The Natural Step for Communities: How Cities and Towns can Change to Sustainable Practices

by Sarah James, Torbjorn Lahti

Sustainability may seem like one more buzzword and cities and towns like the last places to change, but The Natural Step for Communities provides inspiring examples of communities that have made dramatic changes toward sustainability and explains how others can emulate their success. Chronicled in the book are towns like Övertorneå, whose government operations recently became 100 percent fossil fuel-free, demonstrating that unsustainable municipal practices really can be overhauled. Arguing that the process of introducing change—whether converting to renewable energy or designing compact development—is critical to success, the authors outline why well-intentioned proposals often fail to win community approval and why an integrated approach—not "single-issue" initiatives—can surmount challenges of conflicting priorities, scarce resources and turf battles. The book first clarifies the concept of sustainability, offering guiding principles—the Natural Step framework—that help identify sustainable action in any area. It then introduces the 60+ eco-municipalities of Sweden that have adopted changes to sustainable practices throughout municipal policies and operations. The third section explains how they did it and outlines how other communities in North America and elsewhere can do the same. Key to success is a democratic, "bottom-up" change process and clear guiding sustainability principles, such as the Natural Step framework. The book will appeal to both general readers wishing to understand better what sustainability means and practitioners interested in introducing or expanding sustainable development in their communities. Sarah James is the principal of a community planning consulting firm. She co-authored the American Planning Association’s Planning for Sustainability Policy Guide and has published articles throughout the U.S. on this subject. Torbjörn Lahti was the planner for Sweden’s first eco-municipality and is directing a five-year sustainable community demonstration project. He was instrumental in forming the Swedish National Association of Eco-municipalities.

Genres: Sustainability, Nonfiction, Environment

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2004

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I heard about this book at Family Camp (an annual event I attend which includes speakers). It's the springboard for discussions in communities that want to be more sustainable. Most of the examples in the book are from Sweden, but many communities in the US and elsewhere are following these principles, including quite a few in Wisconsin, from the usual suspects like Madison and Bayfield to smaller towns not usually thought of as hotbeds of environmentalism. The Natural Step is not only about the environment -- the idea is that everything that is done in a community is looked at in light of the principles -- which include having people's needs met as well as protecting the earth, air and water. I really only skimmed this book as I had to return it to the library, and it is meant for use over a period of weeks as part of a study group. Perhaps I need to start one and buy the book!

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a class -- easy and enjoyable to read, inspiring stories and ideas from communities that have made advances in sustainability. I especially like the focus on Sweden, next time I go to Iceland I'd like to visit Sweden and see some of their eco-communities. Santa Monica got a few compliments in the book too.

[Nate Deprey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The library I run has started three Natural Study Circles and while some of the book is the boiler plate conservation and sustainability argument the approach of bring about change through municipalities is fresh and encouraging.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It felt a bit dated. And so many of the examples were from Swedish communities, so I had some trouble relating them to my experience. The US examples were tacked on to the end of each chapter. I would have loved to read "10 years later" analyses of these sustainable initiatives.

[Kirsten Barton]

very dry - hard to stick with it, but full of referenceable information

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

As the current chairperson of my local community Green Committee, I am going to start in an upcoming study group. I look forward to it.

[aksnowbunny Proden]

this is a must read if we are all going to change the way we live. it's kinda boring, but full of information and ideas on how to waste less and get more out of our cities and environment.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good program for sustainability.

Comprehensive, direct, applicable, repeatable.

I attended a week-long seminar with the authors and was VERY impressed.

[Kelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its a shame that communities seem to need to wait for a crisis or a king to order it for a change to happen so completely

[Derm · Rating 4 out of 5]

great case studies. Light reading for text book related stuff