Sustainability, sustainable community, sustainable development. Such commonly used words mean different things to different people.  Firefly is passionate about our clients and the work they do in their various industries to improve our communities and consider their efforts part of a larger movement towards a more sustainable society.

When we discuss sustainability we think of it in relationship to four interconnected and interdependent systems – the natural environment, the manmade environment, the economy and the social aspects of a community.

Sustainability is about the quality of life in a community - and whether the natural environment, the manmade environment, the economy and the social systems that make up the community are providing a healthy, productive, meaningful life for all residents, now and in the future. There are deep connections and relationships between all the parts of a community.

When problems arise, sustainable communities look for solutions that take into account all the parts of the community instead of applying a quick fix in one area that causes problems or unintended consequences in another.

Below are many links to organizations, businesses, governments, civic groups and others – mostly at a community level but also including regional, state and national websites.  Websites are always changing so let us know if you find a broken link or have a new one for us to add to the list.

We hope this information is useful to you in your own journey toward sustainability. 

Natural Environment