“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”1
As advances in medicine continue life expectancy rates increase as well giving to a new way of thinking when it comes to the environment and how we as humans coincide with our the only planet we are given and our capacity not only to survive but thrive. Over the past three decades a shifting to a new frame of thinking has come about. The early efforts of pro-environment movement which involved using environmentally friendly products as well as eco conscious manufacturing and agricultural methods driven by environmental policies to protect some of Earth’s precious and for the most part non-replenishable resources. Unfortunately the movement was one dimensional and didn't address protecting Earth’s most precious commodity, the human being. At the root of societies successes and failures is the human element and without addressing our basic needs for food, water, good shelter, sanitation, education and healthcare the pro-environment movement reached a point of reduced momentum. Recognizing the need for a more holistic approach to further support environmental consciousness the idea of sustainability came about. Over the years sustainability has been define and redefine however in the most recent few years sustainable development has hit new plateaus. I think this is due to the amount of information that can be accessed by the internet and increased local and federal support and participation. When applied correctly sustainability encompasses it all and seeks to improve environmental, economical and social issues all at one time. As sustainability relates to the community this has been said “sustainability … cannot be simply a ‘green’, or ‘environmental’ concern, important though ‘environmental’ aspects of sustainability are. A truly sustainable society is one where wider questions of social needs and welfare, and economic opportunity are integrally related to environmental limits…”2
Green Impact Zone of Missouri is the perfect example how using sustainability can transform a doomed community. The initiative includes housing rehab and weatherization programs, community policing and services, job training and placement, and health and wellness programs, all built around a comprehensive neighborhood outreach program and using sustainability as a catalyst for this transformation.
Community awareness and involvement is at the center of this endeavor. Easily displayed on every page of the website is a resident tab that opens a page that houses every key contact that can includes a contact name, number, website and email address for every Green Impact Zone initiative. Each neighborhood’s meeting date, time, location and key contact can also be found on this page. The fact that the residents have access to the people and services that affect their lives is key to the programs impact and success. The only major problem is that there is a strong possibility that the residents might not have access to the internet to readily obtain this information.
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| Neighborhood meeting |
Projects of the GIZ are very modest and basic in nature to the point that they are often disregarded by decision makers who often have never or no longer live in the areas they represent. This is not the case in K.C., Mo. The areas focused on by GIZ are important community builders and stabilization factors of a neighborhood and are long over do for reform and repair. Here is a list of the some the current projects and programs that are change this community and ultimately improving the quality of for all Kansas City residents.
Transportation Infrastructure
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