Editor's Take: September 19, 2008
Credit: mamamusings, Flickr.
Seattle Popping at the Seams
Even with the economy in a tail-spin, cities will continue
to see population growth. The Seattle P-I
reports on what the city is doing to address growth issues. In Montana,
transit planners want to accommodate more riders in urban areas. California
sees a green economy as a solution to creating more jobs. And don't forget to support
Sightline's continuous work on sustainable issues.
Editor's Top Picks
Your editor today is Christina Claassen | View All Today's News
Seattle's Growth Projection is Pushing the Limits
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
09/19/2008
Seattle cannot accommodate the people it's projected to gain over the next three decades without adding homes in single-family neighborhoods, according to members of the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild.
The reason is that 65 percent of Seattle's land is zoned single-family, with lots averaging 5,000 square feet, creating a population density less than such cities as Chicago, Boston, San Francisco and even sprawling Los Angeles.
Go to article.
Vancouver, BC Cyclists Enjoy Best, Endure Worst
Georgia Straight
09/18/2008
Is Vancouver, BC a cyclist's dream or a nightmare of mediocrity?
The answer is both.
Go to article.
WCI Should Have Higher Carbon Auction Rates
Oregonian
09/19/2008
A range of groups on Thursday charged that the Western Climate Initiative's leading-edge effort to curb global warming would let polluters off the hook and allow utilities, industry and fuel distributors to get credits to emit greenhouse gases mostly for free.
The groups support a higher auction requirement, instead of the proposed 25 percent rate, as key to the program's success.
Go to article.
Montana Group Looks To Better Transit
Missoulian
09/19/2008
So far, Montana has been good at moving people between its dense corners of the state, and through its vast empty spaces. But a strong transportation network across the big wide open isn't matched with robust transportation systems in urban areas, Montana's hubs.
Go to article.
Economy Makes Life Tough for Elderly
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
09/19/2008
While the shaky economy has made it more difficult for low-income people to meet their basic needs, the problem is deeper for the elderly and those with disabilities. Many are unable to shop for groceries, get to food banks or prepare their meals.
Go to article.
BC's Declining Salmon Affects Wilderness Tourism
Toronto Globe and Mail
09/19/2008
All along the B.C. Coast, wilderness tourism operators who run bear-viewing, whale-watching and sport-fishing resorts are reporting tough times because of declining salmon runs.
But the biggest impact may be occurring in the Broughton Archipelago, where Mr. MacKay operates, and where pink salmon runs have all but vanished, sending a shock wave through the region's ecosystem.
Go to article.
Portland Area: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle -- Or Else
Oregonian
09/19/2008
For two decades, Portland-area businesses have been politely asked to recycle. On Thursday, the Metro council gave that plea more of an edge, voting to mandate that the region's cities and counties pass laws requiring businesses to keep recyclable paper, cardboard and drink containers out of the trash.
Go to article.
Greening Could Raise California's Economy
San Francisco Chronicle
09/19/2008
Under the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, the state must impose a limit on the amount of pollutants companies emit and expand renewable energy. These changes, along with others, would result in 100,000 new jobs, boost the state economy by $27 billion and increase personal income by $14 billion, a study by the state's Air Resources Board said.
Go to article.
Views: Spokane What Seattle Used to Be
Crosscut
09/19/2008
Spokane seems like a blast from Seattle's past, but in a good way. Not retro, but progressive, urban, close to nature - for example, the Idaho wilderness lies just beyond. Moose still occasionally invade urban neighborhoods. The city is also more affordable and scaled to Northwest sensibilities.
Go to article.
San Francisco Supermarkets Close Shop
San Francisco Chronicle
09/19/2008
It was business as usual at the Cala Foods supermarket on Nob Hill this week. Customers lined up six deep at the cashiers and shoppers crowded the well-stocked aisles.
So why is the store closing in 2010?
The simple answer is money.
Go to article.
