AlterNet
What We Really Need to Learn from Las Vegas
Las Vegas has always epitomized American excess. But with its water supply running out and its constant illumination warming the planet, it also represents the extent of our economic and ecological unsustainability.
Getting Off Oil Without the 'C' Word
Amory Lovins, co-founder and chairman of Rocky Mountain Institute, believes that governments and the private sector need to identify and remove barriers to energy efficiency, rather than simply promoting "conservation."
'Right to Rent' as Way out of Foreclosure Crisis
The way out of the foreclosure crisis may not be as difficult or as complex as it has been made out to be, argues Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Policy Research.
President-Elect Obama's Top Eco-Priorities
David Morris of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance and Maude Barlow, Chair of the Board of Food and Water Watch lay out key priorities for an Obama Administration in terms of transportation and water policy.
Rays of Hope
Solar energy initiatives are taking off all across the country, despite some reservations over the impacts of large-scale installations.
Lights Out for Renewable Energy?
David Morris of the Institute for Local Self-Reliance wonders if the economic crisis will see alternative energy fall off the political agenda, or if the next president will recognize the economic benefits of renewable energy investments.
A Way Out of the Housing Mess?
Joseph Nocera reports on a proposal to rescue homeowners that lets people live in their homes, and doesn't require any government money.
Time Running out to Save Gulf Coast Communities?
The wetlands and barrier islands of Louisiana -- nature's way of absorbing tidal surges during tropical storms -- are almost gone. We may not be able to restore them.
L.A. Facing Drought
Los Angelenos have long forgotten that they live in a desert, but the coming drought will mean water consumption patterns will need to change on a massive scale writes Scott Thill.
The Future of Urban Agriculture
Whether through community gardening or high-tech "vertical farms" interest is growing in urban agriculture.
Dams Threaten Future Water Supplies
Humanity has over-engineered the world's hydrology through dam-building, writes Rachel Olivieri.
Fannie Mae Nationalized...Again
Most of the news coverage concerning the takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has failed to note the history: Until 1968, FNMA had always been nationalized.
California Draining
Decades of massive hydrologic engineering have altered California's ecology out of equilibrium and will be unable to support present demands, warns Rachel Olivieri.
Shipping Sickness
The enormous traffic in imported goods is generating a huge amount of disease-causing pollution in and around ports, and along trade routes.
How U.S. Infrastructure Crumbled
With America facing a $1.6 trillion infrastructure deficit, Joanna Guldi of the Commonweal Institute laments for the era the "infrastructure state."
Are Eco-Restrictive HOA Rules Being Hung Out to Dry?
Homeowner Associations have traditionally frowned on eco-friendly additions such as clotheslines. Recent legal challenges may change the rules.
Ending Our Love Affair with SUV Burgers
We shouldn't be blaming biofuel production for rising food prices and environmental degradation while ignoring the immense harm of industrial meat production, writes Frances Cerra Whittelsey.
America's Dying Middle Class
Rolling Stone pundit Matt Taibbi writes that the media are missing the real story: that millions of Americans are financially drowning under home heating costs, gas prices and debt, and the middle class is disappearing.
Erie's Tire Incinerator: Renewable Energy or 'Something out of The Simpsons'?
A proposal to annually burn tens of millions of car tires to produce electricity at a facility in Erie, Pennsylvania is raising concerns among environmentalists and regional residents over mercury and other emissions.
U.S. Cities Going off the Bottle
The U.S. Conference of Mayors has resolved to phase out purchasing bottled water, not only for environmental reasons, but as a way of encouraging more financial support for municipal water systems.
Pagination
City of Yakima
City of Auburn
Baylands Development Inc.
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
City of Birmingham, Alabama
City of Laramie, Wyoming
Colorado Department of Local Affairs
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