Resources
Check out these resources to help empower you to accelerate sustainability.
Learn from Success of 100+ Organizations (MPower Champions Program)
Through the MPower Champions Program 110 organizations in Dane County completed over 570 sustainability projects, resulting in over 60 million lbs of CO2 emissions avoided and over 2 million dollars saved annually. MPower was a year-long training program that gave organizations the tools and resources needed to reduce their environmental impact while saving costs and creating a healthier and more engaging workplace and community. The success of this program lives on in our Accelerate Sustainability Workshops.

MPower 10-Year Anniversary Case Studies
“Union Cab has added solar on two of our buildings and converted our sedans to gas electric hybrids which has had a dramatic effect on our carbon footprint. These actions were directly related to the MPower program and the contacts we developed from it.” —Butch Hanson, Union Cab of Madison Co-op Board President
Defining Sustainability
The definition of sustainability is broad and evolving. In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
Sustain Dane’s holistic definition of sustainability includes a healthy environment, a just economy, and social wellbeing.
We base our definition on The Natural Step Framework’s system conditions. A sustainable society recognizes that the earth’s natural resources are limited and exist in a ecological balance. A sustainable society will only take from and add to the earth at a rate that the earth can replenish its resources. And finally, in a sustainable society, people have the capacity to meet their basic needs to achieve wellbeing.
Statement of Solidarity Against Racial Injustice
We believe change happens when inspired people take action. The time for change is upon us. Sustain Dane cares deeply about equity and anti-racism in all areas, including environmental justice, that is essential for our work with the community. It is everyone’s social responsibility to ensure the Madison region is inclusive, fair, and just for all. Without this ethical framework we will not be resilient or sustainable. Read our statement of solidarity for racial justice.
Past Program Impact
Sustain Dane has launched many programs that are interwoven in the fabric of Dane County sustainability. We encourage you to connect with us about these resources and others.
Outdoor Classrooms
Comprised of diverse local educators, parents, volunteers, and district leaders, the Outdoor Learning Network works to expand our local classrooms outside. The network connects educators to resources in the community to create meaningful outdoor learning experiences. Wisconsin Green Schools took over this program in 2019, follow them on facebook.
Yahara Watershed Academy
The Yahara Watershed Academy is a training and leadership-development experience that aims to empower a regional network of leaders for the Yahara River Watershed by supporting the creation of locally led initiatives benefiting our watershed. Clean Lakes Alliance now owns this program, learn more.
Step Up: Equity Matters
Step Up: Equity Matters has been working for a just economy since 2014 through facilitating learning, dialogue, and self-reflection at public workshops, private trainings, and speaking events. Step Up is now run by previous program partner Latino Professionals Association.
Sustainability Snapshot
Sustainability Snapshot was a resource to understand the state of sustainability in the Greater Madison Region in 2015. By measuring indicators of sustainability, this innovative tool illustrated the connections within our community, economy, and environment and helped inspire actions toward a more sustainable future. Learn about the Snapshot’s findings.
Ho-Chunk Resident Panels for Imagine Madison
In 2017, Sustain Dane and Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison facilitated panels to provide an opportunity for Ho-Chunk residents of Madison to influence city planning through the participatory process Imagine Madison. Read Imagine Madison’s report.
Rain Barrels
From 2005 to 2011, Sustain Dane helped to sell thousands of rain barrels in Dane County and nationally. The program increased awareness about the power of individual action for the health of our lakes. Sustain Dane no longer sells or installs rain barrels.
Our newsletter covers the latest sustainability news and events in Dane County and beyond. Check out our past issues:
Community Resources
We work in a community with a documented commitment to growing more sustainable together. Take a look at these resources to learn more about Madison, Dane County, and Wisconsin-wide environmental initiatives.
Sustainability Stories
Sustain Dane’s Sustainability Stories platform amplifies the voices of people from different backgrounds, races, ages, genders and geographies that are working on and want to inspire others to build a more sustainable and inclusive community. We invite you to share your sustainability stories with us.
Accelerate Sustainability Showcase
Sustain Dane works with local organizations to prioritize and implement sustainability actions. Our Accelerate...
Live Forward Awards
The Live Forward Awards recognize local changemakers dedicated to creating a community based on holistic sustainability: a...
Community Shares of Wisconsin honors Mark Richardson & Joie Zhang
Congratulations! Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW) recognized Mark Richardson, President at Unfinished Business, CEO at...
Plastic Free July 2020
Sustain Dane is celebrating Plastic Free July, a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to...
Featured Member: EZ Office Products
Sustain Dane Member EZ Office Products (EZOP) is Wisconsin’s local office supplies and furniture company. Owners Rose and...
TetraPAKMAN Says It’s Time to WAKE UP!
TetraPAKMAN is a locally-based Madison artist who facilitates community-powered collaborative art projects to address...
Older Posts
Takeaways: October 2020 Sustainable Breakfast Series
On October 13, we held a Sustainable Breakfast Series on Wellness & the Built Environment. Four fantastic panelists...
En-ROADS Workshop Recap
Thanks to everyone who joined us for our interactive Lunch & Learn on Climate Change Solutions facilitated by Allison...
Climate Reality Leadership Corps Reflection
My reaction to uncertainty has always been to learn, so earlier this summer when the stress of the pandemic was mounting I...
Student Philanthropy Project Selects Sustain Dane For Community Impact Award
This year Sustain Dane received a surprise email with the recognition that the UW-Madison StartUp Learning Community...
Reflections on COP 25 by Carol Phelps
Read about Climate Activist and Dane County resident Carol Phelps’ experience at the December 2020 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 25).
Think Green for Your Next Move: Environmentally Friendly Moving Tips
Keep sustainability in mind while you move with these environmentally friendly moving tips provided by Reynolds Transfer and Storage.
Union Cab of Madison Co-op
Union Cab of Madison Cooperative is an organization committed to sustainability. While going through Sustain Dane’s...
Ian’s Pizza on State
Ian’s Pizza on State is a restaurant serving creative slices of pizza since 2006. As a result of participating in Sustain...
Artisan Dental
Scott Anderson is the Director of Stakeholder Stewardship at Artisan Dental in Madison, which graduated from the 2018...
NovoMoto
As a part of our participation in the Social Impact Initiative here at StartingBlock, we’ve met some inspiring local...
Therma-Stor LLC
Therma-Stor is revamping its facilities to prioritize energy efficiency and sustainable waste management. Therma-Stor...
Jasmine Banks creator of Perfect Imperfections 608
Perfect Imperfections 608 is Jasmine’s brand of handcrafted natural goods for the home and body. Watch Jasmine’s story to...