Sustainability is a systemic concept, relating to the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of human society, as well as the non-human environment. It is intended to be a means of configuring civilization and human activity so that society, its members and its economies are able to meet their needs and express their greatest potential in the present, while preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems, and planning and acting for the ability to maintain these ideals in a very long term. Sustainability affects every level of organization, from the local neighborhood to the entire planet.

Ways of looking at sustainability

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The central problem of sustainability is whether the human life support system on earth can continue indefinitely, or whether it is changing the world in radical ways that will fail. The one part of the issue that is not complicated is that physical system growth in nature (explosive developmental change) is a transitional phase of development for any natural system and is itself quite unsustainable. How mankind will transform its economic growth system into a sustainable approach to living on a delicate planet is presently unknown and in some circles in considerable doubt.

More on [ Sustainability ]

Sustainable Housing and Green Building News - ENN

Side effect of plastic: Aggressive Kids
dotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdot Sat, 31 Oct 2009 11:39:00 -0500
Plastics containing Bisphenol-A linked to child misbehavior Yes we know, everything causes cancer, nothing is safe for our kids, a lot of paranoia, right? Sometimes these concerns are for real. A chemical of significant importance to parents and scientists these days is Bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA is a common chemical used in plastics for increased flexibility and molding. It can be found in your child’s plastic sippy cup, binkies, and even canned food. The lining found inside some canned foods is very similar to high density plastics, thus likely to contain significant levels of BPA. Numerous studies have proven that BPA can negatively impact your health. Experts have advised people to shop for BPA-free products. In general, avoiding plastics whenever possible is a good idea.
Water Use in the US Less in 2005 Than in 1975
dotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdot Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:35:00 -0500
Just when you think all human activities are making the environment worse, news comes that our efforts to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impacts (0ur environmental footprint) are doing some good. According to a new U.S. Geological Survey report, the U S is using less water now than during the peak years of 1975 and 1980, despite a 30 percent population increase during the same time period.
U.S. Climate Bill Will Create Jobs, True or False?
dotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdot Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:24:00 -0500
Leaders at companies that develop low-carbon energy told a Senate panel that climate legislation would create millions of new jobs, but lawmakers from fossil-fuel dependent states said the bill would hit employment in the traditional energy economy.
Smart Grid to be Stimulated
dotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdot Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:46:00 -0500
President Barack Obama will announce the largest investment of economic stimulus funds in clean energy during a visit to Florida, an Obama administration official said on Monday. The announcement will involve the smart grid, which will help bring energy from clean domestic sources to consumers in 49 states and help build a strong and more reliable electricity grid
Important Study on Climate Change and Livestock Emissions
dotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdot Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:35:00 -0500
A study by Robert Goodland and Jeff Anhang of the World Bank looked at the relative importance of anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gasses from oil, natural gas, and coal compared to the life cycle and supply chain emissions of domesticated animals raised for food. They conclude that greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the lifecycle and supply chain of animals raised for food account for 51% of annual emissions caused by humans and should be given higher priority in global efforts to fight climate change.
Senator Boxer Releases Full Draft of US Climate Bill
dotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdotdot Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:56:00 -0500
Senator Barbara Boxer released a 923-page draft of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act over the weekend, the Senate version of climate and energy legislation, for the first time specifying emissions allocations and costs proposed in the bill. "We've reached another milestone as we move to a clean energy future, creating millions of jobs and protecting our children from dangerous pollution," Boxer, chairperson of the Environmental and Public Works Committee, who wrote the bill with Senator John Kerry, said on Friday.

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