Local Nonprofit Aims to Educate People on Sustainability

Locals must embrace sustainability in their own communities to make a positive impact on their world — this is the goal behind TogetherYes.

The Norwood nonprofit aims to motivate people to participate in practices to better their lives and create a more thriving planet, said Susan Clare, president of the organization.

"We're assuming what we do personally affects the rest of the world," she said.

The nonprofit started with Clare's efforts with recycling in the area, later turning to write a column on sustainability in a local newspaper.

Her efforts, she said, were not enough because the more research she did for her column, the more her eyes were opened to how much could be done to conserve the environment against global warming and other factors.

And in reality, she noted, not much is actually being done.

"Little, tiny incremental steps are nice, but they're not going to go fast enough to save us," Clare said, referring to possible changes in economics, environmental and social matters that could disrupt daily life.

Although some might question the organization's ambitious efforts, Clare said we each can start small to bring about big, positive changes.

The nonprofit and corresponding website at tgryes.org were born earlier this year after Clare connected with like-minded individuals in the community to get her efforts off the ground.

Citizens are encouraged to connect to the organization and discuss how to act for a more sustainable lifestyle and learn from each other, ultimately bettering not only the planet, but the community, Clare said. For starters, becoming more neighborly and helping each other when in need makes the initial connection. 

"Without community, we will have accomplished very little," she said. "That means looking out for one another, it means being responsible to and for one another — no more isolation."

Buying locally to promote businesses, starting community gardens and even investing in alternative energies each are sustainable practices people can devote themselves to doing.

"I already know that the people in Norwood are very good-hearted," she said, hoping people take part in efforts to act sustainable as well.