Resourceful Communities' triple bottom line is a unique approach to community development that addresses economic, social and environmental challenges.  When issues are viewed as separate unrelated parts, solutions tend to be short term. Resourceful Communities recognizes that solutions must be integrated to ensure sustainable change.

Triple Bottom Line efforts are as varied as the organizations and communities in our statewide network. This approach is flexible and innovative, creating new economies that protect, enhance and restore natural, cultural, historic and community resources.

What does the Triple Bottom Line look like?

Economic gains: jobs created; small businesses started or expanded; environmentally responsible industries engaged; poverty reduced or alleviated.

Social improvements: people of color or low-wealth engaged; educational systems improved; racism dismantled; power shared.

Environmental stewardship: land/water resources protected; working lands locally-owned; water quality improved; native plants and herbs propagated.

The Triple Bottom Line in Action

Across North Carolina, innovative Resourceful Communities partners are affecting change with their triple bottom line projects.  From inner city youth to organic farmers to community entrepreneurs, these partners are paving the way for sustainable change and stronger communities.

Sandhills Family Heritage Association (SFHA) provides programs and services to build economic self-sufficiency and preserve the natural and cultural heritage of African American families in the Sandhills, recognized by conservationists as one of the most distinctive and endangered ecoystems in the US. The group used CNEF funds to establish a farmers and crafters market and to continue educating African-American landowners about land-based income.

Jackson County Green Energy Park captures methane gas from a former town landfill. This gas becomes fuel for artisan studios, greenhouses and more. Low-cost training and cultural opportunities are available to low-income residents. The project creates jobs, saves the County thousands of dollars on greenhouse expense, and converts toxic landfill waste into clean energy.

What does "sustainable" mean?

Sustainable: working in such a way that a community doesn't use up all its resources or taking care of natural, cultural, historic and human assets to ensure that they'll be around for future generations.

, a community development corporation dedicated to providing housing and small business loans for low-income residents of Eastern NC, has combined affordable housing with the best in "green" building. Plans for two sites include community gardens that employ rainwater harvest systems designed to reduce, capture and reuse stormwater runoff.

Episcopal Farmworker Ministry (EFM) leaders recognized the need for specialized training that would enable migrant farmworkers to fully understand their working rights and communicate more effectively about their needs.  EFM’s unique approach provides instruction on a variety of issues, including the use of chemicals and environmentally hazardous substances.