Sustainable Twin Ports today announced a Call for Applications for a second round of training in sustainable practices for organizations in the Twin Ports region.

Twelve to fifteen organizations will be selected to participate in the 2010 sustainability training cohort offered by Sustainable Twin Ports. Beginning in March, and with a public showcase of results scheduled for October, teams of 2-5 members from each organization will follow the science- and systems-based principles of The Natural Step framework for sustainability.

The first training offered by this local nonprofit organization was the Early Adopter Project, in which 14 local businesses, municipalities, nonprofits and educational institutions received one-year of in-depth training in strategic sustainability planning. “With reported outcomes of 40% reduction in energy use, 50% waste reduction, improved employee health and bottom-line net increases of thousands of dollars, participants clearly gained valuable insight into the environmental, social and economic benefits of implementing sustainable practices,” reports Tracy Meisterheim, coordinator of the pilot training.

One participant from the pilot training described it this way: "The Natural Step addresses issues we all need to be aware of. It isn’t a process on how to be green; it’s a process on how to live life." The outcomes achieved here in the Twin Ports were shared via webinar with an international audience this month, hosted by the Oregon-based headquarters of The Natural Step – U.S.

The application form can be downloaded from the Sustainable Twin Ports website, www.sustainabletwinports.org, along with the information sheet outlining the benefits, commitments, training calendar and participation requirements. For further information, contact Sustainable Twin Ports at info@sustainabletwinports.org.

Sustainable Twin Ports is a nonprofit organization dedicated to furthering environmental, economic and social sustainability in the Twin Ports and western Lake Superior region through education, networking and action.

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