A Passion for Sustainability

Portland, OR is ranked as the most sustainable city in the United States, in part because several local businesses follow a framework for sustainability called “The Natural Step.” Eric G. Stacey's A Passion for Sustainability profiles 14 businesses that have incorporated the program's broad guiding principles in ways that are meaningful for their particular industries. Tom Kelly, a homebuilder, shows off the features of the first home to receive LEED Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Nancy Staber, Director of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, discusses how her organization created their first sustainable museum display. Lee Jimerson, from The Collins Companies, talks about his company's practice of sustainable forestry management for over 150 years, keeping both the ecosystem and local economies intact. Interviewees from Nike, an architectural firm, and a pizzeria, as well as a fashion designer and a furniture maker, among others, talk about various changes large and small that have made their work more sustainable. Although A Passion for Sustainability is largely a feel-good piece that never offers real statistical evidence of the impact that these forward-thinking companies are having on the environment, the documentary may well spark discussions and perhaps inspire others to consider adopting a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly approach in their business plans. DVD extras on this affordable title include an interview with Dr. Karl-Henrik Robert, who created the Natural Step program. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Wadland)