Session 1: Introducing The Natural Step Framework and Sustainability

Questions: Please consider the following questions while reading the relevant chapters of the book, and use them to guide discussion during your study circle.

1. Can you think of a principle (ecological, ethical, etc.) that helps guide you in making decisions? What is the principle? How is it helpful?
2. Can you identify and describe an experience you have had defining or explaining the concept of sustainability to people for the first time? Or, what have been your own challenges in understanding the concept? How might the sustianability objectives of The Natural Step help address these challenges?
3. The authors talk about the importance of using an upstream approach to dealing with problems. Think of some of your community's or region's approaches in dealing with community or regional problems such as traffic congestion, challenges in education, homelessness, unemployment, or high health care costs. As a group, determine three examples of "downstream" approaches and three examples of "upstream" approaches to these problems.
4. The authors in the book note that "communities are complex systems...this complexity often results in actions or policies that can work cross-purposes or compete with each other." Have you experienced a similar situation in your community? Explain.
5. From what you have learned thus far about The Natural Step framework and what you know about your community already, to which issues in your community could the framework be applied to; immediately and easily? With the most significant impact?
6. Did reading this section make you want to do something differently or to take some action in your life? If so, explain.

Portsmouth Sustainable Practices Blue Ribbon Committee

1. Increasing awareness of the importance and value of sustainable practices among Portsmouth residents, business owners, non-resident employees of Portsmouth businesses, visitors to the City, municipal staff, and other stakeholders;
2. Advising the City Manager and City Council on improving the sustainability of City operations including such aspects as the energy efficiency of City buildings and vehicles, purchasing guidelines, and alternative fuels; and,
3. Advising the City Council on a sustainable approach to the future growth and redevelopment of Portsmouth. (7 members)

Study Guide Chapters

• Overview: Guideines, Facilitators, Openings and Circle Questions
• Session 1: Introducing the Natural Step Framework and Sustainability (Chapters 1, 2 & 3)
• Session 2: Changing to Renewable Energy Resources and Alternative Transportation (Chapters 5 & 6)
• Session 3: Eco-Housing and Green Building/Business (Chapters 7 & 8)
• Session 4: Eco-Economic Development and Ecological Schools/Education (Chapters 9 & 10)
• Session 5: Sustainable Agriculture and Dealing with Waste (Chapters 11 & 12)
• Session 6: Protecting Biodiversity and Sustainable Land Use and Planning (Chapters 13 & 14)
• Session 7: What Gets in the Way of Change and Three Change Processes That Work (Chapters 15 & 16)
• Session 8: Steps to Change and Process Leader (Chapters 17 & 18)