How are EE and Economic Development Connected?

Business Must Recognize, Support Environmental Education
This piece has a little age on it, but it is spot on as to the relationship between enviromental literacy, economics and consumer education.

North Carolina Now: NC Rising
Find out about how environmental education aided community development in the town of Scotland Neck.

Making Connections with Dr. David Jones
Dr. Jones, director of the North Carolina Zoological Park, guides you through the high stakes risks North Carolina is taking if we fail to protect the environment as part of economic development.

The Green Movement Turns Black and Brown
This excellent piece from NPR features writers from The Root online magazine. The panel discusses the growing interest in the environment among minorities and how they feel the environmental justice movement must change. They also share ways minority communities can become more active in local food movements, green jobs and environmental sustainability. Page features audio from the interview, as well as links to essays by the panelists.

Community Connections Toolbox

New Tools for Environmental Protection: Education, Information and Voluntary Measures
This series of essays, published by the National Research Council, makes the argument that environmental regulation by itself is not adequate to meet the increasing "non-point source" nature of environmental problems in the 21st Century, and that environmental literacy programs are the key.
(Can be read online for free!)

N.C. DENR Environmental Stewardship Initiative
ESI is for "any site-specific regulated organization or entity, whose activities impact the environment." That covers businesses, nonprofits and government agencies. Its mission is to assist organizations in reducing their environmental impacts beyond regulatory requirements and recognize those that achieve and maintain that commitment.

Greengov Listserv
This resource from the UNC School of Government connects individuals within N.C. governments that are interested in the sustainable use of natural resoruces.

NAAEE Guidelines for Excellence
Environmental education programs at local parks, community centers, schools and nature centers not only improve environmental literacy--they can also enhance a communities' social and economic opportunities. The North American Association for Environmental Education's recommendations serve as a guide to developing new programs, or improving existing ones.

Case Studies in Small Town Community Economic Development
Study by the UNC School of Govenment and the N.C. Rural Center. Case studies can be searched by towns that have taken advantage of natural assets.

Office of EE Grants Listing
Find out about environmental education-related grants available in North Carolina.

Community Connections makes the case that environmental education is an essential tool in creating sustainable, healthy communities. It will be impossible to build a "green economy" without an environmentally literate citizenry. And remember, EE is not just for kids--it's lifelong learning for all ages.

This page provides news, research and tools to help individuals, organizations and local governments make informed decisions on sustainable community development policies and programs.

We specifically seek out articles and research that examine the connections between conservation of natural resources, economic development and quality of life. Feel free to send us relevant news, websites or research.

Active Communities

Photo by North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film & Sports Development

Eat Smart, Move More Community
Resources to help communities get active and have healthier choices.

Active Community Environments
A guide from Eat Smart, Move More for community groups and health practitioners that serves as a policy primer and provides guidelines for getting involved in land use and transportation planning.

Active Community Funding
Funding Opportunities Through Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina

BCBS Healthy Active Communities Grants