Our Shared Values & Expectations

Our community thrives because we all commit to creating a space that's welcoming, respectful, and focused on positive impact.

Be Kind & Respectful

We're all on different stages of our sustainability journeys. What feels easy for one person might be challenging for another. Lead with empathy, not judgment.

✅ Offer encouragement and constructive support
✅ Share knowledge generously without condescension
✅ Celebrate others' progress, no matter how small
✅ Assume good intentions in communication
❌ No shaming, gatekeeping, or "purity testing"
❌ No dismissive comments like "that's not enough" or "you're not a real environmentalist if..."
❌ No personal attacks or hostile language

Remember: Progress over perfection. Every action counts.

Stay On Topic & Solution-Focused

This is a space for constructive dialogue about sustainable living, environmental action, and conscious choices. Keep discussions productive and actionable.

✅ Share practical advice, resources, and solutions
✅ Ask genuine questions to learn and grow
✅ Engage with curiosity and open-mindedness
✅ Redirect off-topic conversations politely
❌ No doom-scrolling, defeatist, or purely negative posts
❌ No unrelated political debates (unless directly tied to environmental policy)
❌ No conspiracy theories or climate denialism
❌ No excessive venting without seeking solutions

Remember: We acknowledge challenges but focus on empowerment and action.

No Harassment, Hate Speech, or Discrimination

Our community welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and circumstances. We have zero tolerance for bigotry or harassment of any kind.

✅ Use inclusive, respectful language
✅ Honor people's identities and pronouns
✅ Recognize that sustainability intersects with social justice
✅ Report harmful behavior to moderators
❌ No racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or any form of discrimination
❌ No harassment, stalking, or unwanted contact
❌ No threats or intimidation
❌ No doxxing or sharing others' private information

Consequence: Immediate removal from the community. No warnings.

Respect Privacy & Confidentiality

What's shared in the community stays in the community. Honor others' vulnerability and protect their personal information.

✅ Ask permission before sharing someone's story elsewhere
✅ Keep private messages private
✅ Blur faces in photos unless you have explicit consent
✅ Respect when people share sensitive information
❌ No screenshots of private conversations shared publicly
❌ No sharing others' locations, workplaces, or identifying details
❌ No outing people's personal circumstances without permission

Remember: Trust is the foundation of safe community spaces.

No Spam, Self-Promotion, or Commercial Activity

This is a community, not a marketplace. We value authentic connection over commercial interests.

✅ Share genuinely helpful resources (even if from brands)
✅ Answer "where can I find X?" questions with specific recommendations
✅ Mention your sustainable business if directly relevant to conversation
✅ Participate meaningfully before promoting anything
❌ No unsolicited advertising or sales pitches
❌ No MLM recruitment or get-rich-quick schemes
❌ No repetitive self-promotion
❌ No affiliate link dumping without context

Exception: Our designated "Sustainable Brands & Services" forum allows vetted, community-approved promotion.

Verify Information & Avoid Misinformation

In an age of climate misinformation, we commit to accuracy and fact-based dialogue.

✅ Cite credible sources when sharing data or scientific claims
✅ Distinguish between personal experience and universal facts
✅ Acknowledge when you're uncertain or speaking anecdotally
✅ Welcome fact-checks with grace
❌ No spreading debunked myths (e.g., "individual action doesn't matter")
❌ No pseudoscience or greenwashing propaganda
❌ No exaggerated or misleading environmental claims
❌ No health misinformation (especially regarding nutrition, medicine)

Remember: When in doubt, say "I think..." or "In my experience..." rather than stating opinion as fact.

Acknowledge Privilege & Practice Accessibility

Sustainable living looks different depending on income, location, ability, and circumstances. Not everyone has equal access to "eco-friendly" options.

✅ Offer alternatives at different price points and accessibility levels
✅ Acknowledge when advice requires privilege (time, money, space)
✅ Use image descriptions for visually impaired members
✅ Avoid language that assumes everyone has the same resources
❌ No gatekeeping based on ability to afford expensive "green" products
❌ No assuming everyone can access farmers markets, bulk stores, etc.
❌ No dismissing valid barriers ("just buy organic—it's easy!")

Remember: "Do the best you can with what you have" is the ethos.

Keep It Legal & Safe

We support advocacy and activism, but the community cannot facilitate illegal activity.

✅ Share information about legal protests and advocacy
✅ Discuss policy, legislation, and systemic change
✅ Support lawful civil disobedience as a concept
❌ No planning or coordinating illegal activities
❌ No encouraging violence or property destruction
❌ No sharing methods to bypass laws or regulations
❌ No content that could endanger members' safety

Note: Discussions about the ethics of direct action are fine; organizing illegal acts is not.