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. Read sustainability stories from Madison, Dane County, and beyond.
Climate Action Story—Transportation
Reading Kimberly's "Under the Sky We Make" broke me free from feeling powerless in the pursuit of stabilizing the climate. After better understanding my own carbon "hotspots", I felt empowered me to make small changes in my daily transportation, and hopefully created...
Climate Action Story—Energy
Since I have already been taking action in the categories of food, transportation, and investments for the past few years, energy seemed like the best thing for me to focus my efforts on. I live in an apartment which means I am unable to make any serious changes to...
Summit Local Leaders Panel Reflection
by Colin Steven Chval Overview As part of our annual Sustain Dane Summit on November 18, 2021, three local leaders were invited to join a panel focusing on the Summit theme of “weaving a story of change” and holistic sustainability. The talented moderator of...
Summit Keynote Reflection
by Colin Steven Chval Introducing the Summit On November 18th, 2021, we hosted our annual Sustain Dane Summit, bringing together a diverse and talented group of individuals to help them connect, share, and learn about ways to accelerate sustainability for equity and...
Climate Action Story—Food
Long after I'd greened up my energy and transportation emissions I resisted making a commitment to eating less meat. My grandfather was a cattle rancher and I felt a kind of sentimental tie to the idea of eating meat - even though I often opted for vegetarian choices....
Climate Action Story—Transportation
In December, my elementary age son started at a new afterschool program that is located within a ten minute walk of our house. With working from home most days and my commitment to reducing car travel, I am walking to pick him up at the end of the day. Total vehicle...
Great Dane Sustainability Story
When Eliot Butler and Rob LoBreglio met as college students in New York they had no idea that their friendship would develop into starting one of the first Brewpubs in Wisconsin, The Great Dane. The first location opened up on the corner of Doty Street in 1994. The...
Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
Ahead of the Summit, we invite attendees to use the evidence-based Cool Climate tool to calculate your carbon footprint. Learning about your impact will enrich the meaning of the keynote presentation and deepen your engagement throughout the day. We encourage you to...
2021 Live Forward Award Nominees
We received so many amazing nominations for the 2021 Live Forward Awards! These awards recognize the innovation and change happening in our own neighborhoods. The nominees work impacts one or more areas of holistic sustainability: a healthy environment, equity &...
July 2021 Sustainable Breakfast Series Summary
by Trey Anthony Owens, Summer Intern Our July Sustainable Breakfast Series featured a conversation on “Pathways to Carbon Neutrality & Net Zero” between three local panelists and an expert moderator. The group discussed their unique paths to achieving their carbon...
T.L. Luke Art Sustainability Story
by Maggie Radl, Communication SpecialistT.L. Luke always wanted to be an artist. From a young age she knew “I’m going to be an artist, and there's nothing else I want to do.” Determined to make this dream a reality, in 2018 she began pursuing art full time. Her...
Carbon Footprint of Flying
by Sonia Holsen, Summer InternWhy are we talking about airplanes? The aviation industry has allowed people to connect with every part of the world in a matter of hours; it has brought people and cultures together from opposite poles; it has allowed us to feel closer...