Fifteen organizations in the Twin Ports were selected for training and coaching in sustainability over the next year. The "Early Adopter Project," led by the regional grassroots group, Sustainable Twin Ports, uses an action planning framework known as The Natural Step.
The Early Adopter Project participants include the Challenge Center, city of Duluth, Inn on Lake Superior-ZMC Hotels, Duluth Grill (Embers), Superior Public Schools, London Road Car Wash, Superior Housing Authority, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Douglas County, Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, Glenwood Signs and Awards, Duluth Transit Authority, Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation, Twin Ports Testing and University of Wisconsin-Superior
Sustainability is the fastest growing movement as people face limited fossil fuels, growing demand for energy and undeniable climate change, said Tracy Meisterheim, project coordinator.
"Participants will have access to a worldwide resource base of case studies and best practices in all areas of sustainability," said steering committee member and UW-Superior representative Jerry Hembd. "This will allow them to identify and implement 'green' practices that make sense for their own organizations. By doing so, they will also be contributing Twin Ports success stories to an international network of sustainable businesses, local governments and nonprofit organizations."
In addition to learning The Natural Step and applying it to operations, these Early Adopter participants will pass on lessons learned to the broader community to ensure the sustainability initiative grows.
