Sightline Project

Making Sustainability Legal

istock

Some of the smartest, most innovative solutions for a sustainable Northwest are, at present, simply illegal. Believe it or not green treatments for polluted runoff, backyard cottages, and paid car-sharing are, in many places, against the law. There are dozens–maybe even hundreds–of similar examples. This Sightline series puts the spotlight on cases where we can make sustainability legal by changing existing regulations and developing pragmatic money-saving proposals. We can single out outdated rules and present smart solutions that align with today’s reality. Clear away this sort of debris, and the Northwest can grow into a region that’s more affordable, fair, and sustainable. Do you have ideas for this series? Email eric (at) sightline (dot) org.

Posts on Making Sustainability Legal

In-law—and Out-law—Apartments

How to double neighborhood housing without anyone noticing.

The Roommate Gap: Your City’s Occupancy Limit

No reality TV (or reality?) for us.

Alan Durning at TEDx: Legalize It!

10 stories of legalizing sustainability.

Unlocking Spare Bedrooms: Occupancy Limits

A surfeit of sleeping quarters.

Decriminalizing Roommates: Occupancy Limits

Housing, hidden in plain sight.

Emancipating the Rooming House

Dormitories for grown ups.

Rooming Houses: History’s Affordable Quarters

An in-city room of one's own.

Legalizing Inexpensive Housing

In rentals, we ban Payless, mandate Nordstrom.

Why Sightline Supports Marriage Equality

Dignity, not economics, should carry the day.

Reforming the White Pages

Washington poised to reform mandatory phone book law.