I applaud the City of Portland and Multnomah County on the recent and aggressive update of the 2009 Climate Action Plan.  An audacious goal of 80% carbon reduction (below 1990 levels) by 2050 frames a series of near-term and long-term actions required to get us there.  O.K., that’s good – green jobs, clean energy, walkable/bikable cities: check.  Land and transport, green building, energy efficiency, waste reduction: got it.

Moreover, the report says, “the broad-scale coordination and planning required to achieve the 80-percent carbon reduction goal will demand that governments, businesses, civic organizations and residents collaborate extensively and take the lead in their own activities.”  

But, here’s the thing – look closely at the makeup of the steering committee, and you’ll notice a near complete lack of business representation.  WHY? 

If you believe that the winds have shifted and there is renewed engagement in Climate Change on a national level – or ‘seismic change,’ according to today’s NY Times, then lack of interest isn't the problem.  

And yet, the 2009 Oregon legislature has yet to pass a single piece of significant carbon legislation - overshadowed as they are by the $4 billion budget gap – forcing policies like cap & trade, the BETC and other energy efficiency incentives to take a back seat while Salem tries to figure out how to wrestle with a 12% unemployment rate. 

This, despite the excellent grassroots work of Climate Solutions in rallying business support in support of said legislation.

But, I digress.  The point is, if you’re going to set up a framework for true collaboration – which the City assures me is the intent of the Climate Action Plan – then you need to secure involvement from start-to-finish.  The City and County are looking at all ways large and small that they can impact our collective carbon footprint and ensure a vibrant, prosperous region.  But, their efforts will only get us so far.  Business leaders must be involved to inform, participate and, well – LEAD. 

We’re all feeling the impact of the economic downturn – but now is not the time to shun innovation and investment.  Now is the time to think about the long-term horizon and plan for success.

Which is why I’m encouraging business colleagues to join me at the June 15 Town Hall for the City/County Climate Action Plan.  They want feedback and input – let’s give it to them – loudly and soundly.

During a recent trip to California, I paid a visit to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium. No volume of rave reviews could have prepared me for the discoveries that ensued. Surrounded by schools of sea life and fascinated children, I was 

immersed in an ultra-sensory experience that left me thinking, talking, and Tweeting for days to come. In addition to education and enjoyment, it occurred to me that the aquarium offered a living, breathing example of what is possible when a vision for a better bottom line is realized in remarkable form.

The aquarium's close attention to sustainability is evident in its every aspect: physical space, operational programs and resonant messaging. The spacious modern building was shaped from a retired bay front cannery; reminders of its historic and industrial significance occur throughout. Adjacent ocean water is cycled into massive exhibit tanks. Conservation research projects strive to identify and improve conditions for threatened species, from sea otters to sea horses. The aquarium's Center for the Future of the Oceans inspires community and government action for ocean conservation.  

In addition to these vital efforts, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers an outstanding example of continuous improvement, a fundamental aspect of best practices for sustainability. One popular aquarium initiative - Seafood Watch - offers a strong case study in this regard. To raise awareness about threatened species - and to drive lasting consumer behavior change - the aquarium distributes convenient wallet-sized guides that educate visitors about sea-friendly food choices. The pocket guides are also available online as printable downloads. Recently, the deep-green program effectively one-upped itself by expanding program reach through new media.  A customized iPhone app offers a fun, paper-free way to quickly access Seafood Watch information. In addition to driving responsible personal choices about seafood consumption, the iPhone app can be embraced as a valuable tool for professionals who champion a better bottom line. Imagine using and sharing the application during business luncheons, conference meals and networking events. Get started immediately: download the iPhone app here.

My experience at the Monterey Bay Aquarium evoked diverse layers of inspiration. As I delved deep into the science of the sea - passing through cavernous galleries of undulating plants and wildlife - my background as an art scholar and curator seemed to surface. The eloquence of black-lighted jellyfish reminded me of Kandinsky; schools of silver anchovies resembled the reflective surface of stainless steel sculpture. 

A truly sustainable culture requires deep commitment not only to environmentalism, but also to cultural depth, human enrichment and inspiration, all of which are necessary to fuel creativity and innovation required to resolve today's global challenges. The Monterey Bay Aquarium rolls art, science, social responsibility and surprise into unforgettable impressions, yielding a community of fans and conscious consumers that extends around the world.

Visit Monterey Bay Aquarium for an experience of your own. Support and sustain this excellent resource, whether through dialogue, membership or the gift of a donation.

During a recession, it makes sense that people re-evaluate and clarify the line between wants and needs. In reality, the only needs we as humans face for survival are food, shelter and water. During this evaluation, the sources of these three necessities may surface. In the United States, over 90% of tap water is safe to drink which makes it fairly easy to find a clean source of water. Regarding shelter, we live within our means and do what we can to not overheat in the summer and freeze in the winter. That leaves food. As stated in a recent article by MarketShift Strategies principals, ‘To our kids, water comes from the tap, electricity comes from the switch on the wall, gasoline from the pump.’ To take that analogy one-step further, food comes from the refrigerator.

So just as we know that gasoline, for instance, does not come from the pump, but rather from ½ way around the world, we should consider where our food is sourced. After all, food is one of those three primary needs. But it seems that even here in the fruitful Pacific Northwest, so much of the food available to us is from Mexico, Chile, Canada, or California. The more thought put into this, the more ludicrous it seems. Why are we shipping in one of our essential needs from across and outside the US, sometimes over 1,000's of miles, to a place that is fully capable of growing food? Why do we rely so much on the international community for this need, rather than our regional neighbors?

I recently went on a local farm tour at Cascade Pacific, just a short drive southeast from Portland, Oregon. This family farm has become very successful and is the source of 24 fresh, sustainable and organic vegetables. A problem they face is that not all grocery stores are willing to work with with local farmers because of the convenience and discount of buying in bulk from out of state and country vendors.

It may be more 'cost effective' for grocers and consumers, but I argue that we have a responsibility to consider the larger picture. This phenomenon of paying less to ship produce in from Chile is costing us climate change, economic distress, and health problems. Consider the benefits of local food: purchasing from local growers keeps your money in the community, going back to your schools, your infrastructure, your neighbors. Using local farms requires a whole lot less carbon emissions and road maintenance. Additionally, local foods are less likely to be genetically-modified and are harvested ripe, retaining their nutrients and flavor.

So, now that you're ready to start purchasing locally, where do you go? It's actually easier than you may realize. Local farmers sell to Fred Meyers, Zupans, and New Seasons, among other common grocery stores. If you can't find what you're looking for, talk to the produce manager at your neighborhood store. Farmer's market or produce stands can also be easily visited and are great way to get out into your community. Another option is joining a local CSA. Furthermore, think about planting a backyard garden this year. If you have kids, this is a great family project and will serve as a strong reminder that food comes from the ground and from nature, not just from the refrigerator.