Driven by concerns about global warming, and fueled by the need to reduce America’s dependency on foreign oil, sustainability – the potential for the long-term wellbeing of humans and nature based on the responsible use of natural resources – has become a mainstream concept. Today, almost 40 years after the first Earth Day, environmentalism has evolved from a radical cause to a widespread issue. This year, the Onondaga Citizens League has turned its attention to “What Does It Mean to be Green?” – how are we as a community embracing policies and actions to promote sustainability?

OCL asks:

• What are we – local governments, businesses, organizations, neighborhoods, and individuals – doing to be Green and is it enough?
• What lessons can we learn from other communities and what can we do to become more Green in CNY?
• How do we make sure that the decisions we make have a beneficial effect on the environment?

In September, OCL will begin a series of public discussions on the topic, starting with the big picture – understanding ecosystems and their importance and the importance of sustainable community actions.

To receive information on upcoming programs, email ocl@syr.edu, or become a fan of OCL on Facebook!