This annotated list of internet resources should make it easy for you to find what you're looking for on sustainability. These links are provided as a service only, and Wiscpsa is not responsible for their content. 

Our Favorites

You're probably wondering why we only list some websites and not others.  Truth is, you can find some super-sites with links to scores of others.  Like the Bioneers, for instance, or Green (formerly Co-op) America.  Some of the consumer and advocacy sites have so many lists that it's hard to know where to start.  So we have selected only a few.  Why?  Because they are what we consider to be local or national models from which you can learn by example.  

Each resource has a brief note signed by the reviewer.  Would you like to list a website or write a brief comment on one already listed below?  Send the link to info@wiscpsa.org with a short review.  We'll seriously consider anything that fits the Wisconsin Partners for SustainAbility mission. --RSB (Rick Brooks) 

National

If you are a government official, business owner, or just a person who buys products and services, this is the place to go.  These folks have the big picture.  They're thorough.  Really helpful.--RSB

Bioneers www.bioneers.org  

This is one of the most interesting, hippest, friendly and collection of blogs, forums, news, events and ideas that anyone might find.  National and international with local connections through having its annual conference available.  Great stuff!--RSB

Green America www.coopamerica.org

Changing its name to Green America in 2009, Co-op America has been a leader for years in advocacy and education on issues like Fair Trade, justice, environmental health, responsible investing...the list is long.  Their Green Pages and Green Business Network set the pace for many other efforts. That's why we are members.  You should be, too. --RSB

Food Routes www.foodroutes.org

The grandaddy of web resources about sustainable agriculture, food economics and safety, community supported agriculture (CSA) farms, farmers markets, farm to school and farm to college programs, organic outfits, co-ops and more. Buy Fresh, Buy Local campaigns nationwide refer to Food Roots for ideas, contacts, marketing tools and other strategies that work. --RSB 

Global Footprint Network www.footprintnetwork.org

Green Guardian  www.greenguardian.com

Subtitled "Your Go-To Guide for Waste and Recycling in the Twin Cities." By far the best guide to green purchasing we have seen anywhere.  Info on laws and regulations, cost comparisons, environmental standards, product specifications and benefits, distributors, and success stories.  If your city or business doesn't have something like this, start here.  --RSB 

Green Home Guide  www.GreenHomeGuide.com  

Mail Preference Service Direct Marketing Association www.the-dma.org

Go here to get your name and address off as many fundraising and solicitation lists as you can, free!  The industry that created mass mailings (and lives on response rates that make the 80-20 rule look fantastic!) offers this to get us off their backs.  Full disclosure: many of us make our living in direct marketing.  email may make it greener but it's hard on the eyeballs and brainspace.  --RSB

New American Dream www.newdream.org/make/bts/index.php

New Rules www.newrules.org/

Sustainable Products Standards
www.mts.sustainableproducts.com/standards.htm

EcoCycle www.ecocycle.org

How Much Difference Does Your Action Make?

Conservatree Paper Calculator www.conservatree.org

Ecological Footprint Calculator www.myfootprint.org

Environmental Benefits Calculator www.wastecapwi.org/calculator.htm

Sierra Club Miles Per Gallon Calculator www.sierraclub.org/mpg/

Wisconsin

Bicycle Federation of Wisconsin  www.bfw.org

Community Car www.communitycar.com

Hundreds of cities have car sharing programs that save money and fuel, reduce pollution and traffic, build a sense of community and offer many other benefits.  This Madison company did it right--started small, managed its growth well and networked creatively with community businesses and institutions.  An excellent model for other places, too.  --RSB

EnAct Wisconsin   www.enactwi.org

Here's a well-proven strategy for getting neighbors involved in helping each other reduce energy consumption, increase transit use, increase recycling...and maintain those behavior changes/cost savings over time.  You use the power of group norms and support to keep each other going and measure your success.  It's not just talk, but action.  --RSB

Community Groundworks at Troy Gardens www.troygardens.org

Troy Gardens has established an elegant combination of community plots, environmental education programs, kids' gardens, medicinal herb gardens, prairie restoration, a CSA farm and farm stand...and co-housing that is accessible, affordable and, well, about as in touch with nature and community as anyplace you might find.  The website is loaded with ideas, products and a neighborly, graceful spirit. As urban gardening goes, this is a gem.  --RSB

Green Built Home www.greenbuilthome.org/ 

Madison Stuff Exchange  www.madisonstuffexchange.com

Lots of places have things like FreeCycle, Craig's List, community bulletin boards and other ways to buy, sell and give away things.  Because this one is linked to the Buy Local initiative and was set up early by the city recycling guy, Madison was ahead of the game.  I encourage you to use it often.  --Rick Brooks

Sustain Dane  www.sustaindane.org

Rain barrels, discussion groups, an active and stimulating listserve and much more. This is a local approach to sustainability thinking and action that has generated real results in addition to genuine community service.  Sign up! --RSB

Sustain Jefferson http://sustainjefferson.org

This leading edge, grassroots group is rooted in the eco-municipality movement and The Natural Step.  Their site offers an excellent start for anyone thinking of creating a similar group. 

Their mission – "Educating and motivating individuals, organizations, businesses and municipalities to achieve environmental, social, and economic sustainability (and we would add: especially in and around Jefferson County)." They offer training, discussion groups, a blog, tips and contacts.  And their site is beautiful.  --RSB

Travel Green Wisconsin  www.travelgreenwisconsin.com 

Look for the green sticker on the door or window of bed & breakfasts, hotels and other tourist establishments.  It means they have begun--and made significant progress--on a good number of environmental practices.  They care about being perceived as green and are working hard at it.  A certification program that other states might want to consider.--RSB