Help Support Our Work in 2012
Hello friends, neighbors and partners,
Have you heard the news? Sustainable Connections is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2012! We’ve accomplished amazing things together over the last decade, and together we’ll do even more in the next.
With your support, encouragement and participation, our community is now recognized as the nation’s:
• #1 Green Power Community (EPA, 2007)
• #1 Transit ridership growth (2008)
• #1 Smarter City (NRDC, 2009)
• #2 Indy City Index - Local Retail Vibrancy (Civic Economics, 2010)
PBS featured our local, independently owned business members and community in its 2010 documentary, Fixing the Future – Economy, and we’re anticipating a full-length, nationwide, theatrical release next spring.
Our programs are working hard to help our members be more sustainable and promote them within the community in recognition of the extra efforts they make.
Key Accomplishments and Goals
Food & Farming connects people to local food and farmers, which keeps people healthy, keeps farmers farming, and keeps our money here.
Whatcom County has reached nearly $1,000,000 in new sales every year for local farmers and food producers. Help us continue to drive sales to this important sector of our economy.
Pictured left: Food & Farming Program Manager Laura Ridenour with County Executive Pete Kremen and Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike reading a proclamation officially making September Eat Local Month
Green Building & Smart Growth
promotes healthy and efficient buildings and vibrant neighborhoods so that we have an improved quality of life.
SC is playing an active role in the City of Bellingham’s “My Downtown” planning process for revitalizing the downtown business district. Let’s ensure that Bellingham is a desirable place to do business for locally owned companies.
Right: 2011 Home and Landscape Tour attendees see first hand examples of green building and reuse practices and sustainable landscaping.
promotes the efficient use of clean, renewable energy so that we have less pollution and greater energy independence.
So far 600 homes and 100 businesses have received energy audits and many have made upgrades saving not only energy but money too. Help us reach our goal of assessing 1000 homes and 200 businesses in 2012.
Left: Sustainable Connections Staff took local councilors, government officials, and energy sector professionals on an educational tour of wind systems in Central WA this past summer.
helps local businesses to be more sustainable in their daily practices while saving money and setting an example for the rest of our community.
Over 350 businesses, schools, institutions and the hospital have diverted up to 80% of their waste from the landfill. Help us increase that number by continuing to educate locals about Moving Toward Zero Waste.
Right: Compost, recycling and small garbage toters have taken the place of a traditional dumpster at many local businesses after their participation in SC’s Toward Zero Waste program.
encourages people to shop at locally owned businesses which support local jobs, keeps our money here, and ensures unique shopping choices.
Supporting the Think Local First program will continue to drive sales to local, independently owned business helping us reach the goal of being #1 Indy City in the nation while keeping our local economy strong.
Left: A swarm of Be Local Bees remind parade goers of the importance and fun in Thinking Local First! at the 2011 Junior Ski to Sea Parade.
Our achievements over the last decade are impressive, but there is still much work to be done.
Your continued support is essential for us to expand our work and make our biggest statement yet!
Your meaningful donation ensures we can continue to develop innovative solutions and successfully address our community’s challenges. While income from membership dues and grants supports a portion of our work, we rely on the generosity of individuals like you so that we can identify and explore new opportunities for long term sustainability.
Join us as we kickoff our next decade of impactful programs and activities, pledge your support today!
Thank you,
The Sustainable Connections Board and Staff
To make a tax-deductible contribution, you can mail checks to:
Sustainable Connections / Attn: April Claxton / 1701 Ellis Street, Suite 221 / Bellingham, WA 98225
Or make an Online Donation
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