The Opportunity

If the coming decade is going to be about anything, it is going to be about sustainability. Our current economic model of sustained growth is unrealistic without a major shift in our relationship to the principles of sustainability. To date, no region of the US has established itself as the "Sustainability Capital." We have many other types of economic capitals around the country. Why not a Sustainability Capital?

Western North Carolina is an ideal candidate for the Sustainability Capital. This extraordinary opportunity is custom tailored to the heritage, the needs, the skills base and the economic development goals of the mountain region, and may well be the key to its continued economic vitality. Given growing public interest in clean energy and transportation, green building and manufacturing and other issues, the timing could not be better. Why not "sustainability tourism?" The Mother Earth News Eco Village gave western North Carolina a glimpse of this possibility when it drew thousands of visitors to Henderson County in the 1970s and early '80s to learn the principles and skills of eco-logical living.

Before it is possible to have a clear picture of what any region needs to create a sustainable future, residents must first determine what they already have. Sustainable Now has begun an evaluation of these assets in western North Carolina. You can help by telling related businesses and organizations about this website. Encourage them to register their products, services and educational programs so that others can learn more about them. As funding permits, we will expand this searchable database to include additional information about transportation, sustainable agriculture and more.

Thank you for your interest in our work, and special thanks to our sponsors who have helped to make this website possible.