Green design and why it matters

We have lived by the assumption that what was good for us would be good for the world. We have been wrong. We must change our lives, so that it will be possible to live by the contrary assumption that what is good for the world will be good for us.

-Wendell Berry, Recollected Essays

Museums as Catalysts for Change

Museums are agents for social change and cultural content shapers in their communities. As such, they have an incredible obligation to help positively shape local and national agendas, and thus our children's futures. While businesses, municipalities, and community groups increasingly embrace sustainability, there has been little synergy or cohesion regarding sustainable practices within the museum community. Museums are in a unique position to lead by example and proactively address these challenges in a non-threatening, educational, and public way - through the topics we choose for exhibits, and, more importantly, through the way we do business.

Many children's museums are already doing so, leading the way almost by default. We've had a long history with recycle arts programs, renovating old buildings, working with less, and refurbishing old components. Our young visitors force us to consider their futures. It's not a huge stretch to take these concepts further.