From our early days as individuals uniting to change our world by acting locally in our community, Sustainable Newton has defined sustainability along two dimensions:

1. Applying the "3 Ps"  or "triple bottom line" to important decisions and actions, giving the same consideration to people (society) and planet (environment) that we give to profit (economy)
2. Making choices and acting in ways that consider long-term implications for generations who come after us.

We believe this philosophy can guide individuals, households, businesses, and local governments to make better choices for the overall health and well-being of our society.  Last night, the Covington City Council made a clear statement they agree, by committing to these same principles in the decision making and operational choices of the city.

It's taken longer than I hoped -- weeks in fact -- to get to where I could organize my thoughts to share a few words about how we persevere with sustainability efforts in these troubling times.  But, I suspect you all understand.

It's a striking reminder how much life changed so quickly to reread my last post about Arbor Day written 43 days ago, on February 20.  It was easy then to imagine young seedlings and saplings growing into mighty shade trees to shelter generations to come.  But, thinking about that future is a more difficult task today.

I find myself spending spare moments on days not occupied by the present to reflect on my past.  Or, more accurately, the past of those who gifted life to me long ago.