FROM POLICY TO REALITY: MODEL ORDINANCES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT http://www.mnplan.state.mn.us/SDI/ordinances.html#view

A package of model ordinances developed by Minnesota Planning to help make the best choices today for the health of the community tomorrow. Communities can adapt these model ordinances to their own special circumstances as part of a citizen- based community planning process. The guide includes model ordinances addressing citizen participation, growth management, community resources, neighborhood design, infrastructure, resource-efficient buildings, and economic development.

THE PRACTICE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT http://www.uli.org/Pub/Pages/d_search/books/P93.cfm

Cutting-edge practices in sustainable development are the focus of this new book from the Urban Land Institute. Learn how to select site designs that consider the environment and build systems that are energy efficient, conservation minded, durable, and adaptable to new uses. Coverage includes innovative financing and how to find capital, marketability of sustainable projects and communities, and new approval processes.

OUR COMMON JOURNEY: A TRANSITION TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY http://www.nap.edu/catalog/9690.html

A new book documents large-scale historical currents of social and environmental change and reviews methods for "what if" analysis of possible future development pathways and their implications for sustainability. The book also identifies the greatest threats to sustainability -- in areas such as human settlements, agriculture, industry, and energy -- and explores the most promising opportunities for circumventing or mitigating these threats. It goes on to discuss what indicators of change will be most useful in monitoring a transition to sustainability. Authored by the National Research Council's Board on Sustainable Development. Published by the National Academy Press.

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TOWARD A COMPREHENSIVE GEOGRAPHICAL PERSPECTIVE ON URBAN SUSTAINABILITY http://www.policy.rutgers.edu/cupr/sustain/sustain.pdf

In June 1998, eighteen geographers and urban planners from the United States, Canada, and Great Britain were brought together for an intensive series of working group meetings designed to develop a conceptual framework and an agenda for research on urban sustainability. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the workshop was hosted by the Center for Urban Policy Research (CUPR) at Rutgers University.

SUSTAINABLE CITIES WHITE PAPERS http://www.earthpledge.org/projects/wpapers/wpapers.htm

A collection of 26 essays focusing on efforts to build healthier, more sustainable cities, published in conjunction with the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) in 1996. Titles include: Building Better Housing Builds Better Communities; Sustainable Banking; Telecommunities: The Way Toward Sustainability; Information Technology & the Cities of the Future; Healthier Cities through Healthier Investing; If You Build it, They Will Come: Sustainable Tourism; and The Personal Eco-Profile: A Gameplan for Personal Responsibilty.

URBAN LAND MANAGEMENT AND GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY http://www.iclei.org/csd/csdfinal.pdf

A paper prepared by the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) for the 8th session of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development (April 24 - May 5, 2000). Topics include urbanization and sustainability, sprawl, and principles of sustainable urban land use.

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TOWARD SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES: TRANSITION AND TRANSFORMATIONS IN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY http://mitpress.mit.edu/book-home.tcl?isbn=0262631946

Toward Sustainable Communities uses six case studies to illustrate innovative strategies in specific policy areas: air pollution control, water pollution control, land use, transportation, urban redevelopment, and regional ecosystem management. The contributors assess such new approaches as the use of market incentives and collaborative decision-making and place these experiments in the larger framework of the still-evolving transition to community sustainability.

MINNESOTA SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE http://www.mnplan.state.mn.us/SDI/index.html

The Minnesota Sustainable Development Initiative is based on the common-sense belief that if Minnesota's prosperity is to be sustained over time, what is good for business, the environment and communities must eventually become one and the same. Administered by Minnesota Planning and the Environmental Quality Board, the Initiative is a collaboration of business, government, and civic interests to promote policies, institutions and actions that ensure Minnesota's long-term environmental, economic and social well-being. Visit the Initiative's website to learn more about:

• Smart Signals: Economics for Lasting Progress -- outlines several principles for rethinking and reforming government policies and programs to correct errant economic signals; Investing in Minnesota's Future -- outlines 10 characteristics of policies likely to make positive contributions to sustainable development;
• Sustainable Development: The Very Idea -- a primer on sustainable development; and
• Action Plan on Sustainable Development for Minnesota State Government.

THE PROGRESS PROJECT: RETHINKING PROGRESS AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT http://www.progressproject.org

A joint initiative of the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs at the University of Washington and The Glaser Family Foundation, The Progress Project is an effort to engage citizens, scholars, leaders and policymakers in the public and private sectors in a vital debate on progress. The debate centers on such questions as:

• What represents economic, social, technological and environmental progress?
• What is it we seek, and what systems of measurement can help us to understand the extent to which broadly held goals are being reached?
• Would a better understanding of the elements of progress alter the choices of citizens, governments and enterprises?

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DENSITY BY DESIGN: NEW DIRECTIONS IN RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT http://www.uli.org/Pub/Pages/d_search/books/N25.cfm

Discover the latest trends in residential development and get the details on innovative projects that work. Fourteen case studies showcase developments of small lot subdivisions, accessory units, housing in new urbanists communities, higher-density and transit- oriented development, mixed-income and mixed housing types, infill, and adaptive use. Both single- and multifamily housing projects are covered in diverse locations such as suburban, urban, and new communities. Published by the Urban Land Institute.

EARTH CHARTER http://www.earthcharter.org http://www.earthcharterusa.org

The Earth Charter comprises a set of broad principles designed to guide all humans toward a sustainable way of life. The charter contains 16 general principles and 60 supporting principles. It is designed to serve as a universal code of conduct to guide people and nations toward sustainable development. The major principles of the pact are drawn from international law, science, philosophy, religion, recent United Nations summit meetings, and an international dialogue on global ethics.

MUNICIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PROJECT -- FINAL REPORT http://www.getf.org/muni.htm

EPA's Office of Wastewater Management and Office of Compliance recently released its final report on the Environmental Management System Pilot Program for Local Government Entities. The report is the culmination of a two-year pilot project to examine the applicability and benefit of an environmental management system (EMS) on environmental performance, compliance, pollution prevention and stakeholder involvement in local government operations. Data and anecdotal information collected in this project suggests that EMSs are entirely applicable to operations managed by local governments. Participants found their EMSs to be useful tools for managing environmental issues, promoting compliance and pollution prevention approaches, increasing environmental awareness and stewardship, and improving operational efficiency and control.

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SUSTAINABLE CUISINE WHITE PAPERS http://www.earthpledge.org/projects/SUSCUS99/suscus99.HTM

A collection of 39 white papers featuring commentary from chefs, food growers and manufacturers, restaurateurs, academics and other experts all exploring the importance of a diet based on sustainable cuisine. Titles include: Sustainable Food Systems; Understanding Organic Farming; Individual and Global Needs; Eat Sustainable, Eat Safe; A Sustainable Diet for the New Millennium; Sustainable Cuisine in the Fridge; Criteria for a Sustainable Cuisine; Sustainable Cuisine from the Garden; and Sustainable Cuisine, Sustainable Agriculture. Published by the Earth Pledge Foundation.

SUSTAINABLE FUTURES http://www.videoproject.org/sustainable_futures.html

A video that profiles seven communities working toward sustainability: Ruisseau St Esperit, Canada; El Paso, Texas; Chicago, Illinois; Chulapa and Salto de San Anton, Mexico; and Aldergrove-Bellingham, Canada.

SEATTLE SUSTAINABLE BUILDING STRATEGIC PLAN http://www.ci.seattle.wa.us/util/rescons/susbuild/plan.htm A task force representing City departments and the private sector developed a Sustainable Building Strategic Plan for the City of Seattle, Washington. The Task Force identified barriers to sustainable building on new construction and major renovation projects (both private and municipal), assessed opportunities that the City could undertake to facilitate green building, and developed an implementation plan.

SUSTAINABLE BUILDING RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION GUIDEBOOK http://www.sustainable.doe.gov/guidebook_insides.pdf Published by the City of Los Angeles and Global Green USA, the guide serves as a compendium of healthy, efficient, and affordable building strategies for residential rehabilitation projects.

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CATALOG OF FEDERAL FUNDING SOURCES FOR WATERSHED PROTECTION -- 2ND EDITION http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/wacademy/fund.html

This updated funding catalog provides information on 69 federal funding sources (grants and loans) that may be used to fund watershed projects. This version updates the first edition of the catalog published in 1997.

SMALL COMMUNITIES OUTREACH PROJECT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES http://www.naspaa.org/SCOPe/index.htm

The Small Communities Outreach Project for Environmental Issues (SCOPe) seeks to minimize adverse impacts of environmental rulemaking on small communities. A joint project of the The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration and US EPA.

RE-EVALUATING STORMWATER: THE NINE MILE RUN MODEL FOR RESTORATIVE REDEVELOPMENT http://www.rmi.org

This report shows how low-cost, multi-benefit stormwater management measures, incorporated into retrofit programs and redevelopment projects, can reduce sewer overflows, restore urban watersheds, and revitalize communities. Published by the Rocky Mountain Institute.

EPA BROWNFIELDS SHOWCASE COMMUNITIES http://www.epa.gov/swerosps/bf/showcase.htm

Brownfields Showcase Communities promote environmental protection, economic redevelopment and community revitalization through the assessment, cleanup, and sustainable reuse of brownfields. The communities also link Federal, State, local and non-governmental action supporting community efforts to restore and reuse brownfields and demonstrate the positive results of public and private collaboration in addressing brownfields challenges.

PEOPLE AND ECOSYSTEMS: THE FRAYING WEB OF LIFE http://www.wri.org/wri/wrr2000/

A new report from the World Resources Institute reveals a widespread decline in the condition of the world's ecosystems due to increasing resource demands and warns that if the decline continues it could have devastating implications for human development and the welfare of all species. At the heart of the report is the first-of-its-kind Pilot Analysis of Global Ecosystems (PAGE). The report examines coastal, forest, grassland, freshwater and agricultural ecosystems and analyzes their health on the basis of their ability to produce the goods and services that the world currently relies on. These include production of food, provision of pure and sufficient water, storage of atmospheric carbon, maintenance of biodiversity and provision of recreation and tourism opportunities. The full report will be available in September 2000. Published by the United Nations Development Program, the UN Environment Program, the World Bank, and the World Resources Institute.

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SOCIAL INDICATORS: AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY ON TRENDS, SOURCES AND DEVELOPMENT, 1960-1998 http://www.ncrcrd.iastate.edu/indicators/entry2.html

As part of a cooperative agreement with EPA, the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development recently published a bibliography designed to help identify social indicators that will be of use to communities, government agencies, and others in locally- based initiatives to conserve, protect, and enhance watersheds and water quality. The annotated bibliography provides a review of social indicators literature from 1960 to 1998. The material provides background resources on social indicators as well as tools and indicators for use in communities. The bibliography also includes studies about sustainable communities, healthy communities, and healthy ecosystems.

GREEN RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION http://www.dinegreen.com

Based in California, the Association promotes restaurants that make positive environmental changes and provides Green Restaurants' certification. The Association conducts an environmental audit examining a restaurant's level of recycling and waste reduction, use of non-bleached and recycled-content products, energy and water efficiency, and use of chemicals and safe cleaning products. It also promotes the purchase of renewable energy in an alliance with power companies.

CHEFS COLLABORATIVE 2000 http://www.chefnet.com/cc2000

Promotes sustainable cuisine by teaching children, supporting local farmers, educating other chefs, and inspiring the public to choose good, clean food. The Collaborative publishes Chef guides that cover issues such as Buying Clean Food, Running a Green Restaurant, Purchasing Sustainable Fish, and Working With Farmers.

CONSERVATION ASSISTANCE TOOLS http://www.sonoran.org/cat/default.asp

A searchable database of grants, cost sharing, and technical assistance available for natural resources projects in the western United States. It is designed to help local communities reach the information, potential partners, and financial support needed to accomplish grassroots conservation projects in the West. Developed by the Sonoran Institute.

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GOVERNMENT BY THE PEOPLE: HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITH CONGRESS http://www.advancedco.net/book.htm

This book explains, in clear and simple terms, why it's important to communicate with your representatives in Congress and how to do so effectively. Packed with resource tips, real life examples, and solid, common-sense advice, How to Communicate with Congress guides you through every step of the process for effective communication -- from background research, to developing and delivering your message, to effective follow-up. You'll gain practical insights, such as how to use the Internet effectively to answer critical questions and the secrets to getting someone in a Congressional office to listen to your concerns. Published by AdVanced Consulting.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES IN BROWNFIELDS INTEGRATION AND COLLABORATION http://bookstore.icma.org

This collection of case studies examines brownfields redevelopment in England, the Netherlands, Germany, and Canada. The report discusses how the local and regional governments and NGOs work with communities to spearhead innovative brownfields programs and projects. See how the decision-making process differs, the various roles of land use planning and the different approaches to environmental cleanups. Learn how other countries are developing "green" infrastructure and industrial heritage parks. Published by the International City/County Management Association and US EPA.

ALL YOU CAN EAT -- ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING GROUP FOOD NEWS http://www.foodnews.org

A website billed as ³your only source for instant information on pesticides and other toxic chemicals in your food.² Site features include:

• Daily Fare -- Select breakfast, lunch, dinner and a snack from among more than 150 foods and dishes. You'll be amazed at how many pesticides you eat in the course of the day.
• EWG Supermarket -- Pop in for a few items or wander the aisles and fill your shopping cart -- from pastas to veggies to seafood. The site will tell you which pesticides you brought home in your grocery bags, and what the health risks are.

MODEL ORDINANCE FOR WETLAND PROTECTION http://bookstore.icma.org

Model ordinance developed in 1997 and revised in 1998 (with feedback from local communities) by the Soil and Water Conservation District in Westchester County, New York, for use by jurisdictions within the county. Covers applicability and non- conforming activities, permit requirements, standards and procedures for permits, sanctions for violations, and enforcement procedures

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PROFILES OF STATE BROWNFIELD PROGRAMS http://www.nga.org/NaturalRes/BFieldsPrograms.asp

The Center for Best Practices at the National Governor's Association highlights a different innovative state brownfields program on the NGA website each month. The purpose of the series is to report on the effectiveness of state cleanup programs and highlight innovative state activities.

GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY CENTER ON SUSTAINABILITY AND REGIONAL GROWTH http://www.law.gwu.edu/csrg/

The newly established Center on Sustainability and Regional Growth at the George Washington University Law School is the first program of its kind in the country, serving as a cross-cutting effort drawing together various disciplines throughout the University. The Center focuses on approaches to sustainable growth (or "smart growth") -- growth that protects the environment while promoting the economy. It undertakes research, publications, seminars and conferences, and direct project work at the local, national, and international level. The Center's publications include ³A Selective Guide to Researching Sustainable Growth Issues².

STATE AND LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS: A RICH TAPESTRY http://www.uli.org

Learn what the best state and local affordable housing programs have to offer in your area and nationwide. The book profiles over 100 state and local affordable housing programs that increased home ownership, used tax credits and housing trust funds, developed innovative rental or secondary market initiatives in community development finance, preserved affordable housing, and dealt with welfare and public housing reform. Published by the Urban Land Institute.

URBAN PERMACULTURE http://www.videoproject.org/urban_permaculture.html

Dr. Bill Roley, founder of the Permaculture Institute of Southern California, leads viewers across two urban landscapes designed for sustainable human environments, while sharing low-cost strategies for turning a vacant lot into an edible jungle. The video shows how permaculture can be applied in an urban setting, from planting fruit trees along a street corridor to channeling rainwater onto perennials instead of into a storm drain.

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COMPLEX RECYCLING ISSUES: STRATEGIES FOR RECORD- SETTING WASTE REDUCTION IN MULTIFAMILY DWELLINGS http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/reduce/f99022.pdf

This fact sheet packet highlights record-setting multifamily dwelling (MFD) waste reduction programs. It lists the benefits of MFD waste reduction programs, addresses program implementation, responds to questions about creating and maintaining successful MFD recycling programs, gives tips from record-setters, and provides detailed descriptions of model programs.

RIGHT QUESTION PROJECT http://epn.org/rqp/

An organization that develops educational strategies that help people build skills to get involved in issues that affect them. RQP programs prepare people to more effectively: advocate for themselves; participate in decision-making processes that affect them and their families; and hold decision-makers and decision- making processes accountable.

ROUNDTABLE ON COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY INITIATIVES http://www.aspenroundtable.org

A program of the Aspen Institute, the Roundtable serves as a forum for people engaged in the field of comprehensive community initiatives to discuss the lessons that are being learned by initiatives across the country and to work on common problems they are facing. Comprehensive Community Initiatives (CCIs) are neighborhood-based efforts that seek improved outcomes for individuals and families as well as improvements in neighborhood conditions by working comprehensively across social, economic and physical sectors. The Roundtable website features the Measures for Community Research database -- a collection of measures used to evaluate outcomes in Community Building, Economic Development, Employment, Education, Housing and Neighborhood Conditions, Neighborhood Safety, Social Services, and Youth Development.

BUILDING SUSTAINABILITY WITH THE NATURAL STEP http://www.videoproject.org/building_sustainabily.html

A video that features efforts by the University of Houston Health Science Center to design one of the most ecologically friendly large-scale buildings ever constructed. Guided by the scientific principles of The Natural Step, the project incorporated planning and collaboration between faculty, students, architects, and engineers, and experts in lighting, renewable resources, life cycles, climate control, recycling, composting, and energy conservation.

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ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY: INTEGRATING ENVIRONMENT, CONSERVATION, AND HEALTH http://www.islandpress.org/books/bookdata/ecointeg.html

Since 1992, the Global Integrity Project has brought together leading scientists and thinkers from around the world to examine the combined problems of threatened and unequal human well- being, degradation of the ecosphere, and unsustainable economies. Based on the proposition that healthy, functioning ecosystems are a necessary prerequisite for both economic security and social justice, the project is built around the concept of ecological integrity and its practical implications for policy and management. Authors examine the key elements of ecological integrity and consider what happens when integrity is lost or compromised.

GUIDE TO CAREERS IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT http://www.islandpress.org/books/bookdata/comdev.html

Community development -- the economic, physical, and social revitalization of a community, led by the people who live in that community -- offers a wide range of exciting and rewarding employment options. But until now, there has been no "road map" for professionals, volunteers, students, or anyone wishing to become involved in the field. The Guide to Careers in Community Development describes the many different kinds of community development jobs available, ranging from community organizing, to financing housing and new businesses, to redeveloping brownfields. It offers advice on how to break into the field along with guidance for career advancement and lateral movement.

ECOPOLIS NOW: A PORTRAIT OF URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISM http://www.videoproject.org/ecopolis_now.html

A video featuring the story of husband and wife Paul Downton and Cherie Hoyle and their efforts to construct an "Ecopolis" -- the world's first ecological city. The video delves into the politics and personalities of the Ecopolis movement, offering a uniquely intimate glimpse of the ups and downs of community activism.

NATURAL INVESTING http://www.naturalinvesting.com

This commercial website provides tools and resources that ³enable you to achieve your financial goals while helping to create a healthier world.² Site features include Investing with Your Values: Making Money and Making a Difference, Seven Steps of Natural Investing, the Wheel of Natural Investing and the GreenMoney Journal.

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FARMSCAPING: ADVANCED TACTICS FOR ACHIEVING SUSTAINABILITY http://www.videoproject.org/farmscaping.html

A new video that features a range of farmers who are using techniques to enrich soil fertility, achieve biological weed and pest control, and reduce the need for agricultural chemicals. See how farms are "scaped" to work with and help the surrounding environment and enhance the overall sustainability of the farm.

RECYCLING AMERICA'S LAND -- VOL. III http://www.usmayors.org/uscm/brownfields/full_report_rev3.pdf

The third annual report from the U.S. Conference of Mayors on the status of brownfields and their redevelopment in 231 cities across the U.S. The report documents the pervasiveness of the brownfields problem and quantifies the many lost opportunities to the nation in failing to recycle these sites back into more productive uses.

HARVESTING THE CITY http://www.videoproject.org/harvesting_city.html

A video that offers an in-depth look at the solid waste management industry and how some companies are making the most of a city's trash. An interesting look at the recycling process, viewers will see how it's possible to reuse material that in the past would have been taken to the landfill, where it would take up space and pollute our environment.

APPLYING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT http://www.applysd.co.uk/

A website that focuses on the social and cultural aspects of change without which sustainable development is unattainable. The site helps people to learn about applying sustainable development at home, at work, and in their community and helps organizations of every kind to move towards sustainability.

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THE LIVING LAND http://www.videoproject.org/living_land.html

A video featuring interviews with John Jeavons of Ecology Action; Wes Jackson of The Land Institute; Alice Waters, an organic restauranture; and Mas Masumotoan, an organic farmer that point to the deepening crisis in our food system.

NATURAL HOME MAGAZINE http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com

An independently published magazine, Natural Home provides readers with the inspiration and information on how to make the best choices for creating an earth-friendly, harmonious dwelling. The magazine features cutting-edge ideas on home building, design, remodeling, and decorating, with additional tips for the kitchen, garden, yard, and personal health. Consumers can also tune into Natural Home magazine's Natural Home Show, a nationally syndicated listener call-in radio show.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE http://www.videoproject.org/sustainable_agriculture.html A video featuring five successful sustainable farmers.

SUSTAINABLE LAKES WORKBOOK http://www.mnlakesassn.org

The workbook outlines a model process for lake management planning and includes five pilot lake management plans, a data assessment manual, and a series of articles on the impacts of land- use on water quality.

GREEN BOOK: THE ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDE TO CARS AND TRUCKS http://greenercars.com

Many considerations go into buying a new car or light truck. You'll consider price, styling, comfort, performance, safety, reliability, and of course, how well the vehicle will serve your needs. The decision comes down to cost versus value: how much you are willing to pay for the features you want to get. The Green Book can help you choose a greener (cleaner and more fuel-efficient) vehicle, one that minimizes harm to the environment while meeting your transportation needs. Based on official emissions and fuel- economy test results and other specifications reported by auto manufacturers, the Green Book calculates a Green Score for each car, van, pickup, and sport utility on the market in 2000. Features include:

• Greener Choices 2000 -- a table that shows how everyone can buy green by highlighting some of the top-scoring gasoline vehicles in several segments of the market; and
• Best of 2000 -- lists the top-rated models by vehicle class, showing the least polluting subcompact, compact, mid-size, and large cars, as well as vans, pickups, and sport utilities.

SUBDIVIDE AND CONQUER: A MODERN WESTERN http://www.subdividefilm.com

This film takes viewers through the American West -- to Montana, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Oregon -- to tell the story of what is a national issue making front-page news in every region of the country. Subdivide and Conquer explores the consequences of sprawl, the history of this automobile-centered pattern of development, and notions about the endless frontier and rugged individualism. The film also suggests remedies, and takes us to places where sound public policy and good land use planning have stemmed the tide of sprawl.

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