We are pleased to see that, at long last, the “Green Pages” has found a home online. For those of you unfamiliar with “Green Pages,” this is a bi-monthly journal of environmental news and commentary, published by South Puget Environmental Education Clearinghouse (SPEECH). It is available as a free newsletter, distributed in many locations around Thurston County.

The current issue “aims to help readers gain a foothold on some local water issues – and some local candidates’ views on them.”

Griffin resident, Dr. Paul Allen, is the Vice President of SPEECH and a frequent contributor to Green Pages.

We have often found Green Pages to offer practical information and well thought-out commentary on issues related to both the local and global environment and we’re certain many of you will want to bookmark the online version of Green Pages.

Many thanks to the folks at SPEECH for placing this valuable resource online.

Click here for the current issue of Green Pages.

The degree to which governments can or should be involved in crafting solutions to global climate change is an issue of some controversy. However, there is clearly a connection between global climate change and land use. In the area of land use, the role of government – local, state and federal – is both far-reaching and long-established. The habits of individuals and corporations, if changed, can go a long way to mitigate the climate impact of humans on the planet. However, without governmental attention, particularly in the area of land use planning, we are unlikely to achieve a goal of sustainable living.

Global warming is more than an environmental problem, our entire community needs to pitch in. Futurewise is holding a forum on “Land Use and Global Warming“.

Wednesday, August 22nd: 5:30pm
Lincoln School, 213 21st Ave SE, Olympia

Speakers include:
Sam Garst, Thurston County’s 1st Five Star Built Green homeowner
Sister Mimi Maloney, Interfaith Works’ Earth Stewardship Committee
Cheryl Petra, Principal, Lincoln Elementary School
Charlie Stephens, Kamilche Sea Farms
Paula Swedeen, Earth Economy

There’s no doubt that tackling global warming is the challenge of our generation. How we address this challenge will determine the health of our state’s environment, the strength of our economy, and the future we will give to our kids.

Sprawling development patterns create neighborhoods farther away from jobs, schools, churches, and other needs in our daily lives. The resulting traffic is Washington’s largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions. We can’t fight global warming without stopping irresponsible development.

Join Futurewise for a forum on Land Use and Global Warming, co-sponsored by Earth Ministry, Livable Thurston, League of Women Voters of Thurston County, Thurston Conservation Voters, and Climate Solutions.

If you have questions, or to RSVP, email april@futurewise.org.