![126667-Thumbnail Image.png](https://d1rbsgppyrdqq4.cloudfront.net/s3fs-public/styles/width_400/public/2021-04/126667-Thumbnail%20Image.png?versionId=osRxwgco2V1Lz32WLClLDqPm9sx_Vzym&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIASBVQ3ZQ42ZLA5CUJ/20240617/us-west-2/s3/aws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240617T025420Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=120&X-Amz-Signature=e819afb94efd18a976342601cca2afb6dd11e941737ab4072866843baa9c1cfa&itok=GCC3xWxQ)
Often characterized by intense commoditization, heavy ecological footprint, and monopolistic governance mechanisms, the present-day industrialized food system has contributed to a growing distrust among citizens around the world. In response to this, local food initiatives promoting sustainable food and agricultural systems have formed. Little empirical research exists regarding how these local food initiatives think about their experience in relation a relevant conceptual framework. As such, this research entails the development of a conceptual framework based on Schlosberg and Cole’s (2015) sustainable materialist frame and literature regarding how local food initiatives may be characterized. This consists of sustainability values, collective action and political perspectives. Thirteen participants from two local food initiatives in Lüneburg, Germany were interviewed to provide in-depth insights into participant perceptions in relation to the three dimensions. Results indicate that participants exhibit strong values related to sustainability (e.g. knowledge of food origin, environmental concern, etc.), and appreciate the practical, collective work of the initiative. Additionally, a clash was found between initiative goals and participants’ perception of a lack of commitment and strong uniformity in the initiatives. Furthermore, many participants expressed political motivation and even perceived group actions as counter to the mainstream food system, although both initiatives did not identify as a politically motivated. This research sheds light on opportunities and barriers for initiative success and indicates the potential for the developed framework to serve as a lens for understanding other social initiatives aimed toward sustainability transformations.
![126671-Thumbnail Image.png](https://d1rbsgppyrdqq4.cloudfront.net/s3fs-public/styles/width_400/public/2021-04/126671-Thumbnail%20Image.png?versionId=vJ6T4robl6TejiwSBD39DOCKZgWtlSHh&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIASBVQ3ZQ42ZLA5CUJ/20240616/us-west-2/s3/aws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240616T161506Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=120&X-Amz-Signature=38e59f8808955ea276a604e6d0863ff257cef3198857d655fedf6a96d0b37df6&itok=cN6zxlby)
The photographs focused on aspects of life and behaviors that have contributed to happiness in local communities. A website was created and a gallery event was mounted for public review and discussion. Gallery attendees and website visitors were asked to complete a survey to assess (1) gained knowledge of sustainability solutions, and (2) how effective a tool photography is as a means of sustainability solutions communication.
This visual medium allowed people think about how to incorporate sustainable community solutions into their own lives and may have changed people’s interest in, and thoughts about, overall sustainability and sustainable solutions. The survey results demonstrated that photographs can successfully communicate sustainability ideas. Specifically, viewers gained an increased awareness of how community and urban gardening can increase happiness, well-being, and sense of community. This visual approach can continue to be used to more successfully communicate additional sustainability solutions ideas and methods to the public.
![126694-Thumbnail Image.png](https://d1rbsgppyrdqq4.cloudfront.net/s3fs-public/styles/width_400/public/2021-04/126694-Thumbnail%20Image.png?versionId=hP8gdV4oT16wvvfe6y4CCkpWzs42f_PA&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIASBVQ3ZQ42ZLA5CUJ/20240616/us-west-2/s3/aws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240616T144704Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=120&X-Amz-Signature=166b3d1f8bec23f1ac6c5a745fc20e547bd26ea54f062d1af9c604b005b1484e&itok=T4I2Wz60)
![126697-Thumbnail Image.png](https://d1rbsgppyrdqq4.cloudfront.net/s3fs-public/styles/width_400/public/2021-04/126697-Thumbnail%20Image.png?versionId=OV2Eg1SE5DajoIm7VXL1rOOWWxy9rkNu&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIASBVQ3ZQ42ZLA5CUJ/20240616/us-west-2/s3/aws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240616T053539Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=120&X-Amz-Signature=f4bad906a1d1065a294e1e5fe968735f7466119b89a4a8bcb081895ba9deba02&itok=ns9KKo_J)
![126699-Thumbnail Image.png](https://d1rbsgppyrdqq4.cloudfront.net/s3fs-public/styles/width_400/public/2021-04/126699-Thumbnail%20Image.png?versionId=z46e5zgRklTDSlORMBRhNP3dyf84N0ao&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIASBVQ3ZQ42ZLA5CUJ/20240616/us-west-2/s3/aws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240616T160135Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=120&X-Amz-Signature=d2512891ddeb63163a2902387f567ebdb765e9e2e4290137c4e04f87fc3f6380&itok=jjxajKUz)
![126702-Thumbnail Image.png](https://d1rbsgppyrdqq4.cloudfront.net/s3fs-public/styles/width_400/public/2021-04/126702-Thumbnail%20Image.png?versionId=zUVjvTwA8yZ3HyIXUhgsylome9aKgAfN&X-Amz-Content-Sha256=UNSIGNED-PAYLOAD&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIASBVQ3ZQ42ZLA5CUJ/20240615/us-west-2/s3/aws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20240615T212357Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=120&X-Amz-Signature=dab0a33bfb9997a5f26965e0ab89b7a6daa94002ba6e00629543bf3986b177ad&itok=-fodisoy)
Aspiring to build the most socially and environmentally sustainable chapter house possible, the Navajo Nation’s Tonalea Chapter collaborated with our ASU research team. Two roundtable discussion with Chapter elders and members, led to a vision foundation that embodies physical, functional and environmental conditions, as well as cultural and spiritual beliefs and values.
Initially, Houde’s (2007) Six Faces of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) were used to sort commentary. Analysis and review led to expanding the framework from six to eight traditional ecological knowledge categories (TEK8): Culture, Spirituality, Ecosystem, Time, Land, Design, Social Justice and Equity, and Economics.
Sorted narratives and discussions revealed traditional ways of life, beliefs, and values, along with suggestions about who to design for, and what functions are most needed. Based on the TEK8 categorized comments, design recommendations were offered.
Additional work is needed, but a strong foundation for a framework mapping TEK to sustainable design for indigenous people has been developed. By using the TEK8 to address social justice issues through participatory visioning, culturally appropriate design and broader opportunities for happiness may result.