Initially based on the Natural Step, our vision was formed over several meetings, getting perspectives from religious, civic groups as well as environmental groups.
Sustainable Mt. Airy is a group of residents, businesses, congregations, and other organizations dedicated to creating a sustainable community in Mt. Airy, Philadelphia, PA. We believe that sustainability means taking care of ourselves, one another, and the planet in such a way as to leave future generations with at least as many opportunities for healthy and productive living as we currently have.
We meet the needs of all our residents -- our youth, adults, and elders -- fairly and efficiently. We strive for quality education, good jobs, decent housing, accessible health care, safety and recreation. We maximize access to local food and culture. We strive to live in dignity and harmony with one another and our natural surroundings.
To preserve the health of our planet, we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, metals and minerals such as oil and lead; we reduce our dependence on chemicals that don't biodegrade, like pesticides and plastics.
We maintain and restore our natural environment -- our parks, soil and wildlife, our streams, forests and fisheries.
In
Sustainable Mt. Airy, people of different ages, races, income levels
and cultures live proudly together and build a strong and enduring
community.
Residents live within walking distance of, or have easy access by mass transit to, places of work, school, healthcare and other needed services, entertainment, shopping and prayer.
Streets are clean, safe and crime-free.
Young and old have meaningful connections to one another.
Coops for child-care, office-sharing, gardening, home-repair, and shopping abound.
Businesses provide good jobs to keep the community affordable and environmentally friendly.
Homes are affordable and energy efficient.
Children flourish in great schools; youth have productive opportunities inside and outside of school.
Food, clothing and other necessities are produced locally, using no dangerous chemicals and eliminating waste.
Recycling and composting are easy and common.
We enjoy our large green spaces and gardens.
We produce low-cost renewable energy and are a net absorber of carbon-dioxide from the air, helping to reverse global warming.