Local Action and Grassroots Responses to the Global Crisis of Sustainability

This website was created by the students in ANT 587, Global/Local: Crisis and Response, in spring of 2001.

Preamble
This document begins to identify some primarily local level responses to what might be called the global crisis of sustainability.  For the purposes of this project, “crisis of sustainability” is defined as: (1) the inability of the current economic system to meet people’s needs without over-using the earth’s resources or over-taxing its ability to absorb waste; and (2) the inability of contemporary institutions to create a secure and participatory environment for social, intellectual, and spiritual development (Korten, 1996).  Participants in Anth 587, Global/Local: Crisis and Response, a graduate anthropology seminar at Emory University, conducted web-based research to find examples of groups, organizations, and movements taking creative action to address this crisis in sustainability. In order to be included in this compilation, groups/organizations/movements had to satisfy the following (somewhat arbitrary) criteria:

  • Action oriented – the groups we selected are all involved in direct action of some kind: education; technological innovation; sustainable farming; community organization; monitoring; toxic clean-ups, etc. Consequently, groups that engage exclusively in advocacy or lobbying for policy change are not represented in this list.
  • Dimensions of Sustainability – In 1987 The World Commission on Environment and Development published the Brundtland Report, defining sustainable development as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Conceived as an alternative to earlier models of development rooted primarily in principles of economic growth, true sustainability is achieved through balanced tradeoffs among economic, social, and ecological needs. The activities of groups included in our list each address at least two of these three dimensions.
  • Internet accessible – Because the research for this project was conducted primarily via the Internet, groups without a web presence were largely excluded. As a result, this list is biased towards Western organizations and movements, particularly those in the U.S.
  • English Language – Due to our own language limitations, the vast majority of groups included here have English language websites.

The organizations identified through our web research were divided into four broad categories based on the focus of their activities: community; industry; agriculture; and consumption.  Additional domain subheadings are included under these four major sectors.  The table below shows the overall structure of this document.  Click on the links in each cell of the table to jump to the names, mission statements, and (in most cases) links to the web sites of organizations included under that heading.

Our goal was not to assemble a complete or perfect list.  There are currently many more groups working on issues of sustainability than can be included here, and the organizations which are represented are not necessarily the best or most important examples of work in this area.  Our goal was rather to identify useful ranges of groups and their foci.  In doing so, we have included groups with a great variety of organizational complexity.  Some groups are small and aim to make changes at the neighborhood level; others are regional associations of groups interested in the same topic; still others are large international agencies.  We hope that this list will be one useful resource among many for others interested in social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Lisa Angus
Riche Daniel-Barnes
Kathryn Frank
Carmen Homola-Brock
Sarah Lyon
Sarah Mathis
Phaedra Papavasiliou

SECTOR DOMAIN TOPIC AREAS
Communities Community and Regional Planning Eco-villages and Co-housing
Urban Sustainability
Conservation Economy
Ecosystem Management
Ecological and Civic Literacy
Industry Health & Environmental Justice Environmental Justice
Toxins & Pesticides
Air & Water Quality
Reproductive Health
Nuclear
General Environmental Health
Technological Alternatives Appropriate Technology
Waste Management
Computers
Alternative Energy
Miscellaneous Information, Research, Resources
Agriculture and Rural Development Sustainable Food and Fiber Production Sustainable Food and Fiber Production
Community Supported Agriculture Community Supported Agriculture
Rural Development Defining Development
Local Resource Control and Resistance to Globalization
Post-colonial Land Reform and Rural Development
in South Africa
Consumption Alternatives to Consumerism Voluntary Simplicity/Lifestyle Alternatives
Consumer Responsibility Fair Trade
Labor standards
Certification

References
1.  Korten, D.  (1996). Sustainable Development: Conventional versus Emergent Alternative Wisdom.  http://www.dieoff.org/page86.htm.  Originally prepared for the Office of Technology Assessment, United States Congress, Washington, DC.
2. World Commission on Environment and Development.  (1987).  Our Common Future (The Brundtland Report).  Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Industry

Preamble:

Technology and nature have traditionally been pitted against one another as opposites that can never coexist.  However, in breaking free from constraining and damaging modes of thinking and acting that have lead us down this unsustainable path of economic and technological development, it is also essential to recognize that production and economic demands need not work against the environment but for it, in many innovative, generative ways.  The idea is that current United States and European sociocultural patterns of production and consumption can be made sustainable through a variety of steps in technology, collaboration and information dissemination.  Under labels such as “radical resource productivity,” “appropriate technologies,” “natural capitalism,” and “efficiency,” fall a number of different practices, and market-based solutions serving to make the link between ecology and economy sustainable and mutually beneficial.

The following links offer a small sample from the universe of alternative technologies, highlighting the practical applicability of this approach in general terms, but also with emphasis on waste management, computers, green certification and alternative energy/materials.  Two other areas in which this approach can play a major role are environmentally friendly architecture and innovative transportation technologies.

Organizations listed within the domain of Health and Environmental Justice address the current global crisis of sustainabilty as it pertains to health.  They recognize that the same industrial and business practices currently destroying the environment and preventing people from exercising control over their quality of life also make it difficult to sustain the public health.  In response, organizations within this domain attempt to modify those industrial practices that are hazardous to health and to empower communities and individuals to address the environmental health problems affecting them.  Their activities include direct action, advocacy, education, monitoring, and support of alternative technologies and industrial practices.  In keeping with the requirements listed in the general preamble, the organizations listed here address at least 2 of 3 of the dimensions of sustainability: ecological sustainability, economic sustainability and social sustainability.
List of Domains and Topics:

1. Health & Environmental Justice

Environmental Justice
Toxins & Pesticides
Air & Water Quality
Reproductive Health
Nuclear
General Environmental Health

2. Technological Alternatives

Appropriate Technology
Waste Management
Computers
Alternative Energy
Miscellaneous Information, Research, Resources


Health and Environmental Justice

Environmental Justice

1. Communities for a Better Environment (CBE)
(California)
“Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) is 15,000 member urban environmental health organization that works for the implementation and enforcement of laws intended to provide clean air and water and toxic-free communities in the two major urban areas of California – the San Francisco Bay Area and the Los Angeles Basin. CBE’s mission is to work towards a healthy, sustainable future through effective advocacy and community action that prevents pollution and reduces environmental health hazards in urban communities. CBE’s goals are to prevent pollution, especially by converting industry to nonpolluting, safe and sustainable forms, and to promote democracy and fairness in environmental decision-making so that affected people can control their own quality of life”.

2. Environmental Health Coalition (EHC) San Diego
(San Diego, CA)
“Environmental Health Coalition is one of the oldest and most effective grassroots organizations in the United States, using social change strategies [community organization, political action, toxic clean-ups, etc.] to achieve environmental justice.

EHC is dedicated to the prevention and cleanup of toxic pollution threatening our health, our communities, and the environment. We promote environmental justice, monitor government and industry actions that cause pollution, educate communities about toxic hazards and toxic use reduction, and empower the public to join our cause.

EHC is a multi-issue organization, with each campaign united by the following beliefs and values: All people have the right to live, play and work in a safe and healthy environment. All people have the right and responsibility to act to correct environmental damage and prevent future degradation. EHC represents the public interest and takes direction from the communities we represent. Communities of color and poor communities are disproportionately affected by toxic materials used in the workplace and discharged into the air, land and water. Pollution prevention is the most effective approach to addressing the toxics crisis. EHC supports the integrity of ecosystems and recognizes human dependence on them. EHC promotes community and worker right-to-know about toxic chemicals. It is the government’s duty to enact and enforce laws to safeguard the environment, worker and public health”.

3. Environmental Justice Resource Center, Clark Atlanta University
(Atlanta, GA)
“The Environmental Justice Resource Center (EJRC) at Clark Atlanta University was formed in 1994 to serve as a research, policy, and information clearinghouse on issues related to environmental justice, race and the environment, civil rights, facility siting, land use planning, brownfields, transportation equity, suburban sprawl, and Smart Growth. The overall goal of the center is to assist, support, train, and educate people of color, students, professionals, and grassroots community leaders with the goal of facilitating their inclusion into the mainstream of environmental decision-making. The center is multi-disciplinary in its focus and approach. It serves as a bridge among the social and behavioral sciences, natural and physical sciences, engineering, management, and legal disciplines to solve environmental problems. The center’s programs build on the work that it staff has been engaged in for over two decades”.

4. The Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ)
(Falls Chruch, VA)
“The Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ) was founded in 1981, as the Citizens Clearinghouse for Hazardous Waste (CCHW), by Lois Gibbs community leader at Love Canal. CHEJ believes in environmental justice, the principle that people have the right to a clean and healthy environment regardless of their race or economic standing. The Center believes the most effective way to win environmental justice is from the bottom up through community organizing and empowerment. CHEJ seeks to help local citizens and organizations come together and take an organized, unified stand in order to hold industry and government accountable and work toward a healthy, environmentally sustainable future”.

5. Environmental Justice Action Group (EJAG)
(Portland, OR)
“The Environmental Justice Action Group is a grassroots, membership-based organization committed to education and activism around the issues of health, safety, and environmental justice in North and Northeast Portland. It is dedicated to developing and supporting community-based leadership in people of color and low-income communities. EJAG’s Board, members, and staff reflect the diverse communities of people who live and work in North and Northeast Portland”.

Toxins & Pesticides

1. Greenaction
(California and Southwest U.S.)
“CCAT (California Communities Against Toxics) is creating Greenaction in collaboration with former staff of Greenpeace who have worked closely with our communities for many years. Bradley Angel, Southwest Toxics Campaigner for Greenpeace for 11 years, is the Executive Director of Greenaction. Working together with communities for the last eleven years we have a tremendously successful track record. Together we have been directly responsible for dozens of major victories and have forced fundamental changes in industry’s use, manufacture and disposal of toxic chemicals.

Greenaction confronts threats to our health and environment and also promote sustainable solutions. Together we will save lives and impact government and industry policies. Greenaction launches action campaigns to support community and worker struggles for health and environmental justice. During 1998 Greenaction will focus its campaign activity in California and Arizona, but will assist wherever possible. Greenaction: provides impacted communities and the general public successful action-oriented campaigning in support of struggles for health and environmental justice. Together we can stop toxic threats to our health, air and water; holds accountable corporate polluters and government agencies who fail to protect public health, the health and safety of workers, and the environment; works for real solutions including pollution prevention and toxic-free alternatives; engages in non-violent direct action against destroyers of the environment; helps empower communities through sharing of skills, experience and networking; provides information, technical assistance, and trainings on media and organizing; engages in public education about threats to public health posed by pollutants; fully supports the Principles of Environmental Justice and oppose environmental racism”.

2. Toxic Links Coalition (TLC)
(Berkeley, CA)
“The Toxic Links Coalition (TLC) is a growing alliance of community groups, women with cancer and cancer survivors, health care and environmental justice organizations, silicone survivors, women with endometriosis, and other reproductive disorders, and concerned individuals working together to educate our communities about the links between environmental toxins and the decline in public health. Founded in 1994, the Toxic Links Coalition works to stop the proliferation of chemical and radioactive industrial carcinogens that threaten human health and the health of the planet. The Toxic Links Coalition believes we all have a right to health and environmental justice; views cancer and other environmentally linked diseases and disorders as human rights abuses, not as individual medical problems; targets companies that perpetrate irresponsible production, use, and disposal of carcinogenic and toxic wastes and products; demands accountability from corporate and agricultural polluters; works against environmental racism, and recognizes that people of color, immigrants, and workers bear a disproportionately high toxic burden”.

3. Californians for Pesticide Reform
(California)
“Californians for Pesticide Reform is a coalition of environmental, health, labor, agricultural and other public interest organizations that has developed a long-term plan for changing the climate of public opinion to achieve a range of health- and pesticide-related policy reforms at local and statewide levels. CPR works to: (1) Increase public understanding of pesticide use and health risks associated with pesticides, and the failure of the state’s regulatory system to protect us from these hazards. (2) Expand and support a network of grassroots community activists pursuing local pesticide reform in their own regions and mobilizing their communities to push for statewide policy reform. (3) Promote the viability of alternatives to pesticides in agricultural, forest and urban settings and demonstrate the advantages of decreased pesticide use. (4) Build a strong and diverse coalition of organizations and individuals speaking out about the dangers that pesticides pose to public health and the viability of alternatives. (5) Defend and improve California’s pesticide use reporting system”.

Air & Water Quality

1. Clean Water Action
(Washington D.C. and 17 state offices)
“Clean Water Action is a national citizens’ organization working for clean, safe and affordable water; prevention of health-threatening pollution; creation of environmentally-safe jobs and businesses; and empowerment of people to make democracy work. Clean Water Action organizes strong grassroots groups, coalitions and campaigns to protect our environment, health, economic well-being and community quality of life. Currently advocating for improvements in the Drinking Water Right-to-Know reports (also, known as Consumer Confidence Reports) put out by the EPA. Clean Water Action believes the goal of the Drinking Water Right-to-Know reports should be to inform the public, increase the protection of public health and encourage public participation in drinking water protection efforts. With that in mind, Clean Water Action has been advocating the following improvements to these reports in three vital areas: Information, Protection and Public Participation”.

2. Georgians for Clean Energy
(Atlanta, GA)
Founded in 1983, GCE is a nonprofit, consumer and environmental organization specialized in energy issues. Georgians for Clean Energy strives to protect our air and water by changing the way that energy is consumed and produced. This is done through public education, legislative advocacy, and constituency building.

Recent Projects & Accomplishments:
GCE has:

  • Co-founded the Georgia Alliance for Clean & Affordable Power (Georgia CAP) to protect consumers and the environment during electricity deregulation
  • Initiated the Georgia AirKeepers Campaign to clean up Georgia’s dirty coal-fired power plants
  • Forced Georgia Power Company to make major improvements to its emergency response plan after inadequate safety measures were discovered at nuclear Plant Vogtle
  • Prevented passage of utility legislation, easing consumer utility rate increases
  • Succeeded in advocating for improved, health-based air quality standards for Georgians and the nation
  • Won Georgia consumers and environmental groups the right to appeal questionable regulatory decisions of state agencies
  • Succeeded in pressuring electric utilities to initiate energy conservation programs

Saved electricity consumers more than $700 million by challenging utility practices and efficiencies.

Reproductive Health

1. Casa de la Mujer/Grupo Factor X
(Mexico)
“Esta organización ofrece programas educativos relacionados a la salud reproductiva y sexualidad de las trabajadoras de las maquiladoras. Sus programas enseñan cómo los químicos afectan a las mujeres y sus comunidades. El grupo ofrece talleres para obreras y vecinos sobre las leyes ambientales relacionadas a las fábricas. Los miembros del grupo también trabajan como promotores de la salud y le ofrecen a las amas de casa información sobre tóxicos y la salud ambiental. El grupo está elaborando dos reportes: “Memoria Histórica de las Mujeres Trabajadoras en Tijuana” y “Los Efectos Nocivos a la Salud Reproductiva de las Mujeres por el Uso de Sustáncias Tóxicas en las Maquiladoras”.

“Factor X offers advice regarding labor issues (such as occupational health, gender discrimination, and reproductive health) to women, both individually, and in collectives. The group offers medical services, which include a complete physical and alternative medicines. Current projects include a 14-week training, for “promotoras organizadoras” (organizers/health promoters) that covers occupational health, labor rights, and gender issues. Factor X is also compiling information for two reports: “Memoria Histórica de las Mujeres Trabajadoras en Tijuana” and “Los Efectos Nocivos a la Salud Reproductiva de las Mujeres por el Uso de Sustáncias Tóxicas en las Maquiladoras”.

2. Perzent–Karakalpak Center for Reproductive Health and Environment
(Uzbekistan)
“Perzent” means “progeny” in Karakalpak. Oral Ataniyazova is a gynecologist who also obtained a Ph.D. in medical science in Moscow. For her research, Dr. Ataniyazova studied about 5,000 reproductive-age women in Karakalpakstan. Her findings were so alarming that in 1992 she founded the first Karakalpak women’s clinic for reproductive health: the “Marriage and Family” Clinic.

In 1997 the clinic, which rents out five rooms from the government hospital in Nukus, consulted and treated 1,300 patients with a variety of sexual and reproductive problems. The center has developed an environmental education program for 200 pupils of Nukus schools, published brochures and booklets on health and on the relationship between health (particularly reproductive health) and the environment, and maintains an environmental library open to the public. It created the Ecological Club “Shagala” to provide environmental education programs in rural areas.

Together with the Save the Children Fund it started an environmental education program for 5-6 year old children. Center Perzent publishes a monthly newsletter in both the Russian and Karakalpak languages, and distributes it to all Central Asian republics. This newsletter features articles on local NGOs, educational programs, and legislation that affect women. The newsletter also contains translations of materials from various international organizations and a column that answers questions from readers on issues such as pensions, stipends and labor laws.

Nuclear

1. Downwinders
(Nevada)
“Downwinders takes its name from the residents living in the prevailing wind pattern surrounding the Nevada Test Site, and who have been constantly exposed to radioactive fallout from America’s nuclear testing activities conducted there.  Downwinders was founded with two primary goals: to expose the plight of downwind residents whose fallout exposures have caused cancers, leukemia, and other illnesses, and to obtain justice for their injuries; and to fight for an immediate end to all nuclear testing at the Nevada Nuclear Test Site and elsewhere”.

2. Shundahai Network
(Las Vegas, NV)
“Shundahai Network was formed at the Nevada Nuclear Test Site in 1994, by a council of long-term nuclear disarmament activists, at the request of Corbin Harney, a Western Shoshone Spiritual Leader. They have evolved into an international network of activists and organizations bridging the gap between the environmental, peace and justice and indigenous land rights communities. Shundahai Network is a collective of dedicated activists who work with a broad network of people and organizations to respond to pressing environmental, nuclear, and Native issues and to ensure that Native voices are heard and heeded in the movement to shape US nuclear and environmental policies”.

General Environmental Health

1. Red Fronteriza de Salud y Ambiente
(Hermosillo, Sonora, México)
“La Red Fronteriza de Salud y Ambiente es una organización no gubernamental ubicada en la Cd. de Hermosillo, Sonora, que orienta sus actividades y ofrece sus servicios a ciudadanos, grupos y organizaciones sociales afines en los estados de Sonora y Arizona, principalmente. Mantiene comunicación y enlace con organizaciones de los estados fronterizos y del centro del país, respecto de una diversidad de temáticas, propuestas y acciones enmarcadas en la búsqueda del mejoramiento de la calidad de vida de nuestras sociedades. Publica el trimestral “Raíces de Arena” que brinda información variada sobre el medio ambiente
fronterizo”.

“Red Fronteriza publishes the quarterly magazine, Raices de Arena, which provides a variety of information on border region environmental issues. They work with non government organizations along the border to develop creative responses and solutions to border health and environmental problems. Maintains a database of information and publications. Instrumental in the development of Project SALAM, which developed a local model for training and supporting promotoras de salud in the Sonora-Arizona region”.

2. Safer World
(Denmark)
“Safer World is a private, non-profit, international, internet-network. Safer World gives information in different languages about: links between poisoning and disease; environmental health and environmental illnesses prevention; and activities for a safer environment”.

3. Science and Environmental Health Network
(Windsor, ND)
“SEHN advocates the wise application of science to protecting the environment and public health. Founded in 1994, SEHN serves as both network and think tank for the environmental movement, helping environmental organizations use science in their work, guiding scientists to public interest research and public service, informing public policy with science grounded in ethics and  logic. Project areas: current interpretations and applications of the precautionary principle; Biotechnology Project; The Student Public Interest Network (SPIN); Public Interest Research; Public Health”.

4. WHO Healthy Cities Project
(WHO Regional Office for Europe – Copenhagen, Denmark)
“The WHO Healthy Cities project is a long-term international development project that aims to place health high on the agenda of decision-makers in the cities of Europe and to promote comprehensive local strategies for health and sustainable development based on the principles and objectives of the strategy for health for all for the twenty-first century and local Agenda 21. Ultimately, the Healthy Cities project seeks to enhance the physical, mental, social and environmental wellbeing of the people who live and work in cities. Approximately 1100 cities and towns are linked with 29 national and several regional and thematic (multi-city action plans) healthy cities networks in Europe. Cities participating in the WHO European network have developed and implemented a wide range of programmes and products including city health profiles and city health strategies based on intersectoral cooperation, community development initiatives and programmes that address the needs of vulnerable groups, lifestyles, environmental health and Agenda 21”.

5. The Healthy Building Network
(Washington D.C. and Minneapolis, MN)
“The Healthy Building Network advocates the use of safer, ecologically superior building materials as a means to a healthier indoor environment and global environmental preservation. We will accomplish this mission by: Identifying and promoting healthy building policies and practices; Supporting the development and use of materials, technologies, and products that are safe for the environment and human health; Educating and engaging all affected constituencies to work for ecologically sustainable and healthy buildings; Eliminating–without compromising safety, performance, or quality of buildings–the use of materials whose lifecycle (extraction, manufacture, use, and disposal) threatens the environment and human health; Advocating environmental and economic justice and improved health for communities and workers disproportionately impacted by the lifecycle hazards of building materials, as well as for other constituencies negatively impacted throughout the material lifecycle. Affiliated with Institute for Local Self-Reliance”.

6. Physicians for Social Responsibility
(Washington, D.C.)
“Physicians for Social Responsibility is working [from the U.S.] to create a world free of nuclear weapons, global environmental pollution, and gun violence. Understanding that nuclear war continues to be the most acute threat to human life and the global biosphere, PSR reaffirms its commitment of nearly forty years to the elimination of nuclear weapons and the reversal of the arms race and the national budgetary priorities which fuel that race, sacrificing our nation’s health, social and economic needs. With a reduction in East-West tensions, PSR sees a chance for our nation to address more insidious environmental threats to human survival, such as global warming, ozone depletion, toxic chemicals, and the world population explosion. Recognizing that neglect of social problems and emphasis on militarism has resulted in a crisis of societal violence, PSR also seeks to reverse our domestic arms race and to encourage ways of finding peaceful solutions to interpersonal and local disputes, as well as international conflicts.

In the ancient and universal tradition of the physician who promotes healing and seeks truth, members subscribe to the following values: (1) That life on Earth is precious, powerful and vulnerable; (2) That human life draws vital sustenance and coherence from the ecological and social systems in which it participates; (3) That the acquisition and application of scientific knowledge imposes the responsibility to protect life, not to endanger or destroy it; (4) That knowledge about global threats results from experience and scientific study including modeling and simulation, which inherently contain uncertainty; (5) That the necessary decisions based on such uncertainties must be evaluated in settings open to public review, so that the best possible approaches can be achieved; (6) That citizens have a right to informed participation in such decision-making processes made by both government and industry which affect their health, welfare and environment; and (7) That our commitment to future generations requires that problems of violence and militarism, global environmental degradation and social and economic inequities be addressed now and not be left as a toxic legacy to be solved by those who follow us”.


Technological Alternatives

Appropriate Technology

1. Development Center for Appropriate Technology
(Tucson, AZ)
The Development Center for Appropriate Technology serves as a center for the collection, coordination and distribution of research materials, experience and information to communities, groups, or individuals seeking ways to create non-destructive and self regenerating milieus, throughout the world.  Their definition of Appropriate Technology encompasses sustainable design, affordable housing and community development.  Their vision involves both the acquisition and the use of knowledge.

“DCAT seeks to support these efforts by serving as a center for the collection, coordination, and distribution of research results, experience, and information, and by creating networks, which encourage and nurture collaborative projects. In addition, DCAT is committed to making its own contribution toward a new model of global stewardship through education, research, and demonstration of concepts and tools to enable communities to pursue economic and human development in greater harmony with nature.

Activities:
For appropriate technologies to be successful, they must be used. This requires increased public understanding, acceptance, and support of them. Convenes public forums, conferences, seminars, and workshops. Conducts and supports research and testing of sustainable technologies, systems, and resource-efficient designs.

     Works to develop demonstration projects and prototypes.
     Publishes educational and informational materials, and Scientific research.
     Works with other organizations, educators and schools, governmental agencies, businesses communities,
     neighborhoods, and individuals to promote appropriate technology and Sustainable development.”

2. Center for Alternative Technologies
(Wales)
The Center for Alternative Technologies is “visionary environmental project” created on the site of an abandoned quarry.  It is a 40 acre site with working examples of wind, water and solar power, energy conservation, environmentally sound buildings, self build, organic growing and alternative sewage systems, of which seven are open to the public as a kind of eco-resort for the sustainable vision.  The center is self described as a charity.

“CAT is concerned with the search for globally sustainable, whole and ecologically sound technologies and ways of life. Within this search the role of CAT is to explore and demonstrate a wide range of alternatives, communicating to other people the options for them to achieve positive change in their own lives.  This communication involves:
            Inspiring – instilling the desire to change by practical example
            Informing – feeding the desire to change by providing the most appropriate information
            Enabling – providing effective and continuing support to put the change into practice.
 CAT has a holistic approach to its work, integrating ideas and practice relating to land use, shelter, energy conservation and use, diet and health, waste management and recycling.  Through its resident community and work organisation, CAT is also committed to the implementation of co-operative principles and best achievable environmental practices.”

3. The Rocky Mountain Institute
(Colorado)
The Rocky Mountain Institute was created in 1982 with the purpose of aiding individuals, organizations, corporations and governments with solving problems, gaining competitive advantage, increasing profits, and creating wealth through the more productive use of resources.  They embody the philosophy of “natural capitalism” with their holistic, whole-systems thinking which aims at integrating environment and economy in the most productive, mutually beneficial way.  They offer a variety of consulting, strategic and educational services in a wide variety of areas such as energy, water, business, building, and communities.

“Rocky Mountain Institute is an entrepreneurial, nonprofit organization that fosters the efficient and restorative use of resources to create a more secure, prosperous, and life-sustaining world.  Our staff shows businesses, communities, individuals, and governments how to create more wealth and employment, protect and enhance natural and human capital, increase profit and competitive advantage, and enjoy many other benefits—largely by doing what they do far more efficiently. Our work is independent, nonadversarial, and transideological, with a strong emphasis on market-based solutions. “

Waste Management

1. National Center for Clean Industrial and Treatment Technologies
(Michigan, U.S.)
The National Center for Clean Industrial and Treatment Technologies helps industry prevent pollution by researching and developing clean technology. CenCITT works to create industrial facilities where technologies, manufacturing processes, reuse of materials, and treatment operations are applied to minimize waste. The center’s four research areas are: clean process advisory system, clean reaction technologies, efficient materials utilization, and environmentally conscious
manufacturing.

“The CenCITT is a research consortium founded in 1992 to address clean technology needs of industry in concert with the environmental interests of government and the public.  Our mission is to assist industry in pollution prevention by devising clean technologies and process design tools, and by pursuing promising leads in treatment, beneficiation, and reuse where prevention is not feasible.”

2. Residua
(UK)
Residua is concerned with the management of municipal solid waste.  It serves as a source of information and consulting/experience facilitation, using a global network of expert contacts on the topics of resource recovery and waste management (Includes the Resource Recovery Forum).

“Residua believes that society squanders resources in the waste it discards.  Additional resources are spent unnecessarily in pursuing misguided waste management options with no net environmental benefit.  Residua is convinced that society must strive for sustainable resource management, eliminating superfluous waste creation, recovering resources from waste with least overall damage to the environment.  Residua is working to ensure relevant decisions are taken, informed by the best available access to information, with full regard to environmental interests.

Objectives:
Define waste
Promote the effective use of waste enhance understanding of waste as a resource
Encourage consideration of the environmental impact of waste management and the opportunities for resource recovery assist individuals, local authorities, national governments and international organizations make justifiable decisions on resource recovery.”

Computers

1. Linux Ecology
The idea of Linux ecology is captivating both for its own merits as a way to protect the environment by conserving computer related resources and facilitating education, but also because of the very nature of Linux as an inherently democratic, decentralized, participatory system.  Linux is free, open-source and possibly one of the most stable, efficient, adaptive and versatile operating systems ever devised, thus gaining wide and very loyal following.  As such, it can serve both as an actual tool and as a symbol/example of the ideals of sustainability.

Since it does not require big hardware, Linux may be used with old computers to make their life cycle longer. Games may be used in environmental education and software is available to simulate ecological processes.  Though computers can be seen as part of environmental pollution, there are also ways to use computers in a more reasonable manner to help protect the environment.

Objectives:
Reduction in power consumption.
Reduction in consumables like paper and inks.
Reduction in waste by reusing older components or keeping them in service longer.
Reduction in toxic waste such as used batteries.
Use of Linux in environmental education and research.”

Alternative Energy

1. Renewable Energy Policy Project
(Washington D.C.)
The Renewable Energy Policy Project supports the advancement of renewable energy technology through policy research. REPP studies the relationship of policy, markets, and public demand to biomass, hydropower, geothermal, photovoltaic, solar thermal, wind, and renewable hydrogen power. REPP conducts and disseminates research, provides small grants to researchers outside the organization, and works to support long-range strategic planning within the renewable energy
community.

“REPP-CREST’s goal is to accelerate the use of renewable energy by providing credible information, insightful analysis, and innovative strategies amid changing energy markets and mounting environmental needs. The combined REPP-CREST organization boasts a strong platform for research, publication, and dissemination of timely information regarding sustainable energy. REPP-CREST’s software and Internet services provide access to a broad range of topics: innovative public policy reports generated by REPP-CREST, interactive media, renewable energy success stories, and informative on-line discussion groups.”

2. Global Environment Facility
(Washington D.C.)
The Global Environment Facility fosters collaboration among governments, NGOs, and the private sector to find cost-effective solutions for sustainable economic development. Program areas address sustainable energy and energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gases, resource management, and water quality. The GEF encourages businesses to identify, finance, monitor, and evaluate GEF projects. Examples of private sector-based projects are available on the GEF Web site.

“Launched in 1991 as an experimental facility, GEF was restructured after the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro to serve the environmental interests of people in all parts of the world. The facility that emerged after restructuring was more strategic, effective, transparent, and participatory. In 1994, 34 nations pledged $2 billion in support of GEF’s mission; in 1998, 36 nations pledged $2.75 billion to protect the global environment and promote sustainable development.”

Miscellaneous Information, Research, Resources

1. Sustainable Architecture, Building and Culture
A unique compendium of links and content oriented to the global community of ecological and natural building proponents.

2. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
They support sustainability, radical resource productivity and waste management research.

Agriculture and Rural Development

Preamble:

The conventional production of food and fiber in industrial countries and in some areas of developing countries violates several of the ideals of sustainability.  Environmental harms include groundwater contamination by pesticides and fertilizer runoff, accelerated erosion, deterioration of soil quality, loss of biodiversity in cultivated varieties, as well as deforestation and loss of local species through habitat destruction.  In the economic realm, many regions are experiencing declining profitability of farming.  In addition, national farm policies can contribute to increasing farm size, harming the vitality of rural communities.  A structure of large farms that employ many fulltime workers is linked to higher levels of poverty than communities with mixed sizes of farms or with predominantly medium-sized farms.  Community quality of life, such as the provision of good schools, hospitals, or a tradition of local participatory governance, often suffers as well. Agriculture also connects to issues of social equity, through historical discrimination against ethnic and racial groups or disadvantages experienced by farm workers.

Many grassroots organizations addressing the food production aspects of sustainability are pioneering practices that build a vision of sustainable agriculture through building local markets, healthy rural communities, and reducing environmental harms, while guaranteeing access to resources for all groups within the community.  In some developing countries, the focus shifts to land reform and access to resources that have been historically denied to certain groups.  Other local organizations seek to empower women farmers in particular or to boost production in less developed areas.  Some of these groups focus primarily on improved economic benefits for agriculture, together with greater social equity, while others are more explicitly attentive to environmental issues.

Some local groups are concerned about farmers’ economic vulnerability from dependence on world markets—for essential seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals—as well as for product markets.  They note the economic, ecological, and social consequences of a  world food system that is now highly concentrated and often involves long-term storage and long distance transport.  A more bioregional focus for food systems reduces energy use, provides higher quality, fresher food, and encourages local investment of profits.  Consumer supported agriculture (CSA) is another way to link consumers and growers.  Annual contracts for direct marketing involve risk sharing by all parties and bring consumers into a closer relationship with a particular farmer.

Within the alternative agriculture movement, some groups focus on organic production (methods that use no synthetic chemicals, antibiotics, or manufactured fertilizers).  Organic groups include organizations of local growers, groups that certify organic growers (so they can take advantage of the price premium from labeled produce), and various national and international associations of organic groups.  The same hierarchy of local, regional, national, and international groups have formed to disseminate information on marketing and on alternative production in broad scope.  For the most part, this list does not include governmental organizations or land grant university projects.  Only one of the certification organizations is included here because many do not have websites, though they often address more than ecological issues, focusing on economic and social equity dimensions of organic production.

The third section on rural development broadens out from agriculture to include issues of community development and participation in rural areas and the local control of natural resources.  Some of these organizations operate at the level of discourse, trying to create new visions of development, and doing research on pertinent issues.  The organizations chosen here represent research in several different areas of the world.  Other organizations are more project-focused, working in one bounded area or co-ordinating groups of NGOs in a region or a nation.  These organizations value including local people in the decision-making processes and working on issues pertinent to the community such as control over oil reserves or access to water and housing.  Finally, the last section is an in-depth look at post-colonial land reform and rural development organizations in South Africa.  These organizations are part of a nation-wide attempt to construct a vision of rural development in the post-apartheid era which includes values such as social justice, equitable distribution of land, and meeting basic needs both of farm owners and of farm workers.  The environmental component of some of these organizations is less-developed, although it may become a more salient issue in the future after the immediacy of the transition to a postcolonial state recedes.

List of Domains and Topics:

1. Sustainable Food and Fiber Production

2. Community Supported Agriculture

3. Rural Development

Defining Development
Local Resource Control and Resistance to Globalization
Postcolonial Land Reform and Rural Development in South Africa



Sustainable Food and Fiber Production

1. Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA)
(Fayetteville, Arkansas)
“ATTRA is the national sustainable farming information center operated by the private nonprofit National Center for appropriate Technology (NCAT). ATTRA provides technical assistance to farmers, extension agents, market gardeners, agricultural researchers, and other ag professionals in all 50 states.  Topics addressed by ATTRA can be categorized into three broad areas:  sustainable farming production practices, alternative crop and livestock enterprises, and innovative marketing.”

“The National Center for Appropriate Technology is a 501(c)3  non-profit organization with programs in sustainable agriculture, rural development, renewable energy, and low-income housing.  The ATTRA program is one of several sustainable agriculture projects managed by NCAT.”

ATTRA served originally as an information clearinghouse, a kind of alternative agricultural extension service for farmers and researchers and service providers focused on alternative production.  Today, its broad activities are increasingly recognized and used by all kinds of producers and others affiliated with the land grant university system.

2. Southern Sustainable Agriculture Working Group
(Elkins, Arkansas)
The southern sustainable agriculture working group is made up of 40 non-profit organizations and individual members in 13 Southern states.

“As advocates of sustainable agriculture, we value the environment, rural communities, and the families who make a living by growing food and fiber.  We believe that an investment in the preservation of all three is necessary for the sustainability of our society.”

“Representatives from several grassroots environmental and farming organizations founded Southern SAWG in 1991 to develop communication between organizations and individuals invested in sustainable agriculture, to collaborate on program development, and to put farmers in a leadership role in the sustainable agriculture movement. By creating a working structure, Southern SAWG combines the strength of individuals and organizations to accomplish more than each could individually.”

SAWG’s activities are diverse, including local and national lobbying efforts on issues affecting sustainable agriculture; coordinating the development of a regional business and marketing incubator service for sustainable family farmers, educational programs, youth programs, and water quality efforts.

3. Land Stewardship Project
(Minneapolis, Minnesota)
“Working to Keep the Land and People Together:  LSP, founded in 1982, is a private, nonprofit membership organization devoted to fostering an ethic of stewardship toward farmland. It is working to develop and promote sustainable communities and a system of agriculture that is environmentally sound, economically viable family-farm based and socially just.”

Focused primarily in the Upper Midwest, this group’s concerns address increasing farmland concentration, the power of meat packing companies over rural employment and quality of life, efforts to aid young/new farmers to enter agriculture, the impact of  factory farm production methods, and organic and small/medium scale alternatives.  The group offers workshops, information, and lobbying efforts.

4. American Farmland Trust
(Washington D.C.)
“American Farmland Trust is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1980 to protect our nation’s farmland.  AFT works to stop the loss of productive farmland and to promote farming practices that lead to a healthy environment.” American Farmland Trust provides research tools and reports for individuals interested in America’s disappearing farmland.  It also supports “Fresh Farm Market” in DuPont Circle, a weekly marketplace of locally grown produce.  They also provide technical resources for individuals interested in saving their “working” land.  Finally, the organization lobbies legislative representatives on behalf of the nation’s farmers.

5. Center for Rural Affairs
(Walthill, NE)
“The Center for Rural Affairs is committed to building communities that stand for social justice, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship.  The Center engages in research, education, advocacy, and service work to further this vision of rural America.”  CFRA was established in 1973.  Center for Rural Affairs’ research found that “major barriers to farmers’ and microbusinesses’ success in processing and marketing agricultural products include the lack of access to markets and processors, networks with similar enterprises, and expertise in marketing, customer relations, processing and business planning and management.” Under its Rural Opportunities and Stewardship Program it sponsors the Marketing Alliances Project which “analyzes strategies to reward resource stewardship and increase family farming opportunities by adding value to agricultural products on farms and in rural communities.”

6. International Federation of Organic Movements (IFOAM)
(Tholey-Theley, Germany)
“We represent the worldwide movement of organic agriculture and provide a platform for global exchange and cooperation. We are committed to a holistic approach in the development of organic farming systems including maintenance of a sustainable environment and respect for the need of humanity.  The federation’s main function is coordinating the network of the organic movement around the world.  IFOAM is a democratic federation and grassroot oriented. Major activities within IFOAM are carried out by our World Board of Directors, various committees and task forces.”

“What is organic agriculture?  Organic agriculture includes all agricultural systems that promote the environmentally, socially and economically sound production of food and fibres. These systems take local soil fertility as a key to successful production. By respecting the natural capacity of plants, animals and the landscape, it aims to optimise quality in all aspects of agriculture and the environment. Organic agriculture dramatically reduces external inputs by refraining from the use of chemo-synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and pharmaceuticals. Instead it allows the powerful laws of nature to increase both agricultural yields and disease resistance.  Organic agriculture adheres to globally accepted principles, which are implemented within local social-economic, geoclimatical and cultural settings. As a logical consequence, IFOAM stresses and supports the development of self-supporting systems on local and regional levels.”

Major aims and activities include information exchange, political representation in international policy forums, creation and revision of basic organic standards (in 19 languages), and efforts to ensure the equivalency of certification programs worldwide.  The Federation has sought to highlight participatory, anti-hierarchical forms of organization and attention to gender equity in the inclusion of women in leadership from the beginning.  With the growth of the movement, broad representation from all continents on the governing board was achieved in 1995.  By the early 1990s, IFOAM grew from 100 member organizations to around 500 members and associates in 75 countries.

7. Sustainable Ag Network
(Santa Rosa, California)

The Sustainable Agriculture Network is mainly an information clearinghouse.  It focuses on sustainable production (soil health, pest management, wetlands conservation, livestock systems, and agroforestry), links to research institutions (private and public) and libraries that offer information on sustainable ag, marketing strategies that have helped farmers, sustainable communities.  This group sees sustainable agriculture as one facet in the wider concept of sustainable communities and provides links to: a range of groups working on community vitality and sustainability, to groups working with issues affecting the agricultural workforce, and to academic departments and other sources offering curriculum and instruction resources.

“Hosted and maintained by the Santa Rosa Junior College Agriculture and Natural Resources Department…this site has been funded by the California Food and Fiber Future Project and the W.K. Kellog Foundation’s Food Systems Professions Education Initiative.”

8. Rural Advancement  Foundation International (RAFI)
(Winnipeg, Canada)
“RAFI is dedicated to the conservation and sustainable improvement of  agricultural biodiversity, and to the socially responsible development of technologies useful to rural societies.  RAFI is concerned about the loss of genetic diversity—especially in agriculture—and about the impact of intellectual property on agriculture and world food security. RAFI was incorporated in the Netherlands in 1985.”

“RAFI works in partnership with nongovernmental organizations for cooperative and sustainable self-reliance within rural societies, through the provision of information on socioeconomic and technological trends and alternatives. This work requires joint actions in community, regional, and global fora.”

“RAFI’s strength is in the research and analysis of technological information (particularly but not exclusively plant genetic resources, biotechnologies, and [in general] biological diversity), and in the development of strategic options related to the socioeconomic implications posed by new technologies.”

9. Carolina Farm Stewardship
(Pittsboro, North Carolina)

“CFSA is a non-profit membership association of North Carolina and South Carolina farmers, gardeners, and consumers dedicated to ecological farming methods and the development of a healthful, sustainable agriculture.”  The organization offers a newsletter (Stewardship News), news briefs, and resources for growers and consumers.  Chapters in different regions of the state provide networking opportunities through local meetings.  The newsletter includes case profiles of member farmers, recipes for consumers, gardening tips, products for sale, and news from the National Sustainable Agriculture community.

10. Land Loss Prevention Fund
(Tillery, North Carolina)
“The Land Loss Fund (LLF) is a grassroots, educational and charitable organization seeking to improve the social, educational and economic welfare of the people whose lives are being affected by the continued loss of family owned land especially in rural African-American communities.  LLF is a racially mixed group composed of farmers, educators, social workers, businesspersons, and other interested individuals who organized themselves in March of 1983.  The Fund provides educational, organizing, networking, research, and other technical assistance to small economically disadvantaged land owners in rural North Carolina counties in the effort to keep the land in the hands of the Black community.”

“LLF recognizes that land ownership is an integral source of power for African-Americans and that work needs to be done to sustain and reclaim the land the Black people are entitled to.  LLF provides educational resources, as well as technical assistance in management and financial record keeping. LLF also provides moral support to farmers and land-owners as they confront their legal battles, settling of the more than 2,000 discrimination complaints with the USDA.”

11. Tillery: A Groundwater Guardian Community
(Tillery, North Carolina)
“The Tillery community was one of only eight communities in North America participating in the Groundwater Guardian Program in 1994.  This pilot program is a community education and recognition program of the Groundwater Foundation, a private, non-profit educational organization based in Lincoln, Nebraska. It is designed to empower local citizens and communities to take voluntary steps toward protecting their groundwater.  Groundwater is an especially relevant issue in Tillery because of the large number of corporate hog farms and shallow wells in the area.”

The Tillery area is made up of six smaller communities and ninety-eight percent of the population relies on groundwater for their drinking water supply. The 1700 wells across the town are affected by leaks from the waste lagoons of nearby large-scale hog production facilities.  The community works with the local school system to develop in children an awareness and understanding of the importance of groundwater, provides public forums for the community to discuss and strategize ways to protect water quality, aids in the implementation of regulatory measures needed to safeguard water quality, and seeks the extension of county water lines to rural areas.

12. Florida Certified Organic Growers & Consumers, Inc. (FOG)
(Gainesville, Florida)
This group is one of many local organic certifying associations, often organized by state.  The Florida group (FOG) combines its efforts to support organic agriculture with concerns about urban sprawl and the loss of farmland.

13. The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association
(Columbus, OH)
“The Ohio Ecological Food & Farm Association is a grassroots coalition of food producers and consumers formed in 1979 to support and promote a  healthful, ecological, accountable and permanent agriculture in Ohio and elsewhere.” The organization’s goals include: (1) assisting producers in the switch to ecological management; (2) making consumers aware of the increased value and quality of ecologically produced commodities; (3) promoting research on eco-management systems and techniques; (4) promoting the adoption of alternative technologies where appropriate; (5) establishing and updating standards for grower certification; (6) providing a general sharing of resources, ideas and information; and (7) monitoring legislation that directly affects ecological agriculture and to provide information on that legislation to the membership.  The organization provides resources for consumers and producers alike.



Community Supported Agriculture

1. Community Alliance with Family Farmers
(Davis, CA)
“Founded in 1978, the Community Alliance with Family Farmers is a nonprofit member-activist organization. CAFF political and educational campaigns are building a movement of rural and urban people who foster family-scale agriculture that cares for the land, sustains local economies, and promotes social justice.  Members are urbanites, farmers, environmentalists, rural activists, students, and anyone concerned with the social and environmental dimensions of agriculture.”

The organization sponsors CSA West (Community Sponsored Agriculture), a grassroots movement in which farmers, consumers, students, and other individuals can swap  information regarding consumer supported agriculture. The organization also produced the California Regional CSA Directory, Farms for All.

2. Community Food Security Coalition
(Venice, CA)
“A CFS approach believes strongly in the need to protect and promote local family-based agriculture as an alternative to a globalized food system. CFS strategies such as developing farmers’ markets and community supported agriculture arrangements in low income communities benefit farmers and consumers by building non-traditional but natural partnerships.  Family farmers benefit with an added source of income. Also greater connection and understanding of local agriculture on the part of urban residents can facilitate regional and state policies that protect and promote local agriculture (such as farmland preservation).”

The coalition sponsors community gardens and farmer markets in low-income neighborhoods throughout the country.  The coalition promotes networking and information exchange on food security strategies. The coalition is also helping to build links “between diverse and normally separate constituencies, such as sustainable agriculture, anti-hunger, environmentalists, and community development as a way of developing the political wherewithal to create a more sustainable food system.”

3. Local Harvest
 “Local Harvest is a not-for-profit venture to sprout and grow a definitive and reliable ‘living’ public directory of small farms nationwide, and in so doing to provide people with direct contact to farms in their local area.  A ‘living’ directory is more sustainable than a printed paper version, because it is always available and up to date, maintained ‘self-serve’ by each listing subscriber.  In addition, we designed the site to strengthen the Internet connection among direct-marketing farmers, offer them unique services, lay the groundwork for additional optional direct-marketing opportunities.” The organization encourages consumer and producer participation in the maintenance of their directory.

4. The Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition (MACSAC)
(Madison, WI)
“The Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition is composed of consumers and farmers working together to build sustainable relationships among farms, local communities, and the land.  Our actions are guided by the desire to promote a healthy local food supply, to support small-scale farms, and to protect the environment.” The organization provides a list of local Madison area farms.  It also sponsors the “Partner Shares Program” which links CSA farms with low income and special needs households.  It also publishes the book From Asparagus to Zucchini: A Guide to Farm-Fresh Seasonal Produce.



Rural Development

Defining Development

1. Third World Network
(Penang, Malaysia)
“The Third World Network is an independent non-profit international network of organizations and individuals involved in issues relating to development, the Third World and North- South issues.

Its objectives are to conduct research on economic, social and environmental issues pertaining to the South; to publish books and magazines; to organize and participate in seminars; and to provide a platform representing broadly Southern interests and perspectives at international fora such as the UN conferences and processes.”

2. Food First
(Oakland, CA)
“The Institute for Food and Development Policy better known as Food First–is a member-supported, nonprofit ‘peoples’ think tank and education-for-action center. Our work highlights root causes and value-based solutions to hunger and poverty around the world, with a commitment to establishing food as a fundamental human right.

As a progressive think tank, Food First produces books, reports, articles, films, electronic media, and curricula, plus interviews, lectures, workshops and academic courses for the public, policy makers, activists, the media, students, educators and researchers. We participate in activist coalitions and furnish clearly written and carefully researched analyses, arguments and action plans for people who want to help change the world.

Food First provides leadership to the struggle for reforming the global food system from the bottom up, offering an antidote to the myths and obfuscations that make change seem difficult to achieve.

Food First was founded in 1975 by Frances Moore Lappé and Joseph Collins, following the international success of the book, Diet For a Small Planet. The FoodFirst Information and Action Network (FIAN) is the action and campaigning partner of the Institute.”

3. Alternative Information & Development Centre (AIDC)
(Mowbray, South Africa)
“The AIDC is an alternative information centre doing research, education and training, as well as campaigning and lobbying on the macro issues affecting the development process in South Africa.”  AIDC also puts out a
newsletter and provides public discussion forums on relevant issues.

4. Association for Women’s Rights in Development
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
“The Association for Women’s Rights in Development (AWID) is an international membership organization connecting, informing and mobilizing people and organizations committed to achieving gender equality, sustainable development and women’s human rights. Our goal is to cause policy, institutional and individual change that will improve the lives of women and girls everywhere. We do this by facilitating ongoing debates on fundamental and provocative issues as well as by building the individual and organizational capacities of those working for women’s empowerment and social justice.

A dynamic network of women and men around the world, AWID members are researchers, academics, students, educators, activists, business people, policy-makers, development practitioners, funders, and more. AWID recognizes that our members are our most valuable resource. We have a broad network of expert, committed members interested in sharing their ideas towards viable solutions for gender equality.”

5. Women’s Edge
(Washington D.C., United States)
“Women’s EDGE is a dynamic coalition of individuals and respected organizations that is giving women and families around the world an economic edge.

Women’s EDGE organizes for economic, political and social change by:

  • Mobilizing American women and men through educational activities. We provide the latest information on how women’s lives in the developing world are being changed by U.S. programs and policies.
  • Bringing together like-minded people and organizations to promote equitable international aid and trade policies. We believe that collective action is necessary to change U.S. policies affecting women in developing countries. Women’s EDGE unites a broad array of actors from international aid agencies, domestic women’s groups, human rights organizations and think tanks to local activist groups and universities to take joint action on international women’s issues.
  • Giving women a say in political decisions. We provide our members with the information and access they need to play a part in the decision-making process. We alert you when your voice can make a real difference in the decisions that affect women and girls.


Women’s EDGE also works to bring the voices of women from the developing world to U.S. policy makers and regularly collaborates with women’s organizations from other nations.”

Local Resource Control and Resistance to Globalization

1. Guamina
(Bamako, Mali)
“Guamina, which means “united home for working, mutual aid, solidarity and sharing”, was founded in 1988. The organization aims to support rural and urban populations in their daily fight to conquer poverty and become self-reliant. A newsletter is produced with grassroots support in two local languages, as well as French. Guamina’s core national campaign issues are mining and desertification.  Guamina also works to promote the status of women, and provides training and literacy courses in the local language for women and other target groups.” (from
Friends of Earth International Guamina page)

For those who read French, here is further information:
“GUAMINA signifie en bambara « Union des foyers dans le travail Entraide ».

GUAMINA est une organisation de développement qui enregistre cette année 12 ans d’expérience.  GUAMINA est une organisation bénévole non gouvernementale de développement créée en 1988 par des cadres maliens travaillant dans différents domaines du développement. Il tire son origine dans la tradition du Wassouloun où Guamina est une association traditionnelle de réalisation d’activités productrices des communautés de femmes, de jeunes et d’adultes.

GUAMINA est aussi un organisme de volontariat et de bénévolat et dispose sur le terrain de jeunes diplômés qui travaillent comme volontaires.”

2. Committee for the Defense and Development of the Flora and Fauna of the Gulf of Fonseca (CODDEFFAGOLF)
(Tegucigalpa, Honduras)
“The Committee for the Defense and Sustainable Development of the Flora and Fauna of the Fonseca Gulf (CODDEFFAGOLF) is a non-governmental grass-roots organization. Its mission is the defense of the natural resources of the coastal zone of the Fonseca Gulf and the sustainable development of the rural communities in the area.

CODDEFFAGOLF represents low income artisanal fisherfolk and aquiculturists, farmers, salt extractors, grade school teachers, men, women, and children. These groups make up a 15 member Executive Board who designates an Executive staff consisting of a Director and several Departmental Coordinators.”

The Fonseca Gulf is located on the Pacific Ocean of Central America. It is shared by El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua and has a surface area of 5000 square kilometers. The coastal area is rich in biodiversity containing vast mangroves, beautiful estuaries and natural lagoons appropriate for small scale fishing and ecotourism.  Since its foundation, CODDEFFAGOLF has believed in the sustainable use of natural resources. As a result, it seeks economic growth for the rural inhabitants in the area of the gulf based on social and environmental considerations.

3. Sahabat Alam Malaysia
(Penang, Malaysia)
“Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) is a grassroots, community non-governmental organisation involved in environment and development issues, based in Malaysia.  Since its inception in late 1977, SAM has worked closely with numerous affected communities throughout Malaysia, such as supporting the indigenous peoples of Sarawak against deforestation and the seizing of the ancestral lands, or the villagers of Bukit Merah against the illegal production of radioactive substances in their village, a landmark environmental battle in this country.

SAM’s operations involve people from all walks of life; we have helped farmers whose crops have been destroyed by pollution and pests, estate workers whose health and safety are affected by the use of pesticides and toxic chemicals and fishermen whose livelihood is threatened by depleting marine resources and the encroachment of trawlers.

Our scope of work is unrestricted by political boundaries or geological confines; SAM is also the coordinator of the ASIA-PACIFIC PEOPLE’S ENVIRONMENT NETWORK (APPEN), a coalition of over 300 non-governmental organisations. Since 1983, APPEN’s main objectives have been the collection and dissemination of information pertaining development and environment issues in this vast region. From the effects of eco-tourism to tribal issues, we help to spread the word.

For our efforts, we were awarded the Global Honour Roll in 1987 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Right Livelihood Award (popularly known as the Alternative Nobel Prize) in 1988 and the Goldman Environment Prize in 1991. SAM was the recipient of the Conde Nast Travel Environment Award in 1998.

In a world of constant change, our role is to make sure that people don’t forget about the environment. We educate people through our various publications of books and newsletters.”

4. People and Water
(Kosice, Slovakia)
“Motto: “If we want to enter the new millennium with a hope for a future, we shall have to create a new vision of human nature and of our relation to the living Earth.” Rupert Sheldrake

The mission of the organization “People And Water” is to provide services to municipal and rural communities, mostly within the Carpathian Euroregion. The goals are to solve the economic, social, cultural and environmental problems on a grassroots level by encouraging citizens to be proactive through development, renewal and promotion of the traditional culture and diversity of this region.”

Postcolonial Land Reform and Rural Development in South Africa

1. National Land Committee (NLC)
(Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa)
“The National Land Committee is a non-governmental organisation [which consists of a] network of land and development affiliated organisations working for land and agrarian reform with rural communities across South Africa.

In working with our community partners, the network is committed to the principles of:
– consultation and community participation
– accountability”

2. Association for Rural Advancement (AFRA)
(Pietermaritzburg, South Africa)
“AFRA is an independent land rights NGO which aims to redress past injustices and to secure tenure for all. AFRA works for a peaceful, secure, projective and prosperous society through the fair and equitable redistribution of land and services. AFRA is committed to a non-racial society in which there is gender equality and participatory democracy.”

3. The Rural Action Committee (TRAC)
(Marshalltown, Johannesburg, South Africa)
“TRAC is non-profit land NGO, affiliated to the National Land Committee, and working in some rural areas of Mpumalanga, North-West, and Northern Provinces. Recognising the need to assist marginalised landless rural groupings to secure land, we perform the following functions:

  • providing information, advice, and technical support;
  • building functionally independent and democratically-elected land-holding entities at local level to administer and utilise the land, and to access related resources;
  • lobbying, advocating, and campaigning for effective land reform;
  • ensuring that women’s needs and interests are recognised and addressed


In all our work we adopt a participatory approach that strives towards the sustainable use and management of the land.”

4. Surplus Peoples Project (SPP) (website currently under construction)
(Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa)
The Surplus Peoples Project began around 15 years ago, with the mission of documenting the forced removals under the apartheid government.  With the end of apartheid, this project has been transformed into one of helping rural people with with issues of privatization, land tenure and land reform.  The SPP has a long relationship with communities in the Western Cape and works to assist these communities in organization and forming legal entities to protect their rights both as land owners, and as farm workers.

5. Land and Agricultural Policy Centre (LAPC)
(Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa)
“The long-term aim of the Centre is to provide high-quality policy analysis on land, agriculture rural development, and natural resource management, with a particular emphasis on the interests of marginalized, politically disadvantaged low-income groups. This research would then be used to advocate policies which are developed with people, an which can be used as a way of organising by communities and community-based organisations. In the first instance, the Centre aims to inform policy-makers from the democratic movement during the present period of negotiations, and in the anticipated period of national reconstruction.”

6. Centre for Rural Legal Studies
(Stellenbosch, South Africa)
“The Center for Rural Legal Studies (CRLS) promotes the land and labour interests of men and women farm workers in the Western, Eastern and Northern Cape through training, information dissemination, research, advocacy, legal intervention and development facilitation.

The CRLS works with rural communities in South Africa and with effective, democratic local organisations and NGOs that are able to lobby for the rights of farm workers in maintaining sustainable livelihoods.

Since its inception in 1991, the organisation has influenced policy formulation and implementation of agricultural labour law, rural democratisation, economic restructuring and land reform.

In addition the organisation has trained more than 6500 farm worker leaders and paralegal on the rights of farm workers and given legal advice and support to an average of 25 people per week.  The CRLS is the only NGO in South Africa focusing on both land and labour issues in rural areas.”

7. National Movement of Rural Women (RWM)
(Braamfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa)
The National Movement of Rural Women branched off from The Rural Action Committee in 1986 in order to focus on land problems affecting rural women, often due to male migration.  The RWM’s activities include education, helping organize local groups or co-operatives of women, and intervention with local chiefs or local government to allow the formation of these local groups.

8. Women on Farms
(Stellenbosch, South Africa)
Women on Farms was founded in 1993 as a two or three year project to investigate issues pertaining to the rights of women farmworkers.  The project became an independent NGO in 1996 and issues include wages, access to housing, violence and abuse, seasonal work and part-time work, child maintenance, and organization skills (gender communication issues).

9. Environmental and Development Agency Trust (EDA)
(Doornfontein, South Africa)
“EDA began in 1977 as a group of student activists and has retained its activist role. It saw that rural people were being condemned by the politics of the time to live in ever increasing poverty and were being deprived by the same system of ability to use their own energy and skills and know how to deal with the causes of this.

Our basic approach is that development consist of and is sustainable only if individuals (organised if necessary) “spontaneously” use their own skills, strengths and knowledge to address their problems. Our work rests on what is now called “capacity building” or “empowerment”

The Environmental and Development Agency Trust is committed to redressing the imbalances of poverty and equality in our society, and to working to improve the quality of life in rural areas. To this end the Trust works with rural communities and other stakeholders to foster sustainable and integrated development processes. These focus on the building of capacity in resource poor rural communities to manage their own development for present and future generations. EDA prioritises work in South Africa but also works in Southern Africa.

The primary goal is to work directly with rural people and institutions in rural areas to advance their development potential and status, and to use this experience to improve cost-effectiveness and add value through developing ‘models’ and informing policy and advocacy work. This requires an integrated, multi-stakeholder approach carried out in sufficient areas at sufficiently wide scale to make both impact and learnings valid and useful.

EDA has four offices in South Africa. Three of our offices are based in the poorest provinces in the country, i.e. Eastern Cape and Northern Province. The one office is located in Gauteng. The programme areas are managed by local programme staff, supported by an in-house team of specialists in organisational development, environment and sustainable land use, advocay, information support.

Matatiele Development Programme (Eastern Cape)

Herschel Development Programme (Eastern Cape)

Northern Province Development Programme

The three programme offices are primarily responsible for implemetation of projects. They provide organisational development and capacity building services; supports institutional development initiatives. They also support the delivery of and training in sustainable land use approaches using small stock, livestock, water, veld management, agriculture, food gardens, multiple use of trees, water, planning, management, administration, monitoring, research and analysis. They conduct sub-regional investigations analyses from time to time.”

10. Southern Africa Environment Project (SAEP)
(Cape Town, South Africa)

“SAEP is an environmental non-governmental organisation with offices in Cape Town. It represents a unique working partnership between its founder and Executive Director, Norton Tennille, a former environmental lawyer and activist in the US, and Boyce W. Papu, Managing Director, a science and environmental educator from Port Elizabeth.

SAEP works with a variety of South African government departments, educational institutions, environmental non-governmental organisations (“NGOs”), and community-based organisations (“CBOs”). Its educational programmes run the gamut from workshops and conferences to a rapidly growing internship programme. Its initial focus has been on South Africa, but it is expanding into Lesotho and other SADC countries as opportunities and funding permit. SAEP’s programme is based on the following beliefs:

The natural environment is Southern Africa’s greatest economic asset. The key to the economic development of Southern Africa is conserving and sustainably using that environment. SAEP wholly subscribes to the philosophy of Noel de Villiers that the goal should be “turning Southern Africa’s environment and cultural heritage into the most valuable product on earth”. This involves broadening the access to natural resources and involving local communities economically in tourism and cultural heritage enterprises.

Environmental education for all – especially in the historically disadvantaged communities – is essential if the environment is to be protected and sustainably used. This involves not only basic environmental awareness, but also the development of a cadre of skilled and highly motivated young environmental managers in the region. To this end, SAEP works with black community-based environmental organisations, a wide range of educational institutions at all levels, governmental departments, and traditional environmental NGOs to build environmental capacity in individuals and organisations.

Environmental leadership and leadership skills and the capacity for environmental advocacy, especially in the black community, must be developed as rapidly as possible. Communities must be empowered to participate in the decisions that will determine the direction of development and the state of the environment where they live and work. This often focuses on participation in project and strategic environmental assessments. In all of the foregoing, science and technology, and in particular information technology, are essential for sustainable development and development of global competitiveness for Southern Africa. SAEP is involved in instituting a number of environmental education programs involving these technologies, the most important part of which is the Southern Africa Environment Page on the WWW.”

11. Centre for Low Input Agricultural Research and Development (CLIARD)
(Kwadlangezwa, South Africa)
“CLIARD is an NGO which aims to develop the organisational and individual capacity of rural people around sustainable farming methods, research on specific crops and problem solving with farmers. CLIARD also trains agricultural extension officers, agricultural assistants and farmers. It operates in northern Natal.”

12. Environmental Monitoring Group (EMG)
(Observatory, South Africa)
“EMG in an NGO which acts as a resource group for disadvantaged communities by undertaking research on environmental problems and sustainable development opportunities. It also develops policy options around environmental and developmental issues. EMG are currently working on a ‘Clean Production Programme’, which will have direct relevance to trade unions. At present, this programme is still in the technical research stage, but once the research is complete, the available information may become a valuable lobbying tool for trade unions in the struggle to ensure a safe and healthy workplace.EMG operates in South Africa.”

13. Hluvukani Development Agency (HLUDA)
(Pretoria, South Africa)
“HLUDA is an NGO which promotes sustainable development and empowerment through popular education methods. It also conducts training courses in permaculture and environmental management. It operates in Soweto, Pretoria and northern Transvaal.”

14. Institute of Natural Resources (INR)
(Pietermaritzburg, South Africa)
“INR is a research institute which contributes to the socio-economic advancement of rural people and the management of natural resources through the integration of development and conservation initiatives. It operates in Kwa Zulu/Natal and eastern Transvaal.”

15. Rural and Urban Development Corporation (RUCORE)
(Hillbrow, South Africa)
“RUCORE is an NGO which promotes sustainable development in rural and urban areas. It has a demonstration site for appropriate achitecture, construction technology, water harvesting, biological waste water systems and more. It also assists with the development of the Tlholego Training Centre. RUCORE operates in South Africa.”

 

 

Communities

Preamble:

Each organization in this list supports a community or regional approach to combining the values of social, economic, and ecological well-being. The subcategories are listed in order of increasing geographic scale, from neighborhoods to ecosystems. “Eco-villages and Co-housing,” also known as intentional communities, represent the smallest scale. At the scale of the city, “Urban Sustainability” refers to active work to eliminate the effects of the symbiotic relationship between environmental degradation and inequality.  In the social realm, sustainability seeks to build participation and co-operation across lines of race, class, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. Next, organizations in the “Conservation Economy” sections advocate restructuring economic activities so that high value is placed on social equity, environmental quality, and sustainability. The “Ecosystem Management” organizations are characterized by collaborative decision-making around ecosystem, not political, boundaries. Finally, the organizations in the “Ecological and Civic Literacy” section focus on the interplay between human society environmental awareness and can operate at any geographic scale. The premise is that informed and empowered citizens will be better stewards of the environment.

These organizations are either grassroots groups or directly support grassroots groups or local efforts. The organizations listed are primarily located in the United States and serve as examples of general trends.

List of Domains and Topics:

1. Community and Regional Planning

Eco-villages and Co-housing
Urban Sustainability
Conservation Economy
Ecosystem Management
Ecological and Civic Literacy



Community and Regional Planning

Eco-villages and Co-housing

1. Global Ecovillage Network
Ecovillage Training Center at The Farm
(Summertown, TN)
“The Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) is a grassroots non-profit organization that links together a highly diverse worldwide movement of autonomous ecovillages and related projects. GEN’s main aim is to support and encourage the evolution of sustainable settlements across the world through the following: Internal and External Communications services, facilitating information exchange and flow about ecovillages and demonstration sites, networking and project coordination in fields related to sustainable settlements, and global cooperation/partnerships (UN Best Practices, EU Phare, EYFA, Ecosoc). As defined by the GEN, an ecovillage is an urban or rural community whose members try to provide a high quality lifestyle without taking more from the Earth than they give back.  Ecovillages attempt to integrate a supportive social environment with a low-impact way of life. To achieve these aims, ecovillages typically build on various combinations of three dimensions: community, ecology and spirituality.”

2. Manzanita Village
(Prescott, AZ)
“Manzanita Village is a resident developed, cooperative neighborhood, modeled after the cohousing communities of Denmark.  Residents take an active part in planning and designing our own village.  We are united by mutual desires to know our neighbors, live an environmentally friendly lifestyle and enjoy a safe, friendly atmosphere for ourselves and our families. We are creating our own diverse community, balancing group harmony with individual growth and following the principles of ecological soundness, social awareness, and economic viability.”

3. Earthhaven
(Black Mountain, NC)
“We are the members and pioneers of a planned Permaculture ecovillage, actively engaged in building sacred community, supporting personal empowerment, and catalyzing cultural transformation. We want our lives to express how much we honor Nature’s sacredness and the oneness of all life.We share a vision of a community with a vital, diversified spirituality, healthy social relations, sustainable ecological systems, and a low maintenance/high satisfaction lifestyle. We are concerned with the health and future of the Earth and the welfare of all living beings, and we look forward to sharing what we learn in useful, replicable ways, with the world at large.”

4. Ecovillage of Loudoun County, Virginia
“Mission EcoVillage of Loudoun County combines the cohousing ideal of people living together in community with the ecovillage ideal of people living in harmony with Earth and its inhabitants. We aim to restore nature and expand human potential by creating a lifestyle that nurtures the human spirit and offers hope for future generations.”  They value “A simple lifestyle which incorporates respect, work, open communication, humor, free inquiry, fun, and creative expression that nurtures the human spirit and A wise and sustainable society that restores biodiversity and integrates the community with nature.”

5. Ecovillage at Burdautien, Ireland
“The Ecovillage at Burdautien is a community initiative to create a model of a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable human settlement. Objectives: Land Stewardship, Human Scale Economy, Enabling Small Business, Rebuilding Community, Reduced Resource Use, Sustainable Technologies, and Improved Quality of Life.”

6. Intentional Communities
(Ann Arbor, MI)
“Intentional Community is an inclusive term for ecovillages, cohousing, residential land trusts, communes, student co-ops, urban housing cooperatives and other related projects and dreams… This Web site serves the growing communities movement. We provide important information and access to crucial resources for seekers of community, existing and forming communities, and other friends of community.”

7. Caravana Arcoiris para la Paz
(Corcega Laureles Medellin, Colombia)
“La Caravana is an international, non-profit, mobile ecovillage, working since 1996 in Central and South America. Its mission is to bring grassroots ecological awareness and education to the Americas.”

8. The Cohousing Network (TCN)
(Boulder, CO)
“The Cohousing Network is an organization whose purpose is to promote and encourage the cohousing concept, support both individuals and groups in creating communities, provide assistance to completed groups for improving their systems for living together in community, and provide networking opportunities for those involved or interested in cohousing.”

9. The CoHousing Company – McCamant & Durrett Architects
(Berkeley, CA)
“The CoHousing Company is an architectureand development firm that creates communities that cluster private homes around extensive common facilities.  The firm works with resident groups and developers in the areas of group formation and facilitation, site search and acquisition, land development and architectural design, project management and finance.”

Urban Sustainability

1. CEDS (Community & Environmental Defense Services)
(Owings Mills, MD)
This is where to go if you are working locally against unsustainable development. They will give you advice on how to run a grassroots campaign and on where to find legal and other professional help.

“Our mission is to help people defend their community and environment from the impact of poorly planned land development activities. These activities may include housing projects, shopping centers, highways, landfills, mining, and so on. We can help you identify and document how the project may impact your interests. We can then help you get the volunteers, funds, facts, political clout, and professional services needed to ensure that the project is not built until all impacts are resolved.”

2. Smart Growth America
(Washington, DC)
“A nationwide coalition promoting growth that protects farmland and open space, revitalizes neighborhoods, keeps housing affordable, and makes communities more livable.”

3. American Farmland Trust
(Washington, DC)
Working nationwide to protect farmland from urban sprawl — by working with individual farmers and communities, and by promoting better public policies at the local, state and federal level, and by educating the public.  Also encourages farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.

4. 1000 Friends of Oregon
(Portland, OR)
This group lobbied to give Oregon the country’s most effective land-use planning laws, which require every city and town in the state to create an Urban Growth Boundary. It is now working on integrated land-use, transportation and air quality planning.

5. Environmental Justice Resource Center
(Atlanta, GA)
Based in Clark Atlanta University, this group works against sprawl and for environmental justice in the Atlanta, GA, area, and it publishes studies and books about sprawl in Atlanta.

6. GreenBelt Alliance
(Offices in San Francisco Bay Area: San Francisco, Walnut Creek, San Jose, and Santa Rosa)
Protects open space in the nine county San Francisco Bay Area. This group has protected threatened lands and helped convince a number of local governments to implement urban growth boundaries. It also actively promotes infill development in already urbanized areas through its Housing Endorsement Program.

7.  Committee for Green Foothills
(Palo Alto, CA)
Founded by author Wallace Stegner, this group based in Palo Alto, CA, has been fighting sprawl for more than 30 years. It is currently working to promote a sensible land use plan for Stanford University and continuing to work against sprawl development on the San Mateo coastine, south of San Francisco.

8. PNA
The mission of PNA is to:
-protect the environment
-preserve the rural/residential character, and
-promote livable communities in the Gig Harbor and Key Peninsulas.

9. Sustainable Loudoun Network
(Leesburg, VA)
“A citizens’ group dedicated to ensuring that any development in Loudoun County, VA is fiscally, environmentally, and socially responsible.” The group works to keep “local officials accountable and to fight uncontrolled growth that causes soaring taxes, declining home values, overcrowded schools and road, and loss of Loudoun’s beauty and quality of life.”

10. California Center for Land Recycling
(San Francisco, CA)
(CCLR or “see-clear”) is a nonprofit organization “focused on creating sustainable communities by encouraging and facilitating land recycling to revitalize urban areas, discourage urban sprawl, and conserve greenspace.  CCLR focuses on sites that are idle, abandoned, underutilized, or contaminated (or perceived to be contaminated), known as ‘brownfields’.”

11. The Dismantlement Website
(no office location given)
Cities that have been heralded for their sustainable development practices.  They include Curitiba, Brazil; Toronto, Canada; Milton Keynes, England; Scheidam, Holland; and Davis, California, USA.

12. Results – Atlanta
(Atlanta, GA)
“Is a non-profit, grassroots citizen’s lobby that identifies sustainable solutions to the problems of hunger and poverty, in our world and in the U.S., and works to generate the resources necessary to make those solutions succeed.  The Atlanta group is one of more than 80 RESULTS groups around the U.S. working together to ensure that our government makes ending hunger and poverty a priority on the nation’s agenda. We accomplish this by educating ourselves on the issues and taking actions such as letter-writing, meeting with members of Congress and generating editorials that support the issues.”

13. Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership
(Atlanta, GA)
“The Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, Inc. (ANDP) is a housing development catalyst created to rebuild neighborhoods where people can sustain full, safe, and secure lives. ANDP will continue to work toward revitalizing Atlanta’s forgotten neighborhoods by building relationships, identifying and developing resources and collaborating with our many friends and partners who share our vision of developing healthy, viable neighborhoods throughout metro Atlanta.”

Conservation Economy

1. Ecotrust
(Portland, OR)
“Ecotrust was created in 1991 by a small group of diverse people with the goal of fostering the development of a conservation economy. Our work is predicated on the notion, gaining an ever wider currency, that economic and ecological systems are mutually interdependent. To this formulation Ecotrust and others have sought to add a third “e” – social equity – to ensure that conservation-based development has positive benefits for all members of the communities in which we work, particularly those who have been economically marginalized.”

2. Northwest Environment Watch
(Seattle, WA)
“Northwest Environment Watch is a non-profit organization that aims to foster a sustainable economy and way of life in the Pacific Northwest, a bioregion defined by the watersheds of rivers flowing through North America’s temperate rainforest zone.”

3. Planet Drum
(San Francisco, CA)
“Planet Drum was founded in 1973 to provide an effective grassroots approach to ecology that emphasizes sustainability, community self-determination and regional self-reliance. Planet Drum helps start new bioregional groups and encourages local organizations and individuals to find ways to live within the natural confines of bioregions.”

Ecosystem Management

1. Rogue Institute for Ecology and Economy
(Ashland, OR)
“In 1990 the Rogue Institute for Ecology and Economy was founded on the belief that our well-being is dependent on vibrant, healthy environments and vibrant, healthy communities. Although society often acts as if these are opposing demands, we believe that the futures of our environment, communites and workforce are interdependent. The Rogue Institute (RIEE) is in the process of executing a wide range of innovative programs to strengthen these relationships.”

2. Sonoran Institute
(Tucson, AZ and Bozeman, MT)
“Established in 1991, the Sonoran Institute is a tax-exempt organization dedicated to promoting community-based strategies that preserve the ecological integrity of protected lands and at the same time meet the economic aspirations of adjoining landowners and communities. Underlying the Institute’s mission is the conviction that community-driven and inclusive approaches to conservation produce the most effective results. We are committed to testing a wide range of approaches to community-based conservation, evaluating the results, and adapting our approaches based on these real experiences. We also are committed to widely disseminating our findings and the tools we develop.”

3. Applegate Partnership
(Applegate, OR)
“The Applegate Partnership is a community-based project involving industry, conservation groups, natural resource agencies, and residents cooperating to encourage and facilitate the use of natural resource principles that promote ecosystem health and diversity. Through community involvement and education, this partnership supports management of all land within the watershed in a manner that sustains natural resources and that will, in turn, contribute to economic and community stability within the Applegate Valley.”

4. Quincy Library Group
(Northeastern California counties of Lassen, Plumas, and Sierra)
“In late 1992 a timber industry forester, a county supervisor, and an environmental attorney began private discussions, recognizing that the “timber wars” damaged everybody and served nobody’s true interest. These discussions led to the development of the Quincy Library Group, which stabilized at about 30 members on the steering committee. The Quincy Library Group has approached the inter-dependent goals of forest health and community stability from these different angles, because it believes that sustainable resource management must have a sound technical foundation, a broad political base, and strong local participation.”

5. Florida Conflict Resolution Consortium
(Four regional offices covering Florida: Tallahassee, Orlando, Bonita Springs, and Boca Raton)
“The Consortium represents the State of Florida’s commitment to finding productive and cost-effective solutions to public disputes. Since 1987, the Florida State University based Consortium, with the support of the Florida Legislature, has taken a leadership role in promoting the informed use of consensus building and alternative dispute resolution to meet the growing demand for better and more durable solutions to Florida’s public problems. The Consortium, in partnership with other dispute resolution professionals and organizations, assists public and private interests in designing and securing appropriate dispute resolution and consensus building services for public issues throughout Florida.”

6. McKenzie Watershed Council
(Springfield, OR)
“The McKenzie Watershed Council represents key interests and stakeholders in the watershed, ensuring a comprehensive look at watershed issues from the perspectives of its 20 partners from 19 different agencies and organizations. The majority (15) of the Council partners are local citizens who represent the general public. Of these local citizens, eight partners are from private interests and seven are local elected officials. The remaining six partners are agency representatives.”

Ecological and Civic Literacy

1. Earth Force: Youth for a Change!
(Alexandria, VA)
“The creation of Earth Force in 1994 by The Pew Charitable Trusts recognized two emerging national trends: young people’s overwhelming desire to act on behalf of the environment and their desire to help their communities through voluntary service. Through Earth Force, youth discover and implement lasting solutions to environmental issues in their community. In the process they develop life-long habits of active citizenship and environmental stewardship. Educators turn to Earth Force for innovative tools to engage young people in community problem solving.”

2. Illinois EcoWatch Network
(Six regional offices in Illinois: Oregon, Oakton, Heartland, Lewis & Clark, Quincy, and Marion)
“Help keep an eye on the environment. Become a Citizen Scientist with the Illinois EcoWatch Network. Through programs such as RiverWatch, ForestWatch, PrairieWatch, WetlandWatch, and UrbanWatch, adult volunteers, high school science teachers, and students monitor rivers, prairies and more.”
Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

3. DuPage Volunteer Stewards
(DuPage County, Illinois)
“We are a group of individuals committed to preserving the native plants and animals of DuPage County, Illinois, in healthy, viable ecosystems. We are volunteers that come from many walks of life and backgrounds. What we all have in common is a love for our natural areas and wild things. We are part of the Volunteer Stewardship Network (VSN) of The Nature Conservancy. We work in partnership with the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County and other local landowners, to restore prairies, woodlands, and wetlands to ecological health.”

4. High Country News
(Paonia, CO)
“High Country News on the web is sponsored by readers. HCN is a non-profit, every-other-week Western newspaper dedicated to creating what Wallace Stegner called ‘a society to match the scenery.'”

6. The Orion Society
(Great Barrington, MA)
“The Orion Society is an award-winning publisher, an environmental education organization, and a communications and support network for grassroots environmental and community organizations across North America.”  Their mission is: “To heal the fractured relationship between people and nature by undertaking education programs that integrate all aspects of the relationship: the physically immediate, the analytical and scientific, the inspirational and creative. To support changes in ethics and action at the local level that will offer genuine solutions to the global environmental crisis. To cultivate a generation of citizen-leaders whose wisdom is grounded in and guided by nature literacy.”

7. International School of Curitiba
(Curitiba, Brazil)
Mission: “To prepare young people for a fulfilling life in a rapidly changing world by challenging them to develop the capability to understand, enjoy and positively impact the physical, social, political, intellectual, artistic, ethical, and spiritual aspects of their environment. The International School of Curitiba was founded in 1959. It is a private, non-sectarian, co-educational institution enrolling students from Nursery through Grade 12. The school is legally owned and operated by the Associacao da Escola Internacional de Curitiba. The Association is a non-profit organization composed of parents of students enrolled in the school and is democratically run through an elected seven parent Board of Directors. The school has a very active Parent-Teacher Organization.”

 

 

Consumption

Preamble:
According to anthropologist Kay Milton and others, sustainable development is expected to be achieved through three main routes.  First, patterns of production and consumption, especially in the developed North, need to change.  Second, the international economy needs to be organized on more equitable lines.  And third, environmentally sound technologies need to be developed and madewidely availabe (1996:184-5).  This section represents a broad (and necessarily incomplete) cross sample of organizations involved in promoting alternatives to consumption and consumer responsibility.

List of Domains and Topics:

1. Alternatives to Consumerism

Voluntary Simplicity/Lifestyle Alternatives

2. Consumer Responsibility

Fair Trade
Labor Standards
Certification



Alternatives to Consumerism

Voluntary Simplicity/Lifestyle Alternatives

1. New Road Map Foundation
(Seattle, WA)
“The New Road Map Foundation (NRM) is a non-profit educational organization that provides people with practical tools and innovative approaches for managing and mastering basic life challenges. NRM is a values-based organization that believes strongly that careful attention to the ethics, attitudes, beliefs and expectations around any endeavor will affect the outcome. An all-volunteer organization, NRM promotes service as a route to personal health and social revitalization. All income from the NRM’s programs is donated to projects and organizations committed to a sustainable future for our world. NRM’s educational work has traditionally focused on three realms of life – personal finances, health, and human relations ­ three values they see as the fundamental building blocks of daily life.”

2. Awakening Earth
(San Anselmo, CA)
Awakening Earth is designed by Duane Elgin, author of Voluntary Simplicity.  The site provides reports, articles, books, links, and other resources that promote a sustainable and creative future for the environment and economy.  Elgin’s work was initially organized in 1995 as the Millennium Project to develop research on the emergence of a new culture and consciousness in the world.

3. Seeds of Simplicity
(Glendale, CA)
“Seeds of Simplicity is a national, nonprofit membership organization working to help mainstream and symbolize voluntary simplicity as an authentic social and environmental issue. It is a Los Angeles-based program of the Center for Religion, Ethics & Social Policy at Cornell University. All resources are available without charge to members and include diverse educational materials on free-thinking for children and adults, the consultation/coordination services of The Simplicity Circles Project, and the opportunity to preserve a changing ‘living legacy’ for present and future generations in the Living Legacies Archive that is part of this web site.”

4. Northwest Earth Institute
(Portland, OR)
“The Northwest Earth Institute develops earth-centered education programs for neighborhoods, workplaces, homes, schools, and centers of faith. These programs are organized around three key principles:

  • an ecocentric view of the earth, reflected in the principles of deep ecology
  • the practice of simplicity to enrich life & to reduce personal impact on the earth
  • a dedication to knowing and protecting the unique place where you live

The primary outreach tool for NWEI is a series of four discussion courses, each equipped with a book of readings and discussion guides: Voluntary Simplicity, Deep Ecology and Related Topics, Bioregional Perspective-Exploring Your Natural Community, and Choices for Sustainable Living. These courses allow participants to explore their values, attitudes, habits and actions in a profound way.”

5. EarthSave
(Seattle, WA)
“EarthSave promotes food choices that are healthy for people and for the planet. They educate, inspire and empower people to shift toward a plant-based diet and to take compassionate action for all life on Earth.”  Their programs include: EarthDay dinners, Vegetarian Management classes, Community Potlucks, Sustainability workshops, etc.

6. The Simple Living Network, Inc.
(Trout Lake, WA)
“Providing tools and examples for those who are serious about learning to live a more conscious, simple, healthy and restorative lifestyle. We are a small, home based, cottage business.  Our only purpose is to introduce you to the lifestyle alternative of ‘simple living’ (aka “voluntary simplicity).”

7. Northwest Jewish Environmental Project
(Seattle, WA)
“NWJEP’s mission is to educate the Pacific Northwest Jewish community about Jewish perspectives on the environment and to develop and encourage behavior that will lead to action. NWJEP is developing new vehicles for involvement strengthening Jewish identity and community while facilitating a Jewish contribution to the healing of society’s relationship to creation. NWJEP’s strategy is designed to achieve this by working with existing Jewish institutions, environmental agencies and organizations; by creating unique educational programming targeted to specific groups that will develop and educate children, teenagers, adults and seniors, and foster a greater understanding of environmental issues.”

8. Presbyterians for Restoring Creation
(Louisville, KY)
“PRS is a faith community dedicated to environmental wholeness with social justice seeking to be a prophetic voice for substantive change in the church and in the world. They focus on: reclaiming awareness of the spiritual connection with the whole of God’s creation, grieving over the suffering of Creation, actively repenting for humanity’s role in causing that suffering, engaging in study, reflection, and dialogue to deepen our understanding of the issues, confronting the fundamental idolatries of church and culture, consciously resisting the values and norms of consumer-based economic systems, which emphasize growth at all costs, promoting values based on compassion, frugality, accountability, participation, and sufficiency for all, celebrating the power of community, and utilizing the gifts, skills, and experience of the people.”

9. Earth Ministry
(Seattle, WA)
“Earth Ministry’s mission is to engage individuals and congregations in knowing God more fully through deepening relationships with all of God’s creation.  We believe that through this experience our personal lives and our culture will be transformed.  These transformations include simplified living, environmental stewardship, justice for all creation and a worldview which sees creation as a revelation of God.  Together these lead to a rediscovery of the vitality of the Christian faith.”

10. Web of Creation
(Chicago, IL)
“The Web of Creation was established to foster the movement for personal and social transformation to a just and sustainable world-from religious perspectives.  To that end, the information at this site will:
– connect you with ideas, resources and strategies for doing eco-justice
– inform, inspire, encourage, educate you about eco-justice
– support you in your efforts to live, work and pray in ways that promote eco-justice
We define eco-justice as any effort that promotes ecological integrity with social justice as a central focus of religious understanding.”

11. Alternatives for Simple Living
“Alternatives is a non-profit organization that equips people of faith to challenge consumerism, live justly and celebrate responsibly. Started in 1973 as a protest against the commercialization of Christmas, our focus is on encouraging celebrations that reflect conscientious ways of living.  Throughout our 25-year history, we have led the movement to live more simply and faithfully. We have developed many different resources, organized an annual Christmas Campaign (“Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway?”), held the Best and Worst Christmas Gift Contest, led numerous workshops, and reached countless people with the message of simple, responsible living.”

12. FI Associates
“Financial Integrity Associates (FIA) helps people create more personally fulfilling and ecologically sustainable lives by applying the program detailed in Your Money Or Your Life to develop strategies for more effective use of their life energy and financial resources.”



Consumer Responsibility

Fair Trade

  • International Fair Trade Labeling/Monitoring/Advocacy Organizations

1. Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International (FLO)
(Bonn, Germany)
In order to co-ordinate the work of the national initiatives and more efficiently run the monitoring programs, the umbrella organization, FLO was established in April 1997. “A central responsibility for FLO is to collect data and ensure the audit of all Fairtrade labeled products from the producer to the supermarket shelf. National initiatives retain responsibility for marketing and promoting Fairtrade in their respective countries.” Member countries include: TransFair Austria, Max Havelaar France, Max Havelaar Belgium, TransFair Germany, Transfair Canada, Fairtrade foundation, Max Havelaar Fonden Denmark, TransFair Italy, Fair Trade Mark Ireland, Max Havelaar Norge, TransFair Japan, Reilun kaupan edistamisyhdistysry, TransFair Minka Luxemburg, Foreningen for Rattviesmarkt, Stichting Max Havelaar, Max Havelaar Stifung, TransFair USA.

2. International Federation of Alternative Trade
(Bicester, Britain)
“IFAT is the International Federation for Alternative Trade, a global network of 154 Fair Trade organizations in 49 countries, which works to improve the livelihoods and well-being of disadvantaged people in developing countries and to change the unfair structures of international trade. IFAT is a federation of producers and “alternative” trading organizations (ATOs).” IFAT brings together buyers and managers of ATO’s in order to eliminate the middlemen and to “create an “alternative” way of doing business that is beneficial and fair.”
*Web page includes list of international members with their web pages (including those belonging to producers themselves). I am partial to IFAT as I am an associate “scholarly” member of the organization.

3. NEWS!
(Utretcht, Netherlands)
“NEWS! is the Network of European World Shops. We are a grass-roots movement with approximately 100.000 volunteers working in over 2.500 World Shops in Europe. World Shops sell fairly traded products from small-scale producers in developing countries. Unlike regular trade, Fair Trade puts people before profit.”

  • National Fair Trade Labeling/Monitoring/Advocacy Organizations

1. Global Exchange
(San Francisco, CA)
Global Exchange is a human rights organization dedicated to promoting environmental, political, and social justice around the world. “Our crafts stores in the San Francisco Bay Area feature products from around the world. Our stores are part of the international Fair Trade movement, working to ensure that people around the world get fair value for their work.”
*Global Exchange and TransFair USA worked together on the successful campaign to force Starbucks and other specialty coffee distributors to retail Fair Trade certified coffee. The organization sponsors “reality tours” and operates a fair trade retail outlet in San Francisco.

2. TransFair USA
(Oakland, CA)
TransFair USA was created in 1996 as the legal structure for officially launching the Fair Trade coffee initiative. Concurrently in Europe, TransFair International morphed into a larger umbrella organization named FLO (Fair Trade Labeling Organizations). TransFair USA is a non-profit monitoring organization which certifies that participating traders are following fair trade guidelines. Coffee is its first product line. “Coffee roasters and retailers that comply with these guidelines are allowed to use the TransFair seal on their products, signaling to consumers that the product is fairly-traded. In return, roasters pay TransFair a seal licensing fee. TransFair’s four basic guidelines for fair trade coffee are:
–Coffee importers agree to purchase from the small farmers included in the International Fair Trade Coffee Register. And the farmers must meet various criteria including democratic organization; organic farming strategies; and commitment to a high quality product.
–Farmers are guaranteed a minimum “fair trade price” of $1.26/pound FOB for their coffee. If world price rises above this floor price, farmers will be paid a small ($0.05/pound) premium above market price.
–Coffee importers provide a certain amount of credit to farmers against future sales, helping farmers stay out of debt to local coffee “coyotes” or middlemen, who charge usurious rates of interest.
–Importers and roasters agree to develop direct, long-term trade relationships with producer groups, thereby cutting out middlemen and bringing greater commercial stability to an extremely unstable market.”

3. TransFair Austria

4. Max Havelaar Belgium

5. TransFair Germany

6. Transfair Canada

7. Fairtrade Foundation
(London, Great Britain)

8. Max Havelaar Fonden Denmark

9. Fairtrade Mark Ireland

10. Max Havelaar Norge (Oslo, Norway)

11. TransFair Japan

12. Reilun kaupan edistämisyhdistys ry.
(Helsinki, Finland)

13. www.raettvist.se
(Stockholm, Sweden)

14. Stichting Max Havelaar
(Utrecht, The Netherlands)

15. Max Havelaar Stiftung
(Basel, Switzerland)

  • Fair Trade Distributors/Retailers

1. People Link
(Kensington, MD)
“PEOPLink is a non-profit organization helping talented producers in remote communities all over the world market their products on the Internet.” We are building a global network of Trading Partners (TPs) that, in turn, provide services to several community-based artisan producer groups.

2. The Fair Trade Federation
(Kirksville, MO)
The Fair Trade Federation (FTF) is an association of fair trade wholesalers, retailers, and producers whose members are committed to providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and farmers worldwide. FTF directly links low-income producers with consumer markets and educates consumers about the importance of purchasing fairly traded products which support living wages and safe and healthy conditions for workers in the developing world. FTF also acts as a clearinghouse for information on fair trade and provides resources and networking opportunities for its members.

3. Worlds Apart Trading Company
(Homewood, AL)
Worlds Apart Trading Company features gifts and ornamental pieces from more than 30 countries. They feature: Collectibles, Home Furnishings, Masks, Kitchen/Tableware, Clothing/Accessories, Plant/Garden, Holiday/Seasonal, Jewelry, Baskets/Boxes, Musical Instruments, Toys/Games

4. CASA BONAMPAK
(San Francisco, CA)
Specializes in regional textiles and folkart from Chiapas, Mexico.
CASA BONAMPAK is dedicated to fair trade with artisans from Latinamerica. “By promoting socially responsible gifts we can provide the consumer with an alternative to products made in sweatshops and maquiladoras. The vision is work directly with artisans in different communities from Oaxaca, Chiapas and Guatemala and to provide continuos employment at a fair wage in the traditional arts. Through the fair trade products we can also provide political and cultural education about the on going Zapatista crisis in Chiapas, Mexico. Casa Bonampak is a member of the Fair Trade Federation.”
Check out the Zapatista Cyber-Mercado’s selection of zapatista dolls, ski masks and toy trucks!

5. www.vom.com/baksheesh
(Sonoma, CA)

6. www.mountcastle.com
(St.Petersburg, FL)

7. www.geckotraders.com
(Arlington, VA)

8. Ten Thousand Villages
(Akron, PA and New Hamburg, ON)
Various retail outlets throughout United States and Canada
“Ten Thousand Villages provides vital, fair income to Third World people by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories in North America. Ten Thousand Villages works with artisans who would otherwise be unemployed or underemployed. This income helps pay for food, education, health care and housing. Thousands of volunteers in Canada and the United States work with Ten Thousand Villages in their home communities.” Ten Thousand Villages is a nonprofit program of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), the relief and development agency of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in North America. Ten Thousand Villages has been working around the world since 1946.

9. Equal Exchange
(Canton, MA)
“Equal Exchange was founded in 1986 to create a new approach to trade, one that includes informed consumers, honest and fair trade relationships and cooperative principles. As a worker-owned co-op, we have accomplished this by offering consumers fairly traded gourmet coffee direct from small-scale farmer co-ops in Latin America, Africa and Asia.”
*You can buy their coffee at Sevenanda! Try the Guatemalan—my favorite!

10. Alternativ Handel
(Goteborg, Sweden)
Alternativ Handel is a non-profit organization which imports and sells merchandise such as handicrafts and household articles from the Third World, both in its own store and through other retailers. Their aims for Third World Trade are: (1) Avoid middlemen who are out to make a profit (2) Support organizations that strive to achieve a structure which is beneficial to members and employees, such as cooperatives (3) Support social development projects that involve the most socially disadvantaged (4) Process and package the goods in the country of origin (5) Support the strengthening of the producers rights in international as well as local markets (6) Trade with goods which are produced using ecologically sound methods.

11. Alternativa
(Barcelona, Catalonia)
Alternativa 3 aims to establish relationships with producer groups in Latin America, Africa and Asia in order to provide development to disadvantaged communities and expand this idea in Spain by opening shops and informing the general public and other organizations

12. Bridgehead
(Ottawa, Ontario)
“Bridgehead provides marginalized communities of artisans and farmers around the world with a multi-faceted marketing system for their crafts and food produce. Bridgehead works to advance public awareness of ethical business practices as a powerful development tool and aims to link Canadians with small farmers and artisans in the developing world through Fair Trade.”

  • Fair Trade Producers/Associations/Cooperatives

1. BaSE
(Bangladesh)
BaSE (Bangladesh Hosto Shilpo Ekota Sheba Songshta) was founded in 1992 with the aim of coordinating handicraft activities in southwest Bangladesh. BaSE tries to provide continuity of orders for all groups so that they may have a steady source of income, it also minimizes export expenses and tries to achieve transparency in both pricing and placing order policy.

2. Central Interregional de Artesanos del Peru
(Lima, Peru)
CIAP is a non-profit organization based in Lima which was founded in 1992 as a self-managed democratic association of Peruvian artisan producer groups. By working together these groups are able to consolidate orders and minimize the costs of their commercial operations such as quality control and packaging while assuring the highest quality.

3. International Federation for Alternative Trade
Through IFAT, producers meet with buyers and managers of Fair Trade marketing organizations as friends and partners, in a spirit of mutual trust. IFAT’s objectives are twofold: to improve the livelihood and well being of disadvantaged people in developing countries, and to change unfair structures of international trade. It achieves this by linking and promoting the organizations that practice Fair Trade.

  • Producer Support Organizations

1. Aid to Artisans
(Farmington, CT)
Aid to Artisans is a non-profit organization offering practical assistance to artisans worldwide, working in partnerships to foster artistic tradition, cultural vitality, and community well-being. “Through training and collaboration in product development, production and marketing, Aid to Artisans provides sustainable economic and social benefits for crafts people in an environmentally sensitive and culturally respectful manner. ATA’s objectives are achieved by providing design consultation, on-site workshops, business training, and the vital links to markets where craft products are sold.”

2. Asociacion Latinoamericana de Pequenos Caficultores (Frente Solidario)
(Costa Rica)
Asociacion Latinoamericana de Pequenos Caficultores (Frente Solidario) is a network of distinct rural organizations interested in the promotion, development, strengthening and unity of small-scale coffee producers in Latin America. It was formed in 1991 as an initiative of the Max Havelaar Foundation (Holland), the Friedrich Elbert Foundation (Germany) and ECDS (Holland). Frente Solidario’s objectives include: promoting the organization of small scale coffee producers so that their conditions may improve socially and economically, Striving for the production and commercialisation of coffee both directly and indirectly, encouraging the exchange of technical and scientific knowledge about the processing of coffee between its members, encouraging more co-operation and integration between coffee producers and consumers, introducing the use of organic farming as an alternative means of cultivating coffee, and fully incorporating women in all tasks related to the coffee organizations.

Labor Standards and Sweatshops

1. Co-op America
(Washington, D.C.)
Co-op America, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1982, “provides the economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to address today’s social and environmental problems.” The organization’s philosophy can be summed up as follows: “every time you make a purchase, the money that leaves your hands goes to work. Too often, this means your dollars exploit workers here and abroad, abandon hard-hit communities and dump toxins into our environment. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Your purchases can support businesses that create jobs, care about their communities, engage in fair trade and protect our environment. Co-op America helps you find those businesses and provides technical assistance to help those companies succeed and grow.” Coop America runs a Green Business Program which starts and supports small socially and environmentally responsible businesses; a Consumer Education and Empowerment Program which informs people about hot to vote with their dollars to effect change; a Corporate Responsibility Program which encourages corporations to become socially and environmentally responsible; and a Sustainable Living Program which provides information about practical measures people can take to meet their personal, community, and work lives more meaningful and sustainable. Their sweatshop campaign focuses on the following:full public disclosure, the right to organize and the creation of a living wage. The organization provides resources for individuals concerned with unfair labor practices and sweatshop production, including the Green Business Pages, a listing of responsible businesses. They also regularly publish news about their recent actions and campaigns along with listings of other related organizations and campaigns.

2. The Association of Farmworker Opportunity Program
(Arlington, VA)
The Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs’ mission is to improve the quality of life for migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families by providing advocacy for the member organizations that serve them. The organization works with member groups to address the needs of current and future farmworkers, to prevent them from being relegated to a life of cyclical poverty and, as an occupational group, being legally discriminated against. They are calling upon the U.S. sign and ratify the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of all Migrant Workers and Members of their Family; the Convention on the Participation of Foreigners in Public Life at the Local Level; the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 97, Migration for Employment Convention, 1949; and the International Labor Organization Convention No. 143, Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions).AFOP serves farmworkers and their families and the organizations that serve them by providing information, education, support, advocacy and representation at the national level.

3. Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador
(New York, NY)
CISPES is a grassroots organization dedicated to supporting the Salvadoran people’s struggle for self-determination and social and economic justice. They believe that capitalism is a “fundamentally unjust, oppressive and ecologically unsustainable economic system.” Their three basic goals are: first, to end U.S. economic, political and military intervention in El Salvador, Central America, the Caribbean, and all of the Americas. In the current context they work to end U.S.-imposed global economic policies that devastate local cultures and economies, specifically in El Salvador. Second, to give political and material support to the grassroots movement in El Salvador for self-determination, economicdemocracy and social justice. They support labor, women’s, gay and lesbian and other grassroots organizing and stand in solidarity with the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN).

4. Corporate Watch
(San Francisco, CA)
Corpwatch is an online magazine published by Transnational Resource and Action Center. The organization works to build global links for corporate accountability, human rights, and environmental justice. It provides information on individual corporation’s labor rights records and includes extensive press releases and reports on corporate responsibility, sweatshops, and labor rights.

5. Asia Monitor Resource Center (AMRC)
(Hong Kong)
AMRC is an independent non-government organization (NGO) which focuses on Asian labour concerns. The center’s main goal is to support democratic and independent labour movements in Asia. In order to achieve this goal, AMRC upholds the principles of workers’ empowerment and gender consciousness, and follows a participatory framework. They believe that the following conditions will help workers to become truly empowered: first, workers must have access to information, tools and skills, as well as opportunities for the exchange of experiences and ideas. Second, men and women must work together as equal partners. Third, the international solidarity of workers must be strengthened. And fourth, workers’ perspectives and alternatives must be articulated and translated into action, including education and training programmes, campaigns and other organising strategies. AMRC provides services to grassroots NGOs concerned with women workers, labor issues and development; activists within the labor movement; labor organizations specializing in areas such as education and training, health and safety and labor rights; NGOs in developed countries and international organizations concerned with labor rights and labor standards in Asia; organizations requesting information on specific countries or industries for the purpose of raising public awareness of labor issues in Asia; and NGOs seeking North-South or South-South collaboration on research projects, monitoring, information exchange and the analysis and sharing of experiences of organizing.

6. International Labor Rights Fund
(Washington D.C.)
The ILRF is a nonprofit action and advocacy organization which uses new and creative means to encourage enforcement of international labor rights. They believe internationally recognized rights are violated in every part of the globe. “The ILRF pursues legal and administrative actions on behalf of working people, creates innovative programs and enforcement mechanisms to protect workers’ rights, and advocates for better protections for workers through our publications, testimony before national and international hearings, and speeches to academic, religious, and human rights groups. The ILRF focuses on linking trade expansion to enforcement of internationally recognized worker rights in order to more broadly distribute the benefits of increased global trade and economic integration and to strengthen democratic polities and civil societies.”

7. The Maquila Solidarity Network
(Toronto, ON)
The Maquila Solidarity Network (MSN) is a Canadian network promoting solidarity with groups in Mexico, Central America, and Asia organizing in maquiladora factories and export processing zones to improve conditions and win a living wage. They argue, “in a global economy it is essential that groups in the North and South work together for employment with dignity, fair wages and working conditions, and healthy workplaces and communities. The Maquila Solidarity Network Builds Solidarity through a corporate campaign, government lobbying, popular education, international links and exposing the “Labour Behind the Label.”
“Since 1996, the MSN has supported garment and toy workers’ efforts to improve working conditions in Canada and internationally. Recent Stop Sweatshop campaigns have targeted the Gap, Woolworth, Nike, Mattel and Wal-Mart. In education workshops, they expose the “global sweatshop” behind everyday consumer goods. They offer support to local groups organizing against sweatshop abuses. They believe retailers must be accountable for the conditions under which their products are made.”

8. The National Interfaith Community for Worker Justice
(Chicago, IL)
The National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice is a network of people of faith that calls upon religious values in order to educate, organize and mobilize the religious community in the United States on issues and campaigns that will improve wages, benefits and working conditions for workers, especially low-wage workers.

9. Peace through Interamerican Community Action
(Bangor, ME)
Founders of the first United States grassroots community campaign for “clean clothes” or clothing produced without sweatshop labor. Currently engaged in lobbying the Maine State legislature for a state law to help workers around the world gain better working conditions.

10. Sweatshop Watch
(Los Angeles, CA)
Sweatshop Watch is a coalition of labor, community, civil rights, immigrant rights, women’s, religious and student organizations, and individuals committed to eliminating the exploitation that occurs in sweatshops. Sweatshop Watch serves low wage workers, with a focus on garment workers in California, as well as nationally and globally. They believe that workers should be earning a living wage in a safe and decent working environment. They believe that those who benefit the most from the exploitation of sweatshop workers must be held accountable. As a central part of their mission, they remember that the workers who labor in sweatshops are their driving force. The organization’s decisions, projects, and organizing efforts are informed by their voices, their needs, and their life experiences.

11. The Maquila Health and Safety Support Network
The “Maquiladora Health & Safety Support Network” is a volunteer network of over 400 occupational health and safety professionals who have placed their names on a resource list to provide information, technical assistance and on-site instruction regarding workplace hazards in the over 3,800 “maquiladora” (foreign-owned assembly) plants along the U.S.-Mexico border. Network members, including industrial hygienists, occupational physicians and nurses, and health educators among others, are donating their time and expertise to create safer and healthier working conditions for the over 950,000 maquiladora workers employed by primarily U.S.-owned transnational corporations along Mexico’s northern border from Matamoros to Tijuana. “The Support Network is not designed to generate, nor is it intended to create, business opportunities for private consultants or other for-profit enterprises. On the contrary, Network participants will be donating their time and knowledge pro bono to border area workers and professional associations.”

12. Students Against Sweatshops – Canada
Students Against Sweatshops-Canada (SAS-C) formed following a student networking conference held at the University of Toronto in February 1999. The network links student activists across Canada in their fight to end sweatshop abuses.

13. United Students Against Sweatshops
National coalition of student anti-sweatshop groups, formed the summer of 1998. Provides information on how to launch anti-sweatshop campaigns on college campuses.

14. The National Mobilization Against Sweatshops (NMASS)
(New York, NY)
NMASS is a grassroots effort by and for working people and youth of all backgrounds and communities. It is dedicated to fighting for the 40-hour workweek and an eight-hour day. They believe everyone should be entitled to the right to a 40-hour workweek at a living wage whether they are underemployed, unemployed, or overworked. NMASS is committed to building a new national labor movement aimed at fundamentally transforming the sweatshop system according to the needs and human rights of working people.

15. Clean Clothes Campaign
(Netherlands)
The Clean Clothes Campaign (or the “CCC” as it is popularly called) aims to improve working conditions in the garment and sportswaer industry. The CCC started in the Netherlands in 1990. At that time stores in the Netherlands were not taking any responsibility for the working conditions under which the clothes they sold were made. But we have come a long way since then. Now there are Clean Clothes Campaigns in ten Western European countries. And now it is more difficult to find retailers here who denounce this responsibility.

Certification

1. Green-e Certification
(San Francisco)
Managed by the Center for Resource Solutions, the Green-e program certifies renewable electricity sources. The Green-e logo is placed on products made by manufacturers that voluntarily partake in the center’s certification program. The logo certifies that at least 50% of the energy is from a renewable source, that non-renewable parts of the electricity have lower emissions than traditional electricity sources, and that the product meets other criteria. The Center for Resource Solutions provides information on renewable energy providers and educates consumers on how to switch to green power.

“With the restructuring of the electricity industry, we have the ability to choose where our electricity comes from. Although you can’t tell when you turn on your lights, there are huge differences among energy sources that produce electricity. The traditional power supply comes mainly from polluting fossil fuels and nuclear power, whereas renewables, such as wind and solar power, have dramatically lower pollution emissions and cause much less environmental damage. Electricity choice means you can choose to protect the environment when you buy electricity.”

2. Gruener Punkt (The Green Dot)
(Germany, EU)
This is perhaps the best known, and most widely used licensing/certification mark in Europe.  The Green Dot, which was initiated in 1990 and has been expanding rapidly ever since, is a private initiative that takes over product responsibility in the sales packaging sector. This private company, “Duales System Deutschland AG” employs a “Dual System”  in dealing with packaging and waste.  The term “dual” stands for a second system operating parallel to municipal waste collection and management.  Moving beyond disposal, the company is now also concerned with recovery.

“Duales System Deutschland AG is a privately operated public limited company that is not traded on the stock exchange. It is organised as a non-profit company on account of the purpose for which it was set up.  The objective of the company is to prevent and recycle sales packaging.”

 

Leave a Reply