Exploring paths, strategies and transitions to sustainability

ISF's mission is to identify and foster integrative strategies in building sustainable communities, locally and globally.

Based in Silver Spring, MD, ISF began in 1992 as a program of Green America (then Coop America), later registered as a 501(c)3 educational nonprofit in Maryland in 1999. With a small dedicated staff and active board ISF operates under the philosophy of collaborative engagement, working in joint projects and partnerships with organizations, policymakers and institutions around the world committed to furthering sustainability and improving the quality of life for all.

ISF Board 2018
Paths and transitions

There are many different paths to achieving sustainability, in one's household, community, nation and planet.
The challenges are also many and demanding, calling for strategies and tools as well as knowledge and collaboration with others. 

Sub-page thumbnail
Our vision
Our vision: Our possibilities

We recognize that transitions to sustainability often require new ways of viewing and engaging the world. Each individual and household as well as communities, organizations and nations must forge their own integrative understanding and approach in defining and meeting their needs and priorities without undermining the needs of neighbors and future generations. One essential need in today's complex, globalizing world is learning to work together toward our common future.

Sub-page thumbnail
Citizens Summit 2012
Our community: Toward local and global sustainability

ISF works with different organizations, networks, campaigns and communities in North America and around the world to help where we can in shaping processes, policies, practices and structures that bridge gaps, identify common aims and advocate for solutions to the "wicked problems" facing us in this new millennium. With vision and commitment we can create fair and sustainable economies, communities, lifestyles and livelihoods that enhance well-being -- not at the expense of others but in cooperation with them.

Sub-page thumbnail
Enabling transitions
Our future: Enabling transitions

Because the future is difficult to predict, the possibilities are often thought of more as science fiction. Yet the basic reality is change. We can be sure that the future will be very different from the world we know today; and because the choices we make today have consequences in shaping that future, we all have a responsibility to seriously think about what kind of future we want and need. Part of ISF's work is identifying and encouraging those efforts to imagine a sustainable world and future -- and what we need to do to get there.

Stay-Up-To-Date

If you would like to stay informed on what we are doing, special events and occasional newsletter, add your name to our list of friends and colleagues (strictly confidential).