Editor's Take: July 08, 2008
Courtesy of wdr3/Flickr.
Boosting Oregon's Green Economy
Oregon,
already a model of sustainability, may get greener if Governor Kulongoski gets
his way. He's pushing for more eco-friendly
jobs, ranging from renewable energy and electric vehicles, to green
construction. While those goals are established, other parts of the state deal
with urban
growth. In Seattle, the urban
shift may create more livable
communities.
Editor's Top Picks
Your editor today is Christina Claassen | View All Today's News
Oregon's Eco-Economy Future
Oregonian
07/08/2008
Gov. Kulongoski wants to capitalize on Oregon's green tendencies with green industries, but GOP lawmakers have other ideas. The governor hopes to implement a variety of environmental education and industry opportunities, from solar to forestry management.
Go to article.
Food Prices Bring New Meaning to "Homegrown"
USA Today
07/08/2008
Often when food prices increase, the first items that grocery shoppers leave out of their carts are the healthful foods, fruits, vegetables, fish and lean meats, says Adam Drewnoski, director of the Center for Public Health Nutrition at the University of Washington in Seattle.
People can use these difficult times to their nutritional advantage though by buying locally grown produce, growing some of their own food or brushing up on their cooking skills.
Go to article.
Clean Technology Investment Soars
San Francisco Chronicle
07/08/2008
Venture investments in clean technology hit a record $2 billion in the second quarter, up nearly 60 percent from a year ago, according to a new report.
The investments defy trends seen in other parts of the venture industry, where the amount of money invested in startups is falling and opportunities for companies to go public have dried up.
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Views: Creating Livable Urban Neighborhoods
Seattle Times
07/08/2008
While growth can be a burden to neighborhoods where plans are outdated or inadequate, it is also a chance to create a vibrant, livable urban environment.
The challenge for all neighborhoods is to address the growth that is coming, and make certain it brings benefits to the community. Good transit service is a key component in ensuring thriving, livable neighborhoods.
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Defining Sustainable Construction
Vancouver Columbian
07/06/2008
With a working title of "Sustainable Communities of Southwest Washington," a group of builders, local land-use agencies and sustainability advocates met in Clark County to discuss green building. The group hopes to raise its profile over the next year with tours of "green" homes, monthly workshops for builders and a hot line staffed by experts with hands-on experience.
Go to article.
Seattle: Farewell to Plastic Bags and Styrofoam?
Seattle Times
07/08/2008
Today, the City Council will hold a public hearing on Mayor Greg Nickels' proposal to ban foam at restaurants and grocery stores, and impose a 20-cent fee for each disposable paper and plastic bag used in the checkout line at all grocery, convenience and drugstores. Both are likely to gain council approval.
Even if it's costly, Nickels says shoppers, consumers and businesses need to do right by the environment.
Go to article.
Court Reverses King County Land-Use Ordinance
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
07/08/2008
A state appellate court on Monday overturned part of King County's controversial land use ordinance that required rural property owners to leave at least half their property as natural vegetation.
The ruling, handed down in Division 1 of the state's Court of Appeals, reversed a 2006 Snohomish Superior Court ruling that supported King County's regulation under its Critical Areas Ordinance.
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Oregon Growth Stretches the Seams
Oregonian
07/08/2008
Some of Oregon's best farmland lies at the edges of fast-growing Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard and Tualatin. Despite its Intel and Nike image, Washington County ranked fourth in the state for agricultural sales in 2007, topping $351 million.
The county's dual identity underscores the complexity of the long-range planning that Washington County is engaged in with Metro, Clackamas County and Multnomah County.
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Designing Cars for Low-Carbon Chic
New York Times
07/08/2008
As governments seek to cut carbon emissions through regulation and consumers react to rising fuel prices, automakers and designers are mapping out a new generation of lighter, sleeker vehicles that could give a radical new look to urban streets.
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Views: Protecting BC's Biodiversity
Vancouver Sun
07/08/2008
While it's helpful that government has provided further scientific information this week on the health of wildlife populations in the province, without a commitment to bring in an endangered species law that compels action, it is a bit like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
Go to article.
