Santa Monica Non-Profit uses EE to Promote Sustainability, Community Development

SustainableWorks in Santa Monica is probably similar to a number of other non-profits that promote sustainablity, but they are unique in the fact that environmental education is emphasized strongly. Learn more about them...

The Smoky Mountains: From farming to franchising

When Smokies became a national park, tourism followed — and hasn't stopped growing since

This very thoughtful piece from the Knoxville News Sentinel looks at the impacts of tourism on the Smoky Mountains, and addresses how local governments are now trying to balance development with environmental and aesthetic concerns.

Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity selected for green building initiative

Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity will be one of 123 recently selected Habitat affiliates to take part in a $30 million green building initiative named Partners in Sustainable Building.

PSB is an initiative brought about by a partnership between The Home Depot Foundation and Habitat for Humanity International, the first between the two entities on a national level in the United States. Wilmington Star News. Read the whole story...

Secretary Chu Announces Nearly $300 Million in Clean Cities Grants to Support Clean Fuels, Vehicles, and Infrastructure Development

August 26, 2009

Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the selection of 25 cost-share projects under the Clean Cities program that will be funded with nearly $300 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects will speed the transformation of the nation’s vehicle fleet, putting more than 9,000 alternative fuel and energy efficient vehicles on the road, and establishing 542 refueling locations across the country. The Department of Energy also estimates they will help displace approximately 38 million gallons of petroleum per year.

Read the entire release...

Putting a price on walkability

This story from CNN Money discusses a report by the group CEOs for Cities that shows a correlation between the "walkability" of neighborhoods and home values.

How much is walkability worth? An intriguing new study suggests that people are willing to pay considerable premiums for houses in neighborhoods that are highly walkable — that is, where you can actually get to nearby stores, schools, and parks without having to hop in the car. Read more...