A letter to President Obama and Congress

On Monday, February 2, the National Strategy Campaign launched a letter-writing action directed to President Obama and members of Congress, calling for their support of a National Sustainability Strategy. We are hoping to see hundreds of such letters directed to policymakers over the next weeks, letting them know we want "an approach not based on short-term fixes but on a long-range vision."

Beyond short-term fixes

The letter points out that "our country and world confront an economic crisis as well as social and environmental trends threatening not only the health and security of our citizens today but also of future generations." Everyone pretty much already knows this.  However, in the midst of a cacophony of voices discussing the proposed stimulus package, our letter warns that the solution "requires different thinking and methods from those that created these crises.

Different thinking and methods

So, what kind of "different thinking and methods" are we talking about? What exactly is this "long-range vision" we want the President and Congress to adopt? We claim a National Sustainability Strategy can "provide the means to create a sustainable economy that will improve the quality of life for everyone." What does this mean in practice and principle?

After the Proposal for a National Sustainability Strategy was voted among the Top Ten in Change.org's Ideas for Change in America, supporters were asked "What do you think is the most effective way to turn this idea into real policy?" As of today we have received 51 suggestions for action covering a wide range of themes and issues. These include: support for local food systems, alternative transportation (bikes, telecommuting, high-speed rail), green buildings and support directed to home-owners, sustainable community design, renewable energy vs. fossil fuels, expansion of recycling approaches, healthy watershed management, attention to population growth, as well as references to a range of sustainability thinkers and visionaries.

In the coming weeks we will explore in greater depth these ideas in their various forms. We encourage you to take part in this discussion and encourage others to help us explore how to move from good ideas to responsible policies and practice.

For the text of the sample letter, see Letter to the President and Congress