I'm gonna keep me outta this one for now. Ya'll decide for yourselves. Sign on if ya want to or comment. From here on out, it is not me but the committee.
The Cleveland Commitment: A Promise for Our Region’s Sustainable Future
Cleveland Sustainability 2019 Public Compact Committee DRAFT 3.2; 10.22.09
Call to Action
We are at a crossroads of time and place. Northeast Ohio is in crisis‐‐too many of our citizens live in poverty, with children struggling to graduate from high school and living in neighborhoods riddled with vacant homes. Our way of life threatens the foundations of our survival; our land, our waters, our earth, our health and our economy. We can no longer deny these facts and must change our course.
Yet, at this time and in this place we have the opportunity to unite in common purpose for the benefit of our children and grandchildren. We come prepared to face these challenges with optimism, hope and energy rooted in our region's long tradition of innovation and hard work. We can and must join together in building a regional economy catalyzed by a new sustainable way of life.
Believing that everyone's actions count and add up to our common destiny, The Cleveland Commitment
urges all of us who call this region home to make known our aligned efforts to fashion a thriving,
resilient future for Northeast Ohio's people. With this VISION we offer hope to those whose faith in a brighter future is not yet strong. With our PLEDGE we give each other courage, knowing we do not work alone and we can trust each other to make the tough decisions to turn our region around.
Vision
We see a green city on a blue lake:
- Where wind, sun and water are respectfully harvested for energy;
- Where the natural environment is intentionally restored and preserved;
- Where nothing goes to waste.
We see a bustling metropolis:
- Where children are healthy and well‐educated;
- Where adults are engaged in challenging, rewarding and meaningful labor;
- Where everyone is appreciated for their contribution to our collective growth and happiness;
- Where local interests are united with plans for regional prosperity.
We see a thriving economy:
- Where wholesome food is locally grown;
- Where businesses adopt sustainable practices;
- Where personal drive and ingenuity are supported. Values
The Cleveland Commitment reflects these truths:
- Our lake, rivers, and the land they define are the source of our physical, social and economic health.
- Cleveland was at the center of the industrial revolution, and the time has come to embrace the sustainability revolution now unfolding before us.
- We have, over many years, led in response to great challenges by joining tradition and hard work with innovation to create practical solutions.
- We can reach across community borders to unite the region in common purpose.
- We can create, produce, consume, and live in a sustainable way.
- We can build a better future for our children, a future rich in happiness with a strong sense of community and a commitment to be faithful stewards for generations beyond our own.
The Cleveland Commitment embraces these goals:
- We will celebrate diversity and inclusiveness.
- We will eliminate poverty and racism.
- We will seek justice and promote safety.
- We will foster spirited engagement in local, national and global commerce and exchange of ideas.
- We will create vibrancy in the core community through regional cooperation, collaboration and interdependence.
- We will inspire innovation, eliminate waste, and create a competitive environment.
- We will strengthen our economy, community and long‐term security through sustainable practices that produce local food and energy, provide accessible transportation, promote community health, and support education for all.
Pledge: My Personal Commitment
I promise to be open to change and to challenge how I act, think and solve problems by:
- Listening, learning, and leading by example;
- Asking for input from those not like me; and
- Seeking solutions beneficial to all.
I promise to be aware of social and environmental impacts before choosing to buy something. I will become aware of the consequences of my purchases by considering:
- What materials make up my purchases and belongings, and how they’re manufactured;
- How they are transported to me; and
- Where they end up when I am finished with them.
I promise to contribute to a resilient, sustainable, regional economy by:
- Doing my part to strengthen our community’s schools;
- Encouraging the development, recruitment and retention of responsible businesses that acknowledge the dignity and value of their employees; and
- Buying goods and services from local farmers, suppliers, manufacturers, and vendors.
I promise to minimize my carbon footprint by:
- Reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting, toward a goal of zero personal waste;
- Making my home, school, and work place energy efficient;
- Using energy efficient modes of transportation; and
- Conserving and protecting the land and water under my care.
I promise to:
- Make these actions a part of my daily life;
- Celebrate small victories;
- Continuously re‐commit to higher goals; and
- Encourage others to do the same.
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