring the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Mission and Vision

VISION:  Future generations will live in a sustainable community with ecological and economic balance for all Greensboro citizens.

MISSION:  Sustainable Greensboro is an action-oriented, non-profit organization working to promote sustainable practices in our community, through programs focused on civic ecology, sustainable business, and outreach and education.

Core Program Areas

In its May strategic planning workshop, the Board of Directors adopted three core program areas:  civic ecology, sustainable businesses, and community education and outreach.  Each program area has established goals and will be forming committees to to begin identifying specific projects which can begin to implement these goals.  If you are interested in serving on a committee, please email us with your areas of interest.

The CIVIC ECOLOGY program will lead and support efforts to protect air quality, water resources, urban forests, and other natural resources.
1.  Promote open space as infrastructure.
2.  Participate in efforts to improve urban forest management.
3.  Protect and restore watersheds and improve water conservation.
4.  Participate in appropriate policy-setting meetings pertaining to urban ecology.

The SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS program will collaborate with businesses to provide assistance in developing sustainability programs.
1.  Survey the local marketplace to assess sustainability status.
2.  Hold at least three meetings to educate local businesses about sustainability.
3.  Assist at least five buinesses to implement sustainable practices.

The OUTREACH AND EDUCATION program will develop programs that inform, engage, and empower diverse communities of Greensboro.
1.  Improve and expand the Sustainable Greensboro website to be a hub for local resources.
2.  Build membership in Sustainable Greensboro.
3.  Begin monthly electronic newsletters to our members.