The Pacific Northwest has long been viewed as a pioneering region in adopting sustainable development practices. Back in the early to mid-1990’s, these principles were carried out by fledgling coalitions such as Sustainable Northwest, established in 1994 within a charter that “envisions an economy and society where people, communities and businesses refuse to sacrifice the good of the land for the good of the people, or the good of the people for the good of the land—finding a new path which honors both. We are committed to a human community working together—able to think beyond itself to embrace the entire biological community and from one generation to many.”

These precepts continue to prevail to this day in the Pacific Northwest and, in fact, have become even more urgent and resolute—not only through the efforts of Oregon-based Sustainable Northwest but other coalitions in the region. One of the centerpieces of Sustainable Northwest is the creation of a “vibrant community” that fosters and celebrates healthy people and biodiversity, and the linkages between them. ...

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