2nd National Extension Nat Res Conference-Abstract 60

Viviane Simon-Brown; Oregon State University, 2600 NW College Way, Bend, OR 97701-5998; 541.388.8361; viviane.simon-brown@orst.edu

In January 1998, a new project in environmentally responsible consumerism quietly began at Oregon State University. Part of the national Extension Environmental Stewardship initiative, its goal is to "Improve the quality of life and reduce environmental degradation in Oregon by fostering new consumption patterns and sustainable lifestyles." Since its inception, over 4000 people have participated in workshops and attended presentations.

The Sustainable Living Project at OSU is designed to help mainstream adults and older youth make environmentally-responsible consumer decisions. It takes a thoughtful approach to helping individuals develop deeply satisfying, fulfilling, appealing, and environmentally responsible lives. It recommends balancing our economic, cultural, and environmental needs. It fills the gap between managing natural resources for sustainability and personally living a sustainable ethic.

We provide research-based, educational information on a variety of traditional Extension topics, such as energy usage, financial management, healthy foods, and gardening. We also offer a safe intellectual environment for thoughtful dialog about quality of life issues. And, we act as conduits to other programs, such as Earth Ministry in churches, voluntary simplicity classes and simplicity circles for individuals, and Eco-Teams for neighborhood groups.

America is in the midst of a meta-transition. Time and quality of life are becoming relatively more important than money. Sixty-six percent of Americans say they want more balance in their lives. Sixty percent want to simplify their lives. The voluntary simplicity movement which approximately 35 to 40 million Americans (or 16% of the American population) espouse, is moving from the early adopter phase to the early majority phase.

In Oregon, sustainable living melds with Oregon values. In the Oregon Business Council?s 1993 survey of 1361 Oregonians, 3 qualities were most valued by residents: Oregon?s natural beauty, its environmental quality, and its strong land use planning laws. Three of the 5 Lead Oregon Benchmarks for Quality of Life-air quality, affordable housing, urban mobility-are direct and measurable sustainability issues.