Green Fatigue: But Sustainability Has Staying Power
July 2008

“Green” claims now abound, on every product and service under the sun, but the mind-boggled and cash-strapped consumer is left not knowing exactly what is the best choice and fearful that none of the little things are going to make one bit of difference, given the magnitude of the long-term problems we face. “Green fatigue” is upon us. According to Paul Hawken, environmentalist and best-selling author, “It’s a century-long process…even people inside the [green] movement have the same feeling – burnout.”

There's little argument that "green" is now mainstream, as shown by this year's list of green titles on bookshelves. Small steps have become big business: green is now “Big Green.” But we also know that "green" is not working. Both carbon emissions and ecological footprints continue to increase across the developed world. The question is, how do we cut through the chatter to reach people with strong long-term values-based messages that can withstand the downdraft of currently faltering economies?

Beyond green, shaping a sustainable future is the most pressing issue of our time. Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC, has developed a sustainable decision-making process (registration required) that utilizes sustainability as the framework for institutional planning. In this model, mission, core values and operating principles, including the sustainability commitment, are the tenets that can consistently inform decision-making that leads to lasting results.

Given the importance of well-planned, long-lived land development infrastructure to local, regional and global sustainability, the SLDI Knowledge Project is dedicated to the network orchestration of holistic, triple-bottom-lined results for all stakeholders through cooperative and open-source technology. Sustainable land development is an intentional paradox.

Your participation and comments are welcome.

Terry Mock
Executive Director
Sustainable Land Development International

Promoting land development worldwide that balances the needs of people, planet & profit - for today and future generations.

People, Planet and Profit

Beyond Buildings

Welcome to SLDI

SLDI Newsletter Archives:

January 2008
February 2008
March 2008
April 2008
May 2008
June 2008

• New "carbon revolution" urged to slow warming
  (June 26, 2008) The World Business Council for Sustainable Development - The world needs a shift as radical as the Industrial Revolution to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 while safeguarding economic growth… Source: Reuters

• Surge in Mega Projects Begs Question: Why Now?
  (June 30, 2008) Amid industry buzz about the benefits of small, easier-to-finance infill projects, several mega-projects still are taking shape. A new $485 million project by Hebrew SeniorLife is under way near Boston. The 162-acre campus will feature 600 units.
  Source: National Real Estate Investor

• $700 Billion Rise in Responsible Investment
  (June 10, 2008) 98 fund managers running $19.4 trillion in assets predict responsible investment market will jump by 35% in next two years.
  Source: Responsible Investor Magazine

• Are McMansions next after SUVs?
  (June 28, 2008) Times are a-changing, and not just because of recession and a woeful housing market. The new generation of young homeowners are voting with their dollars for greener diggs and styles that are different than past preferences.
  Source: The Daily Green.

• Is solar the next investment bubble?
  (June 28, 2008) When Rick Hanna and his fellow energy analysts at Morningstar in Chicago sat down recently to discuss solar energy stocks, the question on the table was this: Is solar the next Internet-style bubble?
  Source: The International Herald Tribune

• Could wind power work in Florida?
  (June 30, 2008) In the push to stop global warming, many experts are hearing a mighty rushing wind.
  Source: Miami Herald

• Summit for American Prosperity: Keynote Address
  (June 12, 2008) The Blueprint for American Prosperity comes at a pivotal time in American history. Not only will we have a new president next year, but the Congress will be transformed as well.
  Source: Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels

• Suburbia Running Out of Gas
  (June 26, 2008) The economics of long commutes are forcing many to the conclusion that suburban living is no longer viable, and suburban housing prices are falling accordingly.
  Source: Planetizen

• U.S. auto giants race to go small
  (June 25, 2008) The auto industry is rushing to adapt to the world of $4-per-gallon gasoline, but the effort is a costly one that could tax America's homegrown carmakers most of all.
  Source: Christian Science Monitor

• Dyson working on new generation of fast, green cars
  (June 22, 2008) The design guru has seen the future of transport, he tells Martin Hickman: solar-powered electric vehicles
  Source: London Independent, England

• Are Churches Causing Sprawl?
  (June 27, 2008) By moving out to areas where planning approvals are faster, rapidly-expanding churches are creating suburban sprawl, according to a recent study from researchers at Ryerson University.
  Source: The Toronto Star

• McCain and Obama share energy goals, not methods
  (June 30, 2008) John McCain and Barack Obama know that most Americans need look no further than the gas pump for proof of America's energy crunch.
  Source: Christian Science Monitor

• Cracking the Code: A Much-Awaited Approach for Dramatically Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
  (June 25, 2008) In a major announcement today, Architecture 2030 released an unprecedented and much anticipated guide for every city, county and state in the nation to swiftly meet their greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets through existing building codes.
  Source: Environmental News Network

• Eco-friendly lodging firmly taking root
  (June 28, 2008) He's no Al Gore, but Kermit the Frog may have summed it up best: "It's not easy being green."
  Source: Los Angeles Times

• Casinos plant Champion Tree clones to absorb toxins
  (June 24, 2008) Step inside the newly rebuilt Turtle Creek Casino & Hotel and you'll find the typical blackjack tables, slot machines and loosen-your-belt buffet. But your eyes — and nose — may detect unusual features.
  Source: The Associated Press

• How Video Takes Over The World
  (June 30, 2008) Both Forrester and Solutions Research Group have reports out this week on video. Together they create a picture of video that is a bit daunting in both breadth and scope.
  Source: Always On Network