Building Sustainable Mountain Communities: Our Workforce is Part of the Solution

Sustainability is a term often associated with environmental conservation and responsible resource management. However, it goes beyond just preserving nature; it also encompasses the idea of being a part to the communities that support us. This blog explores how individuals living in mountain towns can contribute to their communities' resources to ensure their long-term vitality.

It is important to recognize the consequences of extracting resources from mountain towns without giving back. Utilizing services such as schools, dentists, auto mechanics, and outdoor trails without actively contributing to the community can lead to an unsustainable imbalance. Over time, this can strain local resources and dampen the overall vitality of the community.

What can YOU do to be part of the solution and ensure a vibrant place to live for years to come:

1. Work Locally: Employment is a fundamental way to contribute to a community's resources. By seeking and supporting local job opportunities, we can ensure key services in the community remain exceptional (schools, hospitals, local government, local businesses) and build a sustainable future for mountain towns.
2. Join a Board or Start Engaging : Becoming an active participant in local boards and committees allows us to have a say in decision-making processes. By sharing our expertise and becoming knowledgeable about community initiatives, we can shape the direction of our mountain towns and ensure their sustainable growth. This can be very hard for people working jobs with no flexibility or long hours. We recommend starting by watching board meetings and just staying inform.
3. Opening a Local Business: Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in sustaining mountain communities. Starting a local business not only provides goods and services but also creates jobs, fosters economic resilience, and encourages a sense of community pride.
4. Volunteering and Being Part of the Solutions: Volunteering is a powerful way to add value to our communities. Whether it's organizing events, supporting local causes, or assisting with conservation efforts, volunteering allows us to actively contribute to the well-being and sustainability of mountain towns.
5. Shopping Locally: Supporting local businesses is a simple yet impactful way to add resources to our communities. By choosing to shop locally, we can help keep money circulating within the community and ensure the continued existence of amenities and the livelihoods of local families.

Building sustainable mountain communities requires conscious effort and active participation from its residents. By understanding that sustainability means adding more resources than we use, we can work towards creating vibrant and resilient towns that thrive for generations to come. Through working locally, joining boards, opening businesses, volunteering, and shopping locally, we contribute to the well-being and sustainability of our beloved mountain towns.

Let us embrace our responsibility and be the catalysts for positive change in our communities. Looking for a job located in the mountains? Start here - www.mountaincareers.com/the-list TrueMtn