Every 15 seconds on our Earth Island, a child dies from waterborne disease. Three times an hour, another species becomes extinct. Each day we consume 85 million barrels of oil and pump 23 million tons of carbon dioxide into an already warming atmosphere. But against this bleak backdrop, beacons of hope shine from thousands of large and small initiatives taking place everywhere from isolated villages to major urban centers.

Thriving Beyond Sustainability draws a collective map of individuals, organizations and communities from around the world that are committed to building an alternative future - one that strives to restore ecological health, reinvent outmoded institutions and rejuvenate our environmental, social and economic systems. Overflowing with inspiration, the projects and initiatives profiled are meeting the challenges of the day with optimism, hope and results, leading the way in relocalization, green commerce, ecological design, environmental conservation and social transformation. The stories and ideas in these pages will cause the most chronic pessimist to see the glass as half full.

Andrés R. Edwards is an educator, author, media designer and sustainability consultant. He is founder and president of EduTracks a firm specializing in developing education programs and consulting services on sustainable practices for green building and business initiatives.

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