Exploring A Framework for Creating a Sustainable Cape Ann
A two-part Seminar
April 5 & 6
(6.15pm – 9.45pm)
In this two part seminar, Terry Gips will introduce The Natural Step Framework, an innovative, successful, and cost-effective approach for communities to become environmentally and socially responsible using consensus and systems thinking. The Seminar’s purpose is to present a common framework comprised of easily-understood, scientifically-based principles that could serve as a compass to guide Cape Ann toward a just and sustainable future.
Location: The Essex Conference Center & Retreat – Harlow Street
(For directions, use Mapquest or go to http://www.eccr.com/location.html)
Convened by Tesa Silvestre of AYA
Led by Terry Gips, an economist, ecologist, and author of Breaking the Pesticide Habit and The Humane Consumer and Producer Guide. Terry is one of the first US Natural Step trainers, President of the Alliance for Sustainability and head of Sustainability Associates, a Minneapolis environmental consulting firm. He has served as a White House and Congressional aide, co-founder of the Sacramento Community Garden Program, Cargill economist, and Aveda Sustainability Director.
Fee and Registration. We ask for a contribution of $100. If this fee is in the way of your participation, please let us know what would be feasible for you to contribute, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs. This event is limited to 30 people, and seats will be assigned on a first come first served basis. RSVP is required before March 31st. Please email: tesa@ayapartners.com.
Why Attend?
Through a fun, positive, interactive and inspiring format led by a nationally recognized sustainability leader, you’ll learn about the innovative, proven and cost-effective Natural Step Framework (NSF), and how to apply it to communities. For folks who have been long time advocates of sustainable practices, this seminar will be an opportunity to explore how to become more effective with engaging the community. The Natural Step has a way of describing sustainability in such a straight forward manner that it pierces through all the usual defenses.
Small and large businesses, communities, government agencies, architectural firms, academic and religious institutions, hospitals, farmers, nonprofits and individuals are using it to build safer, healthier environments, save money, reduce waste, improve performance, encourage innovative thinking, attract and retain employees, create jobs, obtain funding, gain strategic position, meet ISO 14000, eliminate regulatory burdens, build teams, address divisive issues and create positive, shared solutions, while becoming environmentally and socially responsible.
You’ll also explore the revolutionary work of Manfred Max-Neef that shows how we can meet the basic needs of every person on the planet, help address our consumption addiction or “affluenza”, and transform our lives and planet. You will never see things the same. Open to a whole new world beyond pollution prevention and recycling that can help you strategically reposition your organization and life. You’ll have a sense of hope, new possibilities and the know-how to make it happen.
The Natural Step Framework in Practice
In only 16 years, the Natural Step framework is being utilized in numerous countries by:
‘ More than 70 municipalities, including rural towns and cities like Stockholm, Santa Monica, Seattle, and Whistler, as well as hospitals (Ridgeview Medical Center, Waconia, MN), churches (St. Joan of Arc Church, Minneapolis), and schools such as the University of Texas, Houston.
‘ Hundreds of thousands of young people in schools and communities through computer networks, TV programs, and a Youth Parliament.
‘ Thousands of organic and conventional farmers whose NSF consensus process helped shift toward a sustainable agriculture, saving money and dramatically reducing pesticide use.
‘ A range of 19 professional groups, from doctors and lawyers to architects and consultants.
‘ Hundreds of businesses, including Starbucks, Home Depot, Nike, CH2M Hill Engineering, Bank of America, Collins Pine, White Bear Racquet & Swim, the world’s largest manufacturers of appliances (Electrolux), furniture (IKEA) and commercial floor coverings (Interface), and Sweden’s three major supermarket chains, biggest oil company, largest hotel chain and McDonalds.