About Whole Systems
Whole Systems foundation was founded in 1973 by Neill Smith as the educational arm of Whole Systems Recycling, originator of the first curb-side recycling pick up service in the U.S. The Foundation sponsored classes on recycling, and resource conservation at local elementary schools. Later it funded research in biological methods of breaking down cellulose in waste paper and agricultural waste as a preliminary step to producing alcohol for fuel. In a parallel effort, the Foundation assets were employed in preserving land for open space in Tiburon, California.
In its present function, the Foundation carries on the eclectic tradition by funding a variety of educational and research projects related to energy and resource conservation. We believe that to maintain a reasonable quality of life into the future, requires an integration of new "green" technologies with a global change in human values away from the present consumption oriented society.