1.  How did S2 get started?

I'll quote ourselves here: "Founded in 1991, Sustainable Seattle is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in the Central Puget Sound. We create cutting-edge products and processes to reach sustainability locally and globally. Our purpose is to build a sustainable future. We create healthy communities, economies, and ecosystems by serving as an incubator for ideas a convener for people, and a catalyst for action."

2.  How does S2 fit in the bigger picture of non-profits working on environmental issues in the area?

We are affiliated with various non profits throughout the region and we are aiming to get the sometimes competitive world of non profits to be more collaborative and partner based.  We look for places where our passion can aid others of like mind and we have reached out to for profit organizations as well if their mission aligns with our own.

3.  Why is it volunteer run?

We have an aim to turn this non profit organization into a sustainable, recurring revenue stream model organization.  We are working to make a difference in the region and we feel that the need is great enough to sacrifice personal profit.  We also know that for this organization to be sustainable we do need to feed ourselves and our families.  We are realistic as we push forward our ideals.

4.  How does the organization cover its operating costs?

The organization is forging a new path of multiple revenue streams that include: grants, angel funders, pay for service fees, sponsorships and donations.  We are focused on diversifying our income so as not to lose sight of our vision if we became beholden to one particular income source.

5.  There are a lot of different programs, is there a unifying vision for all of them?

The great thing about working in the sustainability field is that there is so much cohesiveness in its discipline.  Sustainability is meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.  The definition goes to: education, livable neighborhoods, economic equality, social justice, health care, transportation justice, environmentalism, renewable energy...you get the idea.  We are focused on the community level with an eye towards replication across the country and world. 

6.  So what exactly does Sustainable Seattle do then?

Sustainable Seattle is an organization that brokers the knowledge and expertise it has in the most effective way for community organizations, government agencies, non profit organizations, and social entrepreneurs by working as a consultant, researcher, collaborator and instigator in the fields of sustainability, environment and healthy, socially just communities.  We are home to our regions fourth set of sustainability indicators, conduct trainings, host a competition for visionaries, provide a recognition program for businesses and others, work with neighbors to define and develop metrics for sustainability, provide fiscal sponsorships and a host of other activities. We are a combination of a think tank, a community focused organization and a collection of optimistic dreamers who have a vision for a new, more socially just and sustainable world.

7.  What does Sustainable Seattle not do?

Sustainable Seattle is focused on issues and not partisanships.  We are a non profit organization that will not endorse any particular candidates or political philosophy.

8.  What are the most recent actions that S2 has taken in the community around Seattle?

Sustainable Seattle has had its hands in everything from neighborhood community council meetings to successful launches of major programs and events.  We are currently in partnerships with numerous organizations and are working on a grouping of non profit resources by way of a community calendar and a partnership with Dibspace, a community currency.

9.  What does racism have to do with the environment and/or sustainability?

Racism and discrimination are the systematic barriers to mobility and reaching one's full potential.  Sustainability is not just about the environment, but it is about the holistic view of our life on this planet.  Racism is a boot stomping on a face forever and sustainability cannot exist in the same realm as injustice.  The environmental damage that comes from short sighted policies or ignorance effects the poor and socially immobile more immediately than their richer counterparts.  Childhood asthma, lack of access to clean water, general health problems and the underlying absence of hope all are influenced and sometime driven by environmental factors.

10.  Why the focus on social justice and collaboration?

Social justice is equal opportunity to education, transportation, employment, and a chance at what Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of the Independence of the United States, "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."  In a perfect world people will be judged not by their color or zip code, but by who they really are or who they wish to be.  Lack of equality is the sleeping tiger in the room that everyone tip toes about in American society. 

Collaboration is simply learning from each other and making the entire process stronger for the weave of different fibers and strengths.  Collaboration is more than just the sum of our parts.  We are all stronger when we know our own strengths and opportunities and fill the gaps with like minded and sometimes not like minded. We define collaboration as work that we do together than builds competency or capacity within each other's organizations and sharing financial burdens and benefits.

11.  What can Sustainable Seattle do for me?

Sustainable Seattle has many roles that it can play.  Sometimes we offer feet on the ground for different projects.  Sometimes we are advisers and councilors.  We are also a leading organization in community created indicators.  Other times we are policy advocates.  We also are an opportunity for volunteering and learning about the wide web of topics and disciplines of sustainability.

12.  How do I get involved with S2?

The best way to get involved is to follow our twitter, friend us on Facebook, join our events or volunteer.  We also encourage you to look into your neighbor's eyes, greet people in your neighborhood, and enjoy our region on foot or cycle.  Also, know your representatives and city government.  Get involved in your children's education and love the time you have with those you care about.

13.  Is sustainability just the new buzz word for the environmental movement?

The environmental movement has been a success in many ways, but its biggest failure was in its lack of focus on humanity, diversity, social justice, and renewable living.  We cannot reasonably expect everyone to change their lifestyles because it is the "right thing to do," but we must make the stakes more human, more tactile.  The environment is counting on us of course as the only creature on the planet who can actively do large scale stewardship, but for most people that message comes off as too esoteric and not based on on-the-ground facts.  If you tell a person that they should advocate for stricter building codes because of the environmental effect on old growth forests, you will get some response.  But, if you tell someone that the connections between the types of chemicals we use in housing and childhood asthma or stunted growth, you may reach even more people.

14.  What are the stakes if sustainability does not catch on?

Our very lives are at stake.  We cannot continue to march on with the overwhelming evidence of climate change, the growing evidence of people living unfulfilled lives even when they buy the latest toys, and the crushing toll of feeling isolated and disconnected.  We as a people need to change our priorities to be more in line with our best interests.  Livable, walkable neighborhoods, clean water and air, healthy lifestyles, and strong fulfilling relationships will only improve our quality of life. 

15.  What can individuals do to make a difference in regards to their environmental impact?

Probably the most important change people can make is in changing their priorities about what makes them happy.  When we buy into the hype machine that more and more stuff will fulfill us we are left feeling empty with materials we do not need.  We substitute things for people and relationships.  We judge ourselves by the shine of our cars or the greenness of our manicured lawns.  When people realize that things are not the road to happiness, all the other factors start to make logical sense in lifestyle change.  Changing to more environmentally safe light bulbs makes sense when one realizes that the quality of light is comparable, the cost is cheaper and we need light to aid in other pursuits.  When we start turning down the thermostat it is not only to stop wasting materials, but it is also an excuse to snuggle up.  Comforts that are inherently energy intensive begin to make less and less sense.