The Natural Step framework

Minimize what we take from the Earth, like mined metals, minerals and fossil fuels

• Reduce transportation energy use - drive less, eco-drive, carpool, use hybrid vehicles, ride public transit, bike, walk, or telecommute
  
• Conserve energy at home and work
  
• Purchase organic food grown without chemical fertilizers

Avoid making and using toxic substances like hazardous chemicals, pesticides and plastics

• Use natural, biodegradable cleaning, laundry and personal care products
  
• Use biological and non-toxic lawn, garden, tree care, and pest control products
  
• Buy certified organic food, clothing and fabrics.   Vote with your dollars!

Protect our planet's biodiversity and ecosystems

• Reuse wood and purchase certified, sustainably harvested wood products
  
• Reduce paper use with two-sided copying, cloth napkins & handkerchiefs, online bills, junk mail list removal, tree-free paper, and paper products with 30% or more post-consumer recycled content
  
• Avoid sprawl and preserve open space and wildlife habitat through "Smart Growth" and sustainable communities

Meet basic human needs

• Reduce consumption, design our homes, workplaces and communities to give us more of what we want (healthy and positive environments) and less of what we don't want (pollution, stress and expense)
  
• Smile, treat everyone with respect, practice random acts of kindness, live a healthy lifestyle, support your community, volunteer, donate and work for a just society
  
• Vote and encourage government, business and other institutions to practice sustainability to become environmentally and socially responsible