ideath's story links

While our green consumption may make us feel good, like we've done our little penance, the consumer culture is at the root of our climate and energy crises. This Guardian writer predicts that it will take governmental rationing, in the style of a war effort, to motivate the kinds of behavioral changes that are needed. She hopes for "... a low-consumption economy oriented towards facilitating the real sources of human fulfilment. Most of us dimly recognise that huge lifestyle changes are necessary, but we're waiting for someone else to initiate the process."

AP Bank stands for "Artists Power" - power to address pressing environmental issues. The bank was founded by 3 men from Japan's music industry who wanted to do something good for the environment, and knew just another benefit concert was not enough. The bank funds projects related to the environment and alternative energy. And of course, there are also benefit concerts.

(Kazutoshi Sakurai and Takeshi Kobayashi, two of the founders, were were recently profiled by Time as Heroes of the Environment.)

People really want to figure out what to do about the twin dooms they hear are upon them; thinking people know recycling just isn't enough. There has to be some kind of coordinated preparation. This is a book from the Post Carbon Institute about how we can become more ready for peak oil and climate change at the city level. It's meant for planners, city government, and citizen activists who want to try to make sure their corner of civilization has a plan in place.

Alan Durning of the Sightline Institute does some calculations on how bike commuting keeps money in local economies - and how investing in bike lanes could be a very smart move for municipalities.

"Green collar" jobs - jobs that would be created if we, as a culture, were serious about making our infrastructure more sustainable - could be an important part of the environmentalist's message. It can't just be about doing good. People also have to eat. A profile of Van Jones and his "Green for All" campaign.