Lately, it seems that crisis and chaos are everywhere. Our climate needs our attention and our global conflicts, and regional disruptions are displacing entire cultures and communities. There has never been a more important time to embrace the concepts of sustainable development.
United Nations Foundation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals
If we promote sustainable development on both a local and global level, there is a path forward. We can correct our mistakes and build a future that takes everyone and everything into account. The United Nations Foundation has listed 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
These goals include:
- Ending poverty
- Eliminating hunger
- Promoting good health and well being
- quality education
- Gender equality
- Clean water and energy
- Equitable economic broths
- Innovation in industry and infrastructure
- Protecting oceans and other natural places
- Promoting peace and justice
- Responsible production and consumption
- Partnering to accomplish goals for sustainable communities and cities.
Our current systems have proven to be unsustainable and immediate action is necessary. By working together we can accomplish our goals to create a sustainable world.
Leading Sustainability Effort in the High Country of North Carolina
The High Country of North Carolina is fortunate and thankful to be home to one of the most successful and comprehensive Sustainable Development programs in the nation.
Appalachian State University located only a few blocks away from 828 Real Estate, “has more than 300 undergraduate majors and 50 minors, that allow students to examine the interdependent complexities and challenges of the world’s most pressing environmental, economic, and social problems and envision and enact creative and innovative solutions to these challenges in the context of sustainable development.”
Appalachian State students can choose from, “the community, regional, and global development; sustainable agriculture; environmental studies; or an individually designed program.” This department boasts being home to “one of the largest diversified teaching and research farms in the nation.”
Sustainable Development Programs in Boone
For a small town, Boone has a wide variety of sustainable development programs. Here are 5 community programs and non-profits in Watauga County that work to build healthy communities.
Protecting the Environment
In Boone, the non-profit, Mountaintrue, is dedicated to clean water, resilient forests, green energy, and healthy communities. This organization is focused on removing toxic substances from our waterways, protecting and promoting biodiversity, and educating the public on alternative energy.We only get one planet. Protecting the environment ensures sustainable development. One easy way to protect the environment is to be mindful of the natural beauty of native landscaping and flowers. Recycle, be mindful of your water usage, and encourage others to do so as well.
Providing Healthy & Fresh Food
Across the nation, access to healthy and fresh food is a huge issue. Food deserts, limited funding, and other struggles prevent people from accessing regular meals. At 828 Real Estate, we recently set up the Free Little Pantry outside of our office to supply those in need with non-perishable food items.
Other organizations in the High Country of North Carolina are doing their part to end hunger as well. The Hunger and Health Coalition, the Watauga County Farmers Market, and Against the Grain Farms are essential organizations in sustaining our local community. They work together to provide our population with organic, healthy, nutritious, and fresh foods.
Supporting Survivors of Abuse
Providing survivors of domestic abuse a safe place is another aspect of sustainable development. OASIS – Opposing Abuse with Service Information and Shelter promotes a sustainable community by supporting survivors of abuse. The Children’s Council of Watauga County, “builds upon the strengths of children, families, and educators by investing resources, information, and training toward promoting the future health and success of our greatest community asset: Our Children.”
How to Live Sustainably
Living sustainably doesn’t have to be hard. There are a few local-minded, easy ways you can change your consumption habits to positively impact your community and the world!
Limit Textile Consumption
As a nation, we throw away 21 billion pounds of textiles per year. Textiles include clothing, shoes, accessories, sheets, blankets, carpets, the list keeps going. Currently, only 3.8 billion pounds of textiles are recycled each year. This issue reveals the importance of donating and recycling our clothing.
Boone is home to a variety of thrift and consignment stores. Anna Banna’s is a fine consignment boutique in the heart of downtown Boone. They buy, sell and trade clothing and all sorts of other fun accessories.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores is another wonderful non-profit in our community that has everything you need for home improvements. You can donate gently used furniture, appliances, home accessories, building materials, and more.
If you are looking for these items ReStore offers them for sale to the public for a fraction of the price. Who knows, you might be able to score hardwood, North Carolina furniture at a fraction of the cost!
Volunteer in Your Community
Volunteering in your community leads to active and sustainable change. By consistently showing up for your community and its members, you are participating in sustainable development.
Our very own Jordan Sellers shows up for his community in Boone by working with the Western Youth Network (WYN). All of WYN programs focus on supporting youth in developing resilience, feeling safe to be themselves, and being compassionate about issues such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). His work helps to sustain community health through afterschool and community programming.
If You Love Where You Live, Sustain It
In the High Country of North Carolina, we love where we live. We embrace sustainable development to keep our environment and community members healthy and happy. At 828 Real Estate, our agents and team members give back to non-profits. To find organizations to get involved with, check out these organizations in the High Country of North Carolina that you can support locally.