Strategies for Implementing Community-Based Solutions

Sustainability isn’t failing because of a lack of ambition. It’s failing because of where we’re looking for solutions. When strategies stall, most companies double down on reporting, targets, or tech. But the real levers for change are already on the ground—just waiting to be activated. Here are 3 proven ways I help companies unlock real ROI from their sustainability work: 1️⃣ Consumer-led change at the point of action Awareness isn’t enough. Real behavior change requires prompts, peer support, and habit formation—right where decisions happen. Think in-store sustainability guides, cold-wash defaults, food waste support systems that actually help households. 2️⃣ Community-based infrastructure investments You can’t hit targets without supportive conditions. Companies that partner with local leaders to build composting, EV, or reuse infrastructure see long-term savings and increase community trust. 3️⃣ Supplier- and peer-led solutions Some of the best sustainability ideas come from frontline workers, not frameworks. Create spaces for peer learning across your value chain. Find the farmer, the factory worker, the supplier who’s already doing it—and amplify them. These 3 strategies reduce emissions, build buy-in, and deliver visible progress. And the best part? ✅ They’re already happening. ✅ You don’t need to invent them—just invest in scaling them. 👉 Which of these feels most urgent—or most overlooked—in your company right now?

I had the privilege of welcoming Jorge Figueroa from City and County of Denver's Office of Climate Action, Sustainability & Resiliency to my Essentials of Stakeholder Class I teach at the University of Colorado Boulder. For organizations aiming to navigate the complexities of sustainability and climate action, integrating community engagement and equitable practices is essential. Drawing from Jorge Figueroa's insights, here are 5key takeaways that organizations can adopt to enhance their sustainability efforts: 1. Make Equity a Cornerstone: Start by embedding equity at the core of all sustainability initiatives. Focus efforts on supporting communities disproportionately affected by environmental issues, understanding that true progress comes from lifting everyone. 2. Engage Deeply with Communities: Shift from top-down approaches to genuine co-creation with communities. This means valuing local insights and experiences, and working together to develop solutions that are not only effective but also deeply resonant with those they aim to serve. 3. Understand Before Acting: Dedicate time to fully grasp the complexities of the challenges at hand. A thorough understanding of the problem not only informs better solutions but also ensures efforts are directed where they're most needed. 4. Adopt a Flexible Solution Framework: Avoid the trap of single-solution fixation. Embrace a broad spectrum of potential solutions, remaining open to adaptation based on evolving insights and community feedback. This agility is crucial in navigating the unpredictable terrain of sustainability. 5. Cultivate Transformative Dialogues: Engage in conversations that empower. By fostering environments where every voice can contribute to shaping the future, organizations can unlock innovative solutions and inspire collective action towards sustainability goals. #Sustainability #OrganizationalImpact #CommunityEngagement #EquitableSolutions #ActionableInsights Parallel Labs

Nonprofit and community leaders, the way we talk about co-creation of solutions with communities is rapidly changing. What might have been acceptable 5 years ago is no longer acceptable today. In the past, organizations might have been able to get away with: - one community workshop - just having evidence that you collected some community input on a decision The expectations are rising. That bare minimum is no longer acceptable. You need to do more to directly engage communities throughout the process to truly consider it a fair and inclusive co-creation process. This can include: 💠Ask community leaders which location and time of day would be preferable for residents 💠Ask community members if they have any additional objectives or needs they want addressed by engagement sessions; combining events can be a better use of time 💠Show community leaders some of the questions you will ask. Get feedback on if the language you are using is engaging and appropriate for that audience 💠Within engagement sessions, give community members choices - a menu of options for them to choose which of those issues is more important for them to discuss There are many other ways to engage communities in the process itself. These are just a few examples. ✨Be creative and think about how communities can truly be partners throughout the co-creation process.✨ What tips would you add to the list? ________________________________ Hi, I'm Elizabeth, founder of a boutique environmental economics consulting firm, Sustainable Economies Consulting, LLC. We help your team gain clarity and have more impact through strategic planning, community engagement, and applied economics research. I'd love to connect with you if you are interested in this type of content!