The Northwest Earth Institute is recognized as a national leader in developing innovative programs that empower individuals and organizations to protect the earth. These programs emphasize individual responsibility, the importance of a supportive community, and the dual need to walk lightly on and to take action for the earth. By reaching out to people in their workplace, home, faith center, neighborhood, and community, NWEI provides easy access to tools for individual and cultural change.



The Northwest Earth Institute has produced eight discussion courses: Menu for the Future, Healthy Children Healthy Planet, Global Warming: Changing Course, Choices for Sustainable Living, Voluntary Simplicity, Discovering a Sense of Place, Exploring Deep Ecology, and Globalization and its Critics.



NWEI programs encourage participants to explore their values, attitudes, and actions through discussion with other people. These programs are organized around three key principles:

* An earth-centered ethic promoting individual responsibility for the earth.

* The practice of engaged simplicity to enrich life and reduce personal impact on the earth.

* A dedication to living fully in place and protecting the unique bioregion in which you live.



NWEI develops innovative programs in Portland, transports them to Northwest communities where they are offered through our chapters or local volunteer groups, and replicates them in other regions through autonomous groups.



Nationwide, our courses have been offered by local organizers in more than 900 communities in all 50 states. As of summer 2008, total enrollment in the discussion courses exceeded 95,000.