Imagine Sonoma County

The first visioning session closed on Earth Day, April 22, 2021. You are still welcome to add more comments. Edits to the vision are underway and will be followed by another visioning period.

Use the "like/dislike" buttons to express approval or disapproval of each vision element.
Read other peoples' comments (Click "Discuss.") Give thumbs up to comments you agree with.
Click "Discuss" and use the comment feature to make specific suggestions for improvements to the vision. Please be as specific as you can. Please be respectful of others.

Why do we care about the stuff we buy?

This category takes into account the emissions associated with all of the food, goods, and services and out-of-county travel for which County residents are responsible. We have tended to ignore our consumption-based emissions. It is impossible to get to zero emissions unless we acknowledge them.

Climate action plans track greenhouse gas emissions using an "activity-based" accounting method which only counts emissions that are released within the geographic boundary of a jurisdiction (such as Sonoma County) and neglects emissions released elsewhere that were required to produce or transport the goods and services consumed by County residents.

For example, the greenhouse gas emissions associated with a new hot tub, refrigerator, or travel trailer sold in Sonoma County are neglected.

"Consumption-based" emissions are in contrast to "activity-based" emissions. A "consumption-based" inventory for Sonoma County includes the emissions associated with all of the food, goods, and services and out-of-county travel for which County residents are responsible. Consumption-based accounting shows that countywide emissions are over twice are large as activity-based inventories suggest.


		A thriving local economy that provides for the majority of peoples’ needs and provides dignified, good paying jobs to all who wish to work. Local purchases stimulate new local businesses of all sorts and varieties.	DISCUSS

		A culture that encourages living simply and discourages unnecessary consumption -- where people are content with enough.	DISCUSS

		Local purchases that dominate over Amazon or other out-of-community internet purchases. Locally spent dollars recirculate to support the community. The local economy is stimulated and strengthened by a local internet marketplace that allows internet shopping to continue while sending local dollars to local businesses.	DISCUSS

Next: Transportation

What are we missing? What is YOUR vision?

You can suggest new vision items by submitting a comment using the form below. Other people will be able to vote for your idea and/or comment with suggested edits or questions. You are also welcome to email us your vision in whatever form you prefer (writing, drawing, poem, video, story, etc.)

Have you reviewed all 6 vision pages below?

Vision Policy Sketches