Study Circles

(Please see the Calendar  page for current study circle listings.)

Sustainability may seem like one more buzzword, and cities and towns like the last places to change, but The Natural Step for Communities: How Cities and Towns Can Change to Sustainable Practices by Sarah James and Torbjorn Lahti provides inspiring examples of communities that have made dramatic changes toward sustainability, and explains how others can emulate their success.

The objectives of The Natural Step study circles are:

• To build a network or community of people conversant in the area of sustainability
• To become familiar with The Natural Step framework and have examples for a base of communication with others
• To have an opportunity to learn about our community so that we can lay a foundation for future action.
• To be motivated to engage in actions personally and with others to move toward a sustainable future

Study circles are groups of 8-12 people that meet weekly for an hour and a half for eight weeks to share ideas and learn from each other. A study circle format allows you to better understand the different perspectives and approaches to the complexity of sustainability. In addition, this study circle is intended to be a supportive learning experience, so please ask questions of clarification and share insights with one another. Whether you agree or disagree, you will have an opportunity to talk about an important subject with others who share your concerns, and hopefully have fun along the way!

How to join a study circle

Who Can Join?

What to Expect

• A study guide for the book, downloadable at this website on the "Study Guide" page, used with success in groups around the world.
• To learn about the four Sustainability Objectives used in the Natural Step:
  1. Reduce wasteful dependence upon fossil fuels, underground metals and minerals.
  2. Reduce wasteful dependence upon chemicals and unnatural substances.
  3. Reduce encroachment upon nature.
  4. Meet human needs fairly and efficiently.
• Assigned chapters to read, and some local research to do, on these topics:
  • Renewable energy
  • Ecological housing
  • Green business
  • Green buildings
  • Ecological education
  • Eco-economic development
  • Protecting biodiversity
  • Alternatives to fossil-fueled vehicles
  • Dealing with waste
  • Sustainable agriculture
  • Community change processes
• Reading about and discussing real world examples from Sweden and the USA
• Good ideas for projects we can initiate in the Seacoast will likely come out of our discussions
• A trained volunteer facilitator will:
  • Keep the meetings on track
  • Encourage respect and open dialog
  • Help participants do further research