Sustainability may seem like one more buzzword and cities and towns like the last places to change; but The Natural Step for Communities provides inspiring examples of communities that have made dramatic changes toward sustainability and explains how others can emulate their success.Chronicled in the book are towns like Ouml;vertornearing;; whose government operations recently became 100 percent fossil fuel-free; demonstrating that unsustainable municipal practices really can be overhauled. Arguing that the process of introducing change-whether converting to renewable energy or designing compact development-is critical to success; the authors outline why well-intentioned proposals often fail to win community approval and why an integrated approach-not "single-issue" initiatives-can surmount challenges of conflicting priorities; scarce resources and turf battles.The book first clarifies the concept of sustainability; offering guiding principles-the Natural Step framework-that help identify sustainable action in any area. It then introduces the 60+ eco-municipalities of Sweden that have adopted changes to sustainable practices throughout municipal policies and operations. The third section explains how they did it and outlines how other communities in North America and elsewhere can do the same. Key to success is a democratic; "bottom-up" change process and clear guiding sustainability principles; such as the Natural Step framework.The book will appeal to both general readers wishing to understand better what sustainability means and practitioners interested in introducing or expanding sustainable development in their communities.Sarah James is the principal of a community planning consulting firm. She co-authored the American Planning Associations Planning for Sustainability Policy Guide and has published articles throughout the U.S. on this subject. Torbjouml;rn Lahti was the planner for Swedens first eco-municipality and is directing a five-year sustainable community demonstration project. He was instrumental in forming the Swedish National Association of Eco-municipalities.
#1321965 in eBooks 2007-11-07 2007-11-07File Name: B0032CX4LK
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A TRUE LABOR OF LOVE...By Franz N. I.This is a truly outstanding work with absolutely spectacular photography! The author plainly and ably contributed to our knowledgeof these captivating and spellbindingly night-loving birds. It begins with its anatomy. explores the owls handicap in its chosen and challenging environment. but clearly expounding on its remarkably large eyes as compared to their body size. plus their remarkable hearing capability. One misconception debunked is that owls have superior vision compared to humans. This is simply not true. Owls and humans have relatively little difference in terms of night vision but the big difference is that owls have enhanced their sensory abilities and superior spatial memories two to three times that of humans. Hunting techniques. their haunts and hideaways. house hunting. asynchronous hatching. the difference of the roamers and the homebodies. sexual dimorphism and many others are clearly and expertly delineated and expounded on. Some of the photos are so plainly difficult to catch on film...and to observe their far away habits and way of life is indeed a labor of love and patience. The book shows how these raptors have the courage and determination to survive their sometimes harsh and bleak environment which required fortitude and sometimes incredible courage. In the twilight and darkness of the world in which they invariably operate. it will grab the readers attention to these raptors remarkable biology and behavior. This is rightly a landmark book on these fascinating. mystical and astonishing nocturnal birds of prey!5 out of 50 of 0 people found the following review helpful. If I could have only one book on owls this is it!By CustomerWhat an amazing book. I check out many owl books from my local university and this was by far the best one I found. It enjoyed it so much I bought it. It is very well written and informative. It also has a lot of amazing pictures. The author/photographer has tremendous skill and knowledge of these mysterious birds. I recommend this to everyone who loves owls and wants to get to know them better.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Excellent book.By karen mayesI purchased this for my 9 year old nephew. who loves owls. The book is of high quality. with beautiful pictures and detailed information about owls. It will be appropriate for my nephew for many years as it is an adult book that he can "grow into" as his reading improves.
