We are investigating capital gaps in these sectors, conducting outreach to start-up businesses, and networking with industry organizations. Partners include the Carolina Farm Stewardship Association , the NC Solar Center , the NC Solar Energy Association and the NC State Small Woodlot Project. Smart Growth is a national grassroots movement to support more compact development patterns, and serves as a model for more sustainable cities and rural areas. We are also active members of the North Carolina Smart Growth Coalition, as well as other regional anti-sprawl groups. We want to ensure that Smart Growth efforts address poverty and justice issues as they tackle more narrow environmental goals such as open space protection.
Environmental racism remains a serious problem across our state.
For example, per unit of material, recycling produces 5 jobs for every 1 job landfilling. Clean jobs are more stable since jobs in dirty industries are increasingly in danger of being regulated away. Sustainable farming creates more wealth than industrial-style farming which depletes local soil resources. Sustainable development supports forms of tourism which preserve ecological, historical and cultural assets. It supports local crafts traditions and art forms, a unique form of community wealth.