ecobrief


Stirring Giants Green Homebuilding Progress Report


America’s 10 largest publicly traded homebuilders have started to im- prove their environ- mental policies and practices, but much progress remains to be achieved, according to the latest Survey of Sus- tainable Practices by the Homebuilding Industry, by Calvert Asset Management Co. KB Home, based in Los Angeles, and Pulte Homes, of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, were ranked as the top in- dustry firms. Calvert reports that out of 42 pos- sible green data points, the average total score was just over six points, or 15 per- cent. Without the top two companies in the mix, the average overall score would have been less than 6 percent. Green building represents a major industry opportunity. “Whereas two years ago, the industry had not yet begun to embrace sustainability as a core part of building design and con- struction, companies today have taken many meaningful steps toward develop- ing greener and cleaner homes,” says Rebecca Henson, a sustainability analyst at Calvert and co-author of the report. “However, given the environmental im- pact that homebuilding has, the industry has significantly more progress to make.” Companies are most active in energy efficiency and conservation, paying more attention to sustainability issues that can offer short-term finan- cial benefits to operating costs and customers, such as building material recycling and energy and water effi- ciency measures. Issues with long-term benefits, such as climate change, are not well addressed.


For more information, search Green Homebuilder at Calvert.com. To assess a home’s energy efficiency score, take the quiz at EnergySavvy.com.


Global San Diego The most comprehensive fuel treatment on the market


- anywhere! A 22 year old product that’s been used industrially and commercially, is now available to every driver. Drive farther. Help reduce YOUR carbon footprint.


• Prolonged engine life and reduced wear • Improved vehicle performance and horse power • Increased fuel mileage and economy • Reduction in harmful emissions and pollutants


Reduce emissions by up to 1/3 or more! For more information call:


www.wendyg.gosyntek.com 1-866-480-7275


Organics • Alternative Energy • Sustainable Development • Natural Foods • Air Quality • Mulch • Endangered Species • Political Action • International Issues • Animal Rights • Alternative Transportation • Nature • Health • Water • Ozone Depletion • Global Warming • Rainforest • Clean Air • Acid RainWilderness ProtectionRecycling Natural Resources • Composting Trees Alternative Energy • Sustainable Development • Natural Foods • Air Quality Endangered Species • Political Action Mulch • International Issues • Animal Rights Alternative Transportation • Nature Walks • Music • Water Conservation • Xeriscaping Wildlife Rescue • Litter • Clean Water • Ozone Depletion • Global Warming • Rainforest Clean Air • Saving Energy Recycling Wilderness Protection• rces Composting Trees Species • Political Action • Solar Energy • Animal Rescue • Alternative Transportation • Water Quality • Green Home • Music • Water Conservation Xeriscaping • Wildlife Rescue • Global Warming • Clean Water • Ozone Depletion • Global Warming • Xeriscaping Wildlife Rescue • Litter Clean Water • Ozone Depletion • Global Warming • Rainforest • Clean Air • Saving Energy • Recycling Wilderness Protection • Natural Resources Composting • Trees • Endangered Species • Solar Energy • Animal Rescue • Alternative Transportation • Water Quality • Green Home • Music • Water Conservation


Celebrate Earth Day! EARTHFAIR 2011


Sunday, April 17, 2011 10 am – 5 pm • Balboa Park, San Diego Earth Day 2011 – Take It Back!


The world's largest FREE environmental fair and Earth Day Celebration – More than 350 exhibitors with Earth-friendly causes, products and services eHome – Living sustainably • Solar Energy • Healthy Living Children's Earth Parade at 10:30 • Special Children's Activity Area Energy-efficient Vehicles


• Urban Farming • Entertainment


EarthFair is produced by 400+ volunteers – We need YOU! 21 jobs to choose from – to volunteer, or for more info, visit:


www.EarthDayWeb.org natural awakenings


April 2011 31


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56