We are an alliance that educates the public on the importance of supporting the local economy, and encourages businesses and consumers to be environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.

We envision a sustainable global economy as a network of Local Living Economies, building long-term economic empowerment and prosperity in communities through local business ownership, economic justice, cultural diversity and a healthy natural environment. Independent businesses create wealth by engaging local people in the production, marketing, and consumption of goods, they pay taxes, and reinvest in our communities.

We educate the public to:

1. Reduce material and energy costs
2. Recycle and reuse waste
3. Buy and sell locally.

By limiting the environmental impacts of doing business, we aim places for future generations to enjoy.

Goals and Initiatives

The Chesapeake Sustainable Business Alliance's initial goal is to build a strong local network of community-based businesses, non-profit organizations and supportive individuals, which can provide a basis for fostering a local living economy in the area.

CSBA's current initiatives include: recruiting and engaging members, expanding the successful Buy Local Baltimore campaign (www.buylocalbaltimore.com), working on the Buy Fresh-Buy Local campaign, and supporting other initiatives including Biodiesel Cooperative (www.baltimorebiodiesel.org), Recycle Bank, and the Green Walking Tour and identifying high-priority member needs to guide future programs. For detailed information on all CSBA's current programs, follow the Programs link.

CSBA is a member of the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE) network. BALLE is an international alliance of 37 independently operated local business networks with more than 12,000 members dedicated to building Local Living Economies. Visit www.livingeconomies.org for more information.