When you hear the word “sustainability,” what images and ideas come to mind? Most people think about trees, parks, wildlife, energy, water or other natural systems upon which life depends. But sustainability is really about people and our relationships to these systems—and to each other. Sustainability is about rebuilding and reimagining new notions of the commons—and creating a culture of care.

Jennifer Hirsch brings diverse groups of people together to identify their own sustainability roots and grow them into a holistic system for decision-making that benefits both people and nature. She works as a consultant, teacher, and partner with community organizations, government agencies, and institutions of higher education. Projects address challenges such as:

• Redefining sustainability beyond environment
• Moving beyond green buildings
• Engaging a broader constituency in sustainability efforts
• Connecting sustainability to community development
• Developing a justice-based approach to sustainability

Drawing on applied anthropology and asset-based community development, Jennifer’s work puts cultural diversity at the core of sustainability. Supporting diverse approaches to life is not only necessary for justice but is also the only path that will lead to radical innovation and, indeed, human survival.