One Earth develops new materials and packages existing content about (achieving) a less materials-intensive future in inspiring and insightful ways to inform decision-making and social change. And we make sure it gets into the right hands.
For example, One Earth worked with city councils, developers, tenant groups, homeowners and service providers to put the Eco-Strata Guide into practice, lessening the impact of building renovations and improving the efficiency of existing multi-family dwellings. Hopefulness stems from knowing that the future we seek is achievable and from inspiring action through clear communication and new capabilities.
One Earth builds the capacity of change-makers through training opportunities, how-to guides, multi-media communication, personal relations as it is about the “memes” themselves.
The One Earth team undertakes a number of research projects around sustainable consumption and production to contribute to, and build on, the body of knowledge. These are published as academic articles and as practical reports and briefings. Individually, team members also publish articles. Bill Rees’ full publications list can be found on his website.
One Earth builds the capacity of change-makers through training opportunities, how-to guides, multi-media communication, personal relations as it is about the “memes” themselves.
The One Earth team undertakes a number of research projects around sustainable consumption and production to contribute to, and build on, the body of knowledge. These are published as academic articles and as practical reports and briefings. Individually, team members also publish articles. Bill Rees’ full publications list can be found on his website.
Highlighted Publications
SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES: OPTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES (2018) (PDF)
This report shares proven actions and campaigns that can be run by those with limited resources who want maximum impact reducing the footprint of food, housing, mobility.
Globally, people are weaving sustainability into their daily lives — meeting needs and pursuing wellbeing and aspirations through building community; reducing meat and dairy consumption; wasting less food and using leftovers; reusing, repairing, recycling, sharing and borrowing goods; and enjoying the things that matter most, such as friends, experiences and nature. This is impressive since aspirations of ‘the good life’ continue to be strongly influenced by pro-consumption messaging and because people who are aware may not have more sustainable options available. Yet, taken together these actions are piecemeal and do not capture the full potential that holistic sustainable living initiatives can offer. This publication addresses this gap. It provides a sample of proven lifestyles options and opportunities including in the areas of food, mobility, housing, consumer goods, and leisure and encourages creating holistic sustainable living initiatives. The audience is people running campaigns and initiatives with limited resources who want maximum impact. We welcome you to explore these opportunities and to create initiatives that work in your context — because what works in Brazil is different from what works in Morocco. Join us in advancing sustainable living and lifestyles in more effective ways. Find out more about this publications here.
This report shares proven actions and campaigns that can be run by those with limited resources who want maximum impact reducing the footprint of food, housing, mobility.
- Download the Full Report: PDF - United Nations Environment Programme, One Earth (2018). Sustainable Lifestyles: Options and Opportunities. Paris: UN Environment.
Globally, people are weaving sustainability into their daily lives — meeting needs and pursuing wellbeing and aspirations through building community; reducing meat and dairy consumption; wasting less food and using leftovers; reusing, repairing, recycling, sharing and borrowing goods; and enjoying the things that matter most, such as friends, experiences and nature. This is impressive since aspirations of ‘the good life’ continue to be strongly influenced by pro-consumption messaging and because people who are aware may not have more sustainable options available. Yet, taken together these actions are piecemeal and do not capture the full potential that holistic sustainable living initiatives can offer. This publication addresses this gap. It provides a sample of proven lifestyles options and opportunities including in the areas of food, mobility, housing, consumer goods, and leisure and encourages creating holistic sustainable living initiatives. The audience is people running campaigns and initiatives with limited resources who want maximum impact. We welcome you to explore these opportunities and to create initiatives that work in your context — because what works in Brazil is different from what works in Morocco. Join us in advancing sustainable living and lifestyles in more effective ways. Find out more about this publications here.
SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES: OPTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WORKPLACE (2018) (PDF)
This is the companion report on options and opportunities that workplaces can take to support their employees in living more sustainable lifestyles.
Workplaces can support their employees and customers to live more sustainable lives and lifestyles. Companies can incentivize employees and customers to adopt sustainable ways of eating, moving, consuming, and engaging in leisure activities, and can demonstrate these actions at work. This publication shares opportunities in these areas. Workplaces can bring these actions together in holistic sustainable living initiatives. The target audience is urban workplaces (and the organizations that work with them) that are committed to sustainability.
Citation: United Nations Environment Programme, One Earth (2018). Sustainable Lifestyles: Options and Opportunities in the Workplace. Paris: UN Environment.
This is the companion report on options and opportunities that workplaces can take to support their employees in living more sustainable lifestyles.
Workplaces can support their employees and customers to live more sustainable lives and lifestyles. Companies can incentivize employees and customers to adopt sustainable ways of eating, moving, consuming, and engaging in leisure activities, and can demonstrate these actions at work. This publication shares opportunities in these areas. Workplaces can bring these actions together in holistic sustainable living initiatives. The target audience is urban workplaces (and the organizations that work with them) that are committed to sustainability.
Citation: United Nations Environment Programme, One Earth (2018). Sustainable Lifestyles: Options and Opportunities in the Workplace. Paris: UN Environment.
FOSTERING AND COMMUNICATING SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLES: PRINCIPLES AND EMERGING PRACTICES (2016)
One Earth is co-author of a UN Environment report that sets out a strategy roadmap for fostering and communicating sustainable lifestyles, illustrated by cases from around the world.
Fostering and Communicating Sustainable Lifestyles: Principles and Emerging Practices furthers understanding of sustainable lifestyles to accelerate their widespread adoption. This report offers a four step strategy roadmap for success with eight operating principles to guide the design, adaptation, and evaluation of sustainable lifestyles campaigns and initiatives. 16 cases explore how sustainable lifestyle campaigns intersect with key aspects of meeting core domain needs around food, shelter, mobility, leisure time, and human connections. The report uses the principles to interpret and evaluate these cases and offers insights on how to apply key learnings.
The report co-authors are: Philip J. Vergragt and Halina Szejnwald Brown (SCORAI – Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative), Vanessa Timmer, Dagmar Timmer, Dwayne A. Appleby (One Earth), Cara Pike, Sutton Eaves, Rebecca McNeil (Climate Access), and John Stutz (Tellus Institute). The co-authors gratefully acknowledge the team at UN Environment for their support, as well as the project advisors and others who contributed key insights and support.
One Earth is co-author of a UN Environment report that sets out a strategy roadmap for fostering and communicating sustainable lifestyles, illustrated by cases from around the world.
Fostering and Communicating Sustainable Lifestyles: Principles and Emerging Practices furthers understanding of sustainable lifestyles to accelerate their widespread adoption. This report offers a four step strategy roadmap for success with eight operating principles to guide the design, adaptation, and evaluation of sustainable lifestyles campaigns and initiatives. 16 cases explore how sustainable lifestyle campaigns intersect with key aspects of meeting core domain needs around food, shelter, mobility, leisure time, and human connections. The report uses the principles to interpret and evaluate these cases and offers insights on how to apply key learnings.
- Download the summary report here.
- The full report, case studies and handouts can be downloaded from our website here.
The report co-authors are: Philip J. Vergragt and Halina Szejnwald Brown (SCORAI – Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative), Vanessa Timmer, Dagmar Timmer, Dwayne A. Appleby (One Earth), Cara Pike, Sutton Eaves, Rebecca McNeil (Climate Access), and John Stutz (Tellus Institute). The co-authors gratefully acknowledge the team at UN Environment for their support, as well as the project advisors and others who contributed key insights and support.
VOICES OF NEW ECONOMIES (2015) (PDF - 2 MB)
As part of Cities for People, One Earth and the Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) joined forces to crowdsource definitions of new economies.
What began as a series of blogs has been assembled into this compendium report. The compendium gives voice to innovative leaders who are finding different paths forward, and it helps us map out key ideas, patterns and perspectives in the new economies space.
As part of Cities for People, One Earth and the Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) joined forces to crowdsource definitions of new economies.
What began as a series of blogs has been assembled into this compendium report. The compendium gives voice to innovative leaders who are finding different paths forward, and it helps us map out key ideas, patterns and perspectives in the new economies space.
SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION FRAMING: A RESEARCH SUMMARY (2015) (PDF, 4MB)
Cara Pike, Social Capital Strategies with One Earth
How do we talk about sustainable consumption and production? What are the best ways to frame and communicate this topic?
This research project focused on gaining a better understanding of how Canadians and Americans view sustainable consumption and production, particularly city sustainability directors. We look at the challenges and opportunities that exist for developing new cultural narratives that effectively engage stakeholders. This report attempts to summarize the state of Canadian and U.S. public opinion around sustainable production and consumption issues, as well as the opportunities and barriers for engagement on this issue. It draws from more than 23 Canadian and U.S. opinion polls, 20 academic studies, and 16 media stories on public opinion and communication trends related to sustainable production and consumption. The report was also informed by 9 interviews with thought leaders on sustainable production and consumption issues with a focus on municipal leaders; as well as a review of 25 nonprofit, government and research websites. This report was developed and written by Cara Pike, Social Capital Strategies in consultation with and supported by One Earth as part of a grant from The J. W. McConnell Family Foundation Cities for People initiative.
Cara Pike, Social Capital Strategies with One Earth
How do we talk about sustainable consumption and production? What are the best ways to frame and communicate this topic?
This research project focused on gaining a better understanding of how Canadians and Americans view sustainable consumption and production, particularly city sustainability directors. We look at the challenges and opportunities that exist for developing new cultural narratives that effectively engage stakeholders. This report attempts to summarize the state of Canadian and U.S. public opinion around sustainable production and consumption issues, as well as the opportunities and barriers for engagement on this issue. It draws from more than 23 Canadian and U.S. opinion polls, 20 academic studies, and 16 media stories on public opinion and communication trends related to sustainable production and consumption. The report was also informed by 9 interviews with thought leaders on sustainable production and consumption issues with a focus on municipal leaders; as well as a review of 25 nonprofit, government and research websites. This report was developed and written by Cara Pike, Social Capital Strategies in consultation with and supported by One Earth as part of a grant from The J. W. McConnell Family Foundation Cities for People initiative.
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND THE SHARING ECONOMY ROADMAP (2015) (PDF)
Produced by One Earth as part of Cities for People
LocalGovSharingEcon.com
The Local Governments and the Sharing Economy roadmap explores the question:
How can cities strategically engage with the Sharing Economy to advance sustainability?
There are three key messages: 1. The Sharing Economy is not inherently sustainable but cities can help to make it more so. 2. Community sharing is a promising area where local governments can play proactive, enabling roles. 3. Addressing data gaps is critical for understanding sustainability impacts on cities. The LGSE roadmap analyzes shared mobility, spaces, goods and community sharing - and, to a lighter degree, shared food and energy - using a six-part sustainability filter.
Produced by One Earth as part of Cities for People
LocalGovSharingEcon.com
The Local Governments and the Sharing Economy roadmap explores the question:
How can cities strategically engage with the Sharing Economy to advance sustainability?
- Download full report (PDF) / Download English summary (PDF) / Download French summary (PDF)
- Listen to the webinar recording with lead authors Vanessa Timmer and Rosemary Cooper, which took place on Tue 24 November 2015 - recording here. We welcome you to download and share the Powerpoint presentation with your colleagues (PDF) . You can also download the transcript of the webinar (PDF - 22 pages).
There are three key messages: 1. The Sharing Economy is not inherently sustainable but cities can help to make it more so. 2. Community sharing is a promising area where local governments can play proactive, enabling roles. 3. Addressing data gaps is critical for understanding sustainability impacts on cities. The LGSE roadmap analyzes shared mobility, spaces, goods and community sharing - and, to a lighter degree, shared food and energy - using a six-part sustainability filter.
- Discover what cities are doing to lead the way including Montréal, Austin, Vancouver, Portland and Toronto.
- Find out if carsharing, co-working spaces, clothing swaps and other Sharing Economy activities reduce the ecological footprints of cities, and increase social connection, equity and resilience.
- Learn about recommendations and roles for local governments to harness the Sharing Economy to strategically advance sustainability.
- Explore our analysis of Sharing Economy actors from community innovators to for-profit players (e.g., Airbnb and Uber) to the public sector.
ECO-STRATA GUIDE (PDF, 3.8MB)
The Eco-Strata Guide is a resource for reducing the ecological footprint of existing multi-family dwellings in Metro Vancouver, particularly as a result of economies of scale. The project is focused on the opportunities for advancing sustainability, particularly as a result of economies of scale. The practical guidebook (and website) assists strata councils, cooperatives, developers and management companies. Partners include the Condominium Home Owners’ Association (CHOA), the Lighthouse Sustainable Building Centre with funding from the Real Estate Foundation of BC. Download the guide and dialogue at www.eco-strata.com. It was launched in 2009. See: www.eco-strata.com. Prinet, E., Timmer, D, and Timmer, V. (2009) Eco-Strata Guide: A Green Guide for Multi-Family Dwellings in Metro Vancouver. Vancouver, Canada.
SUSTAINABLE HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION REPORT (PDF)
One Earth partnered with Consumers Council of Canada to produce a report for Industry Canada’s Office of Consumer Affairs entitled “Sustainable Household Consumption: Key Considerations for a Canadian Strategy”. This report presents key considerations and elements of a household consumption strategy for Canada, within the context of the federal government’s current efforts to develop a Sustainable Consumption and Production Framework. Examining what sustainable household consumption means in a Canadian context is important insofar as the average Ecological Footprint of Canadians is significantly larger than what the Earth can sustain in the long term; indeed, were everyone around the world to adopt a typical Canadian lifestyle, four Earth-like planets would be necessary to support this way of living. The challenge is great: to maintain–and even enhance–quality of life of all Canadian citizens, while reducing by some 80% their material and energy demands. Household consumption is at the heart of these concerns, and should therefore be an integral part of any national sustainability plan in Canada. Embedding the household strategy within this broader SCP framework is essential, as a central conclusion of this report is that households cannot advance sustainable consumption on their own but require collective solutions and collective actions by government and other stakeholders. (March 2009, Released June 2009). Timmer, V. Prinet, E., and Timmer. D. (2009) Sustainable Household Consumption: Key Considerations and Elements for a Canadian Strategy. Consumers Council of Canada. Toronto, Canada.
NORTH AMERICAN ACTOR AND ACTIVITY MAP ON SCP (PDF)
One Earth produced a North American Actor & Activity Map on Sustainable Consumption and Production, as a project for Industry Canada. It is a detailed report that maps out actors and activities in Canada and the USA engaged in advancing SCP. It explores production and consumption as a system, identifies some of the key communities of practice already engaged in this field in North America, and provides recommendations to the Government of Canada on its possible roles to promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production. Prinet, E., Moulé, D, Timmer, V. and Timmer, D. (2011) North American Actor and Activity Map on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP). Vancouver, Canada. Report published for Industry Canada.
HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS
Timmer, V., Prinet, E., Timmer, D., and Rees, W. (2012) Advancing Sustainable Production and Consumption through Practice-Research Engagement. Paper presented at the Global Research Forum on Sustainable Consumption and Production workshop 13 – 15 June 2012 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Timmer, V., Rees, W.E., Prinet, E., Timmer, D., and Moore, A. (2012) Do sustainable lifestyle experiments actually reduce footprints? Defining Elements of a Monitoring Protocol. Paper presented at the 3rd SCORAI – Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative
Kissinger, M., Rees, W, E., Timmer, V. (2011) Interregional Sustainability: Governance and Policy in an Ecologically Interdependent World. Environmental Science and Policy (4): 965-976.
Prinet, E. (2011) Sustainable Consumption & Production: Background Paper #1. Paper presented at the North American Workshop on Sustainable Consumption and Production and Green Building. Ottawa, Canada.
The Eco-Strata Guide is a resource for reducing the ecological footprint of existing multi-family dwellings in Metro Vancouver, particularly as a result of economies of scale. The project is focused on the opportunities for advancing sustainability, particularly as a result of economies of scale. The practical guidebook (and website) assists strata councils, cooperatives, developers and management companies. Partners include the Condominium Home Owners’ Association (CHOA), the Lighthouse Sustainable Building Centre with funding from the Real Estate Foundation of BC. Download the guide and dialogue at www.eco-strata.com. It was launched in 2009. See: www.eco-strata.com. Prinet, E., Timmer, D, and Timmer, V. (2009) Eco-Strata Guide: A Green Guide for Multi-Family Dwellings in Metro Vancouver. Vancouver, Canada.
SUSTAINABLE HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION REPORT (PDF)
One Earth partnered with Consumers Council of Canada to produce a report for Industry Canada’s Office of Consumer Affairs entitled “Sustainable Household Consumption: Key Considerations for a Canadian Strategy”. This report presents key considerations and elements of a household consumption strategy for Canada, within the context of the federal government’s current efforts to develop a Sustainable Consumption and Production Framework. Examining what sustainable household consumption means in a Canadian context is important insofar as the average Ecological Footprint of Canadians is significantly larger than what the Earth can sustain in the long term; indeed, were everyone around the world to adopt a typical Canadian lifestyle, four Earth-like planets would be necessary to support this way of living. The challenge is great: to maintain–and even enhance–quality of life of all Canadian citizens, while reducing by some 80% their material and energy demands. Household consumption is at the heart of these concerns, and should therefore be an integral part of any national sustainability plan in Canada. Embedding the household strategy within this broader SCP framework is essential, as a central conclusion of this report is that households cannot advance sustainable consumption on their own but require collective solutions and collective actions by government and other stakeholders. (March 2009, Released June 2009). Timmer, V. Prinet, E., and Timmer. D. (2009) Sustainable Household Consumption: Key Considerations and Elements for a Canadian Strategy. Consumers Council of Canada. Toronto, Canada.
NORTH AMERICAN ACTOR AND ACTIVITY MAP ON SCP (PDF)
One Earth produced a North American Actor & Activity Map on Sustainable Consumption and Production, as a project for Industry Canada. It is a detailed report that maps out actors and activities in Canada and the USA engaged in advancing SCP. It explores production and consumption as a system, identifies some of the key communities of practice already engaged in this field in North America, and provides recommendations to the Government of Canada on its possible roles to promote sustainable patterns of consumption and production. Prinet, E., Moulé, D, Timmer, V. and Timmer, D. (2011) North American Actor and Activity Map on Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP). Vancouver, Canada. Report published for Industry Canada.
HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS
Timmer, V., Prinet, E., Timmer, D., and Rees, W. (2012) Advancing Sustainable Production and Consumption through Practice-Research Engagement. Paper presented at the Global Research Forum on Sustainable Consumption and Production workshop 13 – 15 June 2012 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Timmer, V., Rees, W.E., Prinet, E., Timmer, D., and Moore, A. (2012) Do sustainable lifestyle experiments actually reduce footprints? Defining Elements of a Monitoring Protocol. Paper presented at the 3rd SCORAI – Sustainable Consumption Research and Action Initiative
Kissinger, M., Rees, W, E., Timmer, V. (2011) Interregional Sustainability: Governance and Policy in an Ecologically Interdependent World. Environmental Science and Policy (4): 965-976.
Prinet, E. (2011) Sustainable Consumption & Production: Background Paper #1. Paper presented at the North American Workshop on Sustainable Consumption and Production and Green Building. Ottawa, Canada.