Ecocity Pathfinder

This pathfinder was originally created by Sarah Kim as a class project for ISP 605, Information Sources and Services (Instructor: Barbara Via), School of Information Science and Policy, University at Albany in December 9, 2004.

Introduction

The current status of environmental problems is more serious than we think. It is very important to pay attention to environmental issues and find out ways of harmonious living with nature.

Eco-city is a relatively new concept that brings ideas together from different disciplines such as urban planning, transportation, health, housing, energy, economic development, natural habitats, public participation, and social justice. There are other terms used today in a similar context: eco-village, eco-society, and green urbanism. Basically, these terms share the fundamental philsophy to reduce negative impacts of human beings on environment and live in a more nature friendly way. Eco-city movement focuses on building sustainable cities and alternative societies. The vision of this movement is to create a more harmonious and satisfying future for both nature and human beings.

This pathfinder is primarily designed for all members of the University at Albany who are interested in eco-city development and who want to participate in ecovillage living. The goal of this pathfinder is profiding information about what Eco-city is, purpose and vision of this movement, and what people do in ecovillages worldwide. Resources selected will cover both entry level and professional level information on eco-living issue. I hope these resources can help readers develop their knowledge on this topic gradually.

The expected audiences include students, faculty and alumni members, and university staff. Most of the items are available at the University Library with given call numbers. I also include a couple of particularly relevant works that are not available in the University Library. These items are available through the Inter-Library Loan service. I provide the Library of congress classification numbers of these outside items.

Subject Headings

In general the Library of Congress Subject Headings is a usseful tool for starting research on particular topics. However, there are no subject headings exactly match with "eco-city." Since "eco-city" is an interdisciplinary concept, it is hard to categorize it into one field. Thus I recommend to use following subject headings for searching materials related to "eco-city."

City planning -- Environmental aspects.
Community development -- Environmental aspects.
Collective settlements -- Environmental aspects.
Communal living -- Environmental aspects.
Environmental policy.
Environmental protection -- Citizen participation.
Human ecology.
Sustainable development.
Villages -- Environmental aspects.
Urban ecology.

Browsing Areas

The following ranges of call numbers represent areas where materials of "eco-city" are located in library selves. (Library of Congress Classification)

Abbreviations and Locations

Books

Sellected books are listed in an alphabetical order of the title. Subject headings added in the item description part can be used for further research.

Images of each book/journal cover are retrieved through the World cat, the Cleveland public library catalog, the Amazon.com. and the publisher's website.

Cities and the Environment: New Approaches for Eco-societies. Edited by Takashi Inoguchi, Edward Newman, and Glen Paoletto. Tokyo ; New York : United Nations University Press, c1999
(UALB ULIB / HT 241 C56X 1999)

This work is based on papers presented at a United Nations University sponsored conference. This conference was held in Tokyo during May 1998 and it brought together a varied group of specialists to focus on ways of achieving eco-societies and eco-partnership. This book provides examples on eco-society worldwide and shows diverse opinions and challenges of eco-society. Each works is categorized into three sections: Frameworks for eco-partnerships, Partnerships in action, and International and future dimensions.
(Review Resource: Urban Studies v.38 no.8, July 2001, p.1397-9)

Seo, Danny. Conscious Style Home: Eco-friendly living for the 21st century. New York : St. Martin's Press, 2001
(ILL / LC: TX 303)

In this pictorial book, as a leading environmentalist, Seo transforms his parent's suburban house in an Earth-friendly manner. That means an uncluttered house, free of trash and unwanted items, and recycled paint, old-fashioned linoleum floors, and wood such as tanoak and heart maple, which are produced by responsible logging. He also offers several tips for cheap and nature friendly decorations like using stones, leaves, and beach-found objects in place of expensive decorative accessories.
(Review Resource: Booklist v.98 no.6, November 15 2001, p.532)

Christian, Diana Leafe. Creating a Life Together: Practical Tools to Grow Ecovillages and Intentional Communities. Gabriola Island, BC : New Society Publishers, 2003
(ILL / LC: HM 766)

Reviewer of this book says that "it is a valuable book, written with passion, insight, understanding, experience, and wit." The author, Diana Leafe Christian, lives in Earth haven Ecovillage, in North Carolina, and this book is based on complex issues which she has faced to personally. This book provides step-by-step practical information distilled from numerous firsthand sources on how to establish an intentional community.
(Review Resource: Utopian Studies v.14 no.2, p.152-3)

Pearson, David. Earth to Spirit. San Francisco : Chronicle Books, 1995
(ILL / LC: GT 176)

This book is the record of a personal search for architecture that is in harmony with nature. This book covers nature friendly architectures founded in ancestral archetypes and current architecture trend. This book contains plenty of good pictures taken by the author. Pearson David is a London-based architect. This book will be useful to trigger a general reader's interest in this topic.
(Review Resource: Library Journal v.120, April 15 1995, p.72)

Archibugi, Franco. The Ecological City and the City Effect : Essays on the Urban Planning Requirements for the Sustainable City. England ; Brookfield, Vermont : Ashgate Publishing Ltd., c1997
(UALB ULIB / HT 241 A72 1997)

Franco Archibugi is an Italian author of many books and papers on socio-economic, environmental and urban planning. He is a professor of economic programming and strategic planning at the Post-graduate School of Public Administration of Rome. This book is about the relationship between environmental degradation and inadequate urban and land planning. The author focuses on the urban eco-systems concept in order to implement a conjunction between urban planning and ecology. This book is good to see a different perspective in the sustainable city planning.

Bernard, Ted. The Ecology of Hope : Communities Collaborate for Sustainability. Gabriola Island, B.C., Canada ; East Haven, CT : New Society Publishers, 1997
(ILL / LC: HC 110 E5)

I found out several touching sentences in the introduction part, which show the overall characteristics of this book. "The book you have just opened is a book of stories. The stories are about rivers and mountains, oceans and cities. There are fishers and farmers, brilliant leaders, and shy wood people in these stories. Some part of the stories took place long ago, many others are still being written. All are about one thing: real people trying to live more sustainable in their home place"

Ecovillage living : restoring the earth and her people. Edited by Hildur Jackson and Karen Svensson. Dartington, Totnes, Devon : Green Books ; Holte, Denmark : In association with Gaia Trust ; Distributed in the USA by Chelsea Green, 2002
(UALB ULIB / OVER GE 195.7 E37X 2002)

The ecovillage vision is born out of diverse experiments, providing solutions for the destructive society. "Ecovillages are basically a matter of living on the Earth with respect for all beings and natural systems." This colorful book consists of articles about real experiences of different people in ecovillages around the world. This book also contains a lot of interesting pictures and illustration, and a list of diverse resources on ecovillage. This book will provide useful and readable introductory information to general reader both who is interested in this topic and who is not familiar with this topic.

Todd, Nancy Jack. From Eco-Cities to Living Machines: Precepts for Ecological Design. Berkeley, Calif. : North Atlantic Books, 1994
(ILL / LC: GF 50)

This book is an update version of the authors 1984 book, Bioshelters, Ocean Arks, City Farming. As ecological designers, the authors say that sustainable ecological design is one of "the few promising epistemologies for the human future." Their design principles in practice is the "living machine" system, that "can be designed to produce food or fuels, treat wastes, purify air, regulate climate, or even to do all of these simultaneously." The book covers a full range of ecological designs for future human settlements, including energy usage, agriculture, community, and buildings.
(Review Resource: The Futurist v.29, September/October 1995, p.62)

Futures by Design : the Practice of Ecological Planning. Edited by Doug Aberley. Philadelphia, PA : New Society Publishers, c1994
(UALB ULIB / HD 108.6 F88X 1994)

The main goal of this book is to put forth an inspiring vision for sustainable communities and cultures, together with practical strategies that will carry society toward this visionary future. The proposed strategies include the reservation of habitats for local species at the home garden level, promotion of traditional urban development patterns, and the reduction of road densities near national parks. Reviewer of this book recommended it as a good introductory book, from which lay readers can especially benefit.
(Review Resource: Journal of the American Planning Association v.62, Summer 1996, p.403)

Beatley, Timothy. Green Urbanism : Learning from European Cities. Washington, DC : Island Press, c2000
(UALB ULIB / HT 241 B437 2000)

According to the author, green urbanism emphasizes the important role of cities and positive urbanism in shaping more sustainable places, communities, and lifestyles. This book shows examples of European cities that have already moved closer to sustainability through the implementation of specific environmentally-friendly programs and plans. It covers the case studies of 43 European cities in 12 countries. Through these samples, the author argued that Americans can learn from the European experience for sustainable cities.
(Review Source: Journal of the American Planning Association v.66 no.4, p.450-1)

How Green is the City? : Sustainability Assessment and the Management of Urban Environments. Edited by Dimitri Devuyst, with Luc Hens and Walter De Lannoy. New York : Columbia University Press, c2001
(UALB DEWEY HC 79 E5 H676 2001)

This is a collective works that describe the authors own assessment tool for a sustainable eco-city. In this book, the assessment tool has three purposes: to build on a community's assets, to restore degraded natural and human environment, and to foster planning and evaluations so that past mistakes are not repeated. This book contains somewhat professional knowledge on this issue. However, it also covers a lot of basic, useful information on eco-city, like its conceptual definition, origin and history, and real examples.
(Review Source: Planning v.68 no.3, March 2002, p.35-37)

Lyle, John Tillman. Regenerative Design for Sustainable Development. New York : John Wiley, c1994.
(UALB ULIB / OVER GE 140 L95 1994)

This book, printed on recycled paper, is about the environmental design "where, the author says, the earth and its processes join with human culture and behavior to create form." With interesting illustrations, this book describes practical applications to the essential systems of energy flow, water flow, agriculture and land use, and building design. It also talk about the cultural, social, and economic implications of regenerative systems, and speculates on the global landscape that can result from their application.
(Review Resource: Book News, Inc)

Multimedia

Video materials are good resources to see what is going on the real eco-city and ecovillage and to hear about people's experiences.

Green plans [videorecording] : documentary By John de Graaf & Jack Hamann ; a production of KCTS Seattle, with TV New Zealand and the CNN Environment Unit. Oakland, CA : The Video Project, c1995. New York : John Wiley, c1994.
(UALB ULIB IMC / Videocassettes: GE 190 N45 G74V 1995)

Green Plans takes a close look at two countries - the Netherlands and New Zealand - that have moved beyond the rhetoric toward sustainability with bold and innovative environmental programs.
(Review Resource: United Nations Association Film Festival )

Ecovillages - the Dream and the Dreamers [videorecording] : documentrary By Michal Tarkowski; a production of the general assembly of GEN-Europe in Wolimierz in Poland, July 2001
(Can be purchased from Gen Europe E-shop http://www.gen-europe.org/e-shop/)

A 30 minutes documentary film explains the concept of ecovillage and shows the heart-to-heart connections in real networking, including art performances from the "Interplanetary Ecovillage Festival" with music and theatre.

Ecovillages in Europe: a Commitment to our Future [CDroom] Edited by Agnieszka Komoch and Eduard Gonzalez, produced by GEN Europe.
(Can be purchased from Gen Europe E-shop http://www.gen-europe.org/e-shop/)

This CD Rom explains the ecovillage concept. It can guide those wanting to start an ecovillage, or live in one. 32 ecovillages and 20 networks present their activities with photos, descriptions and contacts. The CD also offers information on resources in Europe and worldwide. Apart from the descriptions, the CD contains sections about: ecovillage design and planning, economy and complementary currencies, conflict resolution, decision making, natural building, permaculture, education, etc.

Hayao Miyazaki is a famous animation director in Japan. He has focused on the retationship between human beings and nature. His wonderful works reflecte his philoshopy on Nature. His works are the best resources to make us re-think of our nature, with beautiful pictures and amazing story. His works, like My Neighbor Totoro, Pincess Mononoke, and Spritied Away, are strongly recommended for not only children, but also adult.

Reference Resources

Because there are few reference works on eco-city in particular, many of the works listed cover the broader field of environmental protection and environment science. These reference materials provide useful background information on environmentalism and natural friendly life style. These also contain reference lists that direct readers where to go for further information.

The Atlas of U.S. and Canadian Environmental History. Edited by Char Miller. New York : Routledge, 2003.
(UALB ULIB / REF GF 503 A84 2003)

This is a full-color atlas with accompanying text of the interconnected environmental history of the United States and Canada. It covers the role of environment in human society, ranging from the pre-colonial era to the present. The text includes over 100 signed articles with a brief bibliography and either a map, a photograph, or a table.
(Review Resource: Library Journal v.128 no.14, September 1 2003, p.151)

Earth Works: Recommended fiction and nonfiction about nature and the environment for adults and young adults. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 1996
(ILL / LC: GE 105 or Z5863.P6)

This bibliography is a guide to the books about nature and the environment for adults and young adults. As a professional librarian, the author covers both fiction and nonfiction. In addition to this, this is one of the most user friendly bibliographies, which I have seen. There is an easy guideline to use this book. Because various classification schemes are applied to organize each entry, users can find out books directly according to their interests and ages.
(Review Resource: Booklist v.92, April 15 1996, p.1458)

Axelrod, Alan. The Environmentalists : A Biographical Dictionary from the 17th Century to the Present. New York : Facts on File, c1993
(UALB SCIENCE / REF S 926 A2 A94 1993)

This biographical dictionary includes individuals and organizations that have written about the environment and environmental problems, have been active in movements to save the environment, or have generally been interested in the environment and conservation issues. This provides approximately 600 short biographical sketches of organizations and personalities from the seventeenth century to the present. It contains "villains" as well as "heroes."
(Review Resource: Booklist v.90 (December 15 1993) p.776)

Becher, Anne. American Environmental Leaders : from Colonial times to the Present. Santa Barbara, Calif. : ABC-CLIO, c2000.
(UALB SCIENCE / REF Collection: GE 55 B43 2000)

This is a very readable and engaging biographical reference on more than 350 American environmental leaders. Most are currently active, although there are also some historical figures from the last 300 years. The author is also an environmental writer. This bibliography contains profiles from the famous environmentalists, to the not-so-famous people, like organic gardening pioneer, to ordinary citizens, and to celebrities.
(Review Resource: Library Journal (1976) v.126 no.2, February 1 2001, p.80)

World Directory of Environmental Organizations. Claremont, Calif. : Published for the International Program of the Sierra Club by Public Affairs Clearinghouse.
(UALB SCIENCE REF: S 920 W67)

The World Directory of Environmental Organizations is a guide to governmental and nongovernmental organizations and programs concerned with protecting the earth's resources. It covers national and international organizations throughout the world. There is an online version of a book. It describes hundreds of international organizations and programs, and includes listings for well over a thousand groups in all the world's countries and territories.
(On-line Resource http://www.interenvironment.org/wd/)

Conservation and Environmentalism : an Encyclopedia. Editor, Robert Paehlke. New York : Garland Pub., 1995
(UALB ULIB / REF: GE 10 C68 1995)

The contributors to this multi-disciplinary work were experts from more than 20 countries in this field of science, humanities, and social science. The 500 individual entries covers global issues on conservation efforts, studies of species, treaties, energy-use, biographies of individuals, and governmental organizations. These reflect many environmental concerns.
(Review Resource: Library Journal v.120, December 1995, p.88)

Environmental Encyclopedia. Detroit : Gale Research, c1994-
(UALB ULIB / REF: GE 10 E65X)

This encyclopedia provides the definitions and articles on every aspect of the broad, interdisciplinary field of environmental studies. Each entry is easy to read, written in relatively non-technical language, and has several interesting pictures and maps.
(Review Resource: Booklist v. 90, May 15 1994, p. 1714)

International Encyclopedia of Environmental Politics. Edited by John Barry and E. Gene Frankland. London ; New York : Routledge, 2002
(UALB DEWEY/ REF: GE 170 I55 2002)

This encyclopedia is intended to serve as an introduction and resource of environmental politics with an interdisciplinary approach. The 500 articles were written by 160 scholars from around the world cover a wide variety of topics, including in-depth coverage of key environmental issues, analysis of important movements, biographies of significant individuals, definitions, treaties, and so forth.
(Review Resource: Reference & User Services Quarterly v.42 no.2 (Winter 2002) p.175)

Stevenson, L. Harold,1940- The Facts on File Dictionary of Environmental Science New York : Facts on File, c2001.
(UALB SCIENCE / REF: TD 9 S74 2001)

This is a concise, easy to read dictionary of terms used in the field of environmental science. It covers includes over 4,000 terms. Although it focuses on more scientific aspects, it is useful to get some basic information on environment related concepts and terms.

Gilpin, Alan. Dictionary of Environment and Sustainable Development. Chichester ; New York : Wiley, c1996
(UALB ULIB / REF: HC 79 E5 G518 1996)

This handy dictionary covers the terms related to the environment and development. The author focuses on the environmental concerns raised from many progressive steps for developing. Although several terms require some professional knowledge to understand, each entry is easy to read and pretty understandable.

The Green Pages : Your Everyday Shopping Guide to Environmentally Safe Products. The Bennett Information Group. New York : Random House, c1990
(UALB ULIB / REF: TD 171.7 G74 1990)

Although this book is somewhat outdated, it is still interesting and valuable to look at. This is a guidebook on how to be friendly to the earth. The Green Pages offers assistance in purchasing green products in supermarkets and natural food stores. There are eight chapters: laundry, kitchen, nursery, bathroom, broom closet, workshop, yard/pets, and garage. Each chapter describes the major environmental issues that green consumers should be tackling and contains a list of environmentally safe products.

Journal

Alternatives Journal. Waterloo, Ont.: Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Waterloo, 1996- quarterly.
(ILL / URL http://www.alternativesjournal.ca/alts.htm)

This independent Canadian environmental journal is published by Alternatives Inc., a nonprofit charitable organization. Its aim is to promote understanding and dialogue among scholars, professionals, activists and students concerned about the environment.

The International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology. London ; New York : Parthenon Pub. Group, 1994-
(ONLINE Periodicals / Full text available online from 2003, EBSCO Academic Search Premier / Content list available online from http://www.parthpub.com/susdev/home.html)

This international journal provides a forum for report and discussion of issues and ideas surrounding the important concepts of sustainable development in aspects of ecology, economics and sociology related to sustainable development and world resources.

The WorldWatch Institute has become a trusted provider of environmental information on climate, energy production, biodiversity, population, water resources, and trade. This magazine contains articles and short notes of important worldwide economic and social issues pertaining to environmental degradation and conservation.

Sustainable Development Success Stories. United Nations, Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development. New York : Division for Sustainable Development, 1990s-
(UALB ULIB HC 79 E5 S852 / Online version available from http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/success.htm)

These success stories are collected and presented to the Commission on Sustainable Development, since 1997, to help share positive experiences and encourage information about sustainable development.

Internet Resources

"The Global Ecovillage Network is a global confederation of people and communities that meet and share their ideas, exchange technologies, develop cultural and educational exchanges, directories and newsletters, and are dedicated to restoring the land and living "sustainable plus" lives by putting more back into the environment than we take out."

This website provides information on this organization, geographical directory of ecovillage, activities in ecovillage, how to participate in, and sustainability-related resources.

Ecovillage at Ithaca is the one ecovillage, located in the New York State. It is an intentional community and a non-profit organization. This website contains diverse information on its history, news, education methos, the life in this place with interesting pictures, and participation process for prospective residents.

EcoCity Cleveland is a nonprofit environmental planning organization that promotes the design of cities in balance with nature in Northeast Ohio. This well organized website covers a lot of detail information on the re-developing cities in ecological way (Transportation, Buildings, Housing, Health and so on) and the ecological city design projects in Cleveland.

Urban Ecology US was founded in 1975 by visionary architects and activists who believed that cities should serve both people and nature. This organization makes a plan and designs cities that sustain the people, natural resources, and economy necessary for everyone to thrive. This website is a good resource to know about the previous and current projects for sustainable cities in U.S.

Ecocity Builders is a non-profit organization dedicated to reshaping cities, towns and villages for long term health of human and natural systems. This visual website covers the organization introduction, Ecological Urban Design Consulting, conference, project and event information. It also has a lot of beautiful illustrations to stimulate visitors' interests.

Urban Ecology Australia is committed to the transformation of human settlements into eco-cities, vibrant, equitable, ecologically sustaining and economically viable communities. Although this website focuses on the eco-city cases in Australia, it contains useful basic information on the concept and specific methods of eco-city. It also provides diverse links to other organizations and groups.

ECOTECTURE is an electronic resource center, which focuses on aspects of the ecological design field such as the re-design of cities for better ecological performance, sustainable agriculture, ecological housing, and alternative energy. This organization uploads new articles and graphics to some areas of the site. This website functions as a small library in this topic. Visitor can find out interesting writings and pictures through this website.


Intro	Subject Headings	Browsing	Abbreviation	Contact Info
Books	Multimedia	Reference	Journal	Internet
Eco-City and Our Future This pathfinder was originally created by Sarah Kim as a class project for ISP 605, Information Sources and Services (Instructor: Barbara Via), School of Information Science and Policy, University at Albany in December 9, 2004. Introduction The current status of environmental problems is more serious than we think. It is very important to pay attention to environmental issues and find out ways of harmonious living with nature. Eco-city is a relatively new concept that brings ideas together from different disciplines such as urban planning, transportation, health, housing, energy, economic development, natural habitats, public participation, and social justice. There are other terms used today in a similar context: eco-village, eco-society, and green urbanism. Basically, these terms share the fundamental philsophy to reduce negative impacts of human beings on environment and live in a more nature friendly way. Eco-city movement focuses on building sustainable cities and alternative societies. The vision of this movement is to create a more harmonious and satisfying future for both nature and human beings. This pathfinder is primarily designed for all members of the University at Albany who are interested in eco-city development and who want to participate in ecovillage living. The goal of this pathfinder is profiding information about what Eco-city is, purpose and vision of this movement, and what people do in ecovillages worldwide. Resources selected will cover both entry level and professional level information on eco-living issue. I hope these resources can help readers develop their knowledge on this topic gradually. The expected audiences include students, faculty and alumni members, and university staff. Most of the items are available at the University Library with given call numbers. I also include a couple of particularly relevant works that are not available in the University Library. These items are available through the Inter-Library Loan service. I provide the Library of congress classification numbers of these outside items. Back to Top Subject Headings In general the Library of Congress Subject Headings is a usseful tool for starting research on particular topics. However, there are no subject headings exactly match with "eco-city." Since "eco-city" is an interdisciplinary concept, it is hard to categorize it into one field. Thus I recommend to use following subject headings for searching materials related to "eco-city." City planning -- Environmental aspects. Community development -- Environmental aspects. Collective settlements -- Environmental aspects. Communal living -- Environmental aspects. Environmental policy. Environmental protection -- Citizen participation. Human ecology. Sustainable development. Villages -- Environmental aspects. Urban ecology. Back to Top Browsing Areas The following ranges of call numbers represent areas where materials of "eco-city" are located in library selves. (Library of Congress Classification) H Social Science HC 79.E5 Sustainable development. Environmental policy and economic development HD 75.6 Environmental models, Economic development HM 761 Community life HM 766 Community organization HT 241 Urban Ecology HT 101 Urban Sociology G Geography Maps Anthropology Recreation GE 195 + Environmentalism. Green movement GF 51 Human ecology, Environmental influence on humans Back to Top Abbreviations and Locations UALB ULIB University at Albany Main Library Building UALB SCIENCE University at Albany Science Library Building UALB DEWEY University at Albany Dewey Graduate Library REF Reference Section OVER Oversized Books ILL Item is not in University at Albany libraries and must be obtained through Inter-library loan LC: Library of Congress Classification Number IMC Interactive Media Center ONLINE Periodicals Item is available through the online. Back to Top Books Sellected books are listed in an alphabetical order of the title. Subject headings added in the item description part can be used for further research. Images of each book/journal cover are retrieved through the World cat, the Cleveland public library catalog, the Amazon.com. and the publisher's website. Cities and the Environment: New Approaches for Eco-societies. Edited by Takashi Inoguchi, Edward Newman, and Glen Paoletto. Tokyo ; New York : United Nations University Press, c1999 (UALB ULIB / HT 241 C56X 1999) This work is based on papers presented at a United Nations University sponsored conference. This conference was held in Tokyo during May 1998 and it brought together a varied group of specialists to focus on ways of achieving eco-societies and eco-partnership. This book provides examples on eco-society worldwide and shows diverse opinions and challenges of eco-society. Each works is categorized into three sections: Frameworks for eco-partnerships, Partnerships in action, and International and future dimensions. (Review Resource: Urban Studies v.38 no.8, July 2001, p.1397-9) Cities and towns -- Growth -- Environmental aspects. Environmental degradation. Sustainable development. Urban ecology. Seo, Danny. Conscious Style Home: Eco-friendly living for the 21st century. New York : St. Martin's Press, 2001 (ILL / LC: TX 303) In this pictorial book, as a leading environmentalist, Seo transforms his parent's suburban house in an Earth-friendly manner. That means an uncluttered house, free of trash and unwanted items, and recycled paint, old-fashioned linoleum floors, and wood such as tanoak and heart maple, which are produced by responsible logging. He also offers several tips for cheap and nature friendly decorations like using stones, leaves, and beach-found objects in place of expensive decorative accessories. (Review Resource: Booklist v.98 no.6, November 15 2001, p.532) Dwellings -- Environmental aspects. Dwellings -- Remodeling. Home economics. Household ecology. Interior decoration. Sustainable buildings -- Design and construction. Christian, Diana Leafe. Creating a Life Together: Practical Tools to Grow Ecovillages and Intentional Communities. Gabriola Island, BC : New Society Publishers, 2003 (ILL / LC: HM 766) Reviewer of this book says that "it is a valuable book, written with passion, insight, understanding, experience, and wit." The author, Diana Leafe Christian, lives in Earth haven Ecovillage, in North Carolina, and this book is based on complex issues which she has faced to personally. This book provides step-by-step practical information distilled from numerous firsthand sources on how to establish an intentional community. (Review Resource: Utopian Studies v.14 no.2, p.152-3) Collective settlements. Community organization. Housing, Cooperative. Social groups. Social participation. Pearson, David. Earth to Spirit. San Francisco : Chronicle Books, 1995 (ILL / LC: GT 176) This book is the record of a personal search for architecture that is in harmony with nature. This book covers nature friendly architectures founded in ancestral archetypes and current architecture trend. This book contains plenty of good pictures taken by the author. Pearson David is a London-based architect. This book will be useful to trigger a general reader's interest in this topic. (Review Resource: Library Journal v.120, April 15 1995, p.72) Dwellings -- Environmental aspects. Dwellings -- Religious aspects. Vernacular architecture -- Environmental aspects. Vernacular architecture -- Religious aspects. Archibugi, Franco. The Ecological City and the City Effect : Essays on the Urban Planning Requirements for the Sustainable City. England ; Brookfield, Vermont : Ashgate Publishing Ltd., c1997 (UALB ULIB / HT 241 A72 1997) Franco Archibugi is an Italian author of many books and papers on socio-economic, environmental and urban planning. He is a professor of economic programming and strategic planning at the Post-graduate School of Public Administration of Rome. This book is about the relationship between environmental degradation and inadequate urban and land planning. The author focuses on the urban eco-systems concept in order to implement a conjunction between urban planning and ecology. This book is good to see a different perspective in the sustainable city planning. City planning -- Environmental aspects. Sustainable development. Urban ecology. Bernard, Ted. The Ecology of Hope : Communities Collaborate for Sustainability. Gabriola Island, B.C., Canada ; East Haven, CT : New Society Publishers, 1997 (ILL / LC: HC 110 E5) I found out several touching sentences in the introduction part, which show the overall characteristics of this book. "The book you have just opened is a book of stories. The stories are about rivers and mountains, oceans and cities. There are fishers and farmers, brilliant leaders, and shy wood people in these stories. Some part of the stories took place long ago, many others are still being written. All are about one thing: real people trying to live more sustainable in their home place" Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- United States -- Case studies. Sustainable development -- United States -- Case studies. Ecovillage living : restoring the earth and her people. Edited by Hildur Jackson and Karen Svensson. Dartington, Totnes, Devon : Green Books ; Holte, Denmark : In association with Gaia Trust ; Distributed in the USA by Chelsea Green, 2002 (UALB ULIB / OVER GE 195.7 E37X 2002) The ecovillage vision is born out of diverse experiments, providing solutions for the destructive society. "Ecovillages are basically a matter of living on the Earth with respect for all beings and natural systems." This colorful book consists of articles about real experiences of different people in ecovillages around the world. This book also contains a lot of interesting pictures and illustration, and a list of diverse resources on ecovillage. This book will provide useful and readable introductory information to general reader both who is interested in this topic and who is not familiar with this topic. Collective settlements -- Environmental aspects. Communal living -- Environmental aspects. Community development -- Environmental aspects. Deep ecology. Environmentalism. Green movement. Human ecology. Sustainable development. Villages -- Environmental aspects. Todd, Nancy Jack. From Eco-Cities to Living Machines: Precepts for Ecological Design. Berkeley, Calif. : North Atlantic Books, 1994 (ILL / LC: GF 50) This book is an update version of the authors 1984 book, Bioshelters, Ocean Arks, City Farming. As ecological designers, the authors say that sustainable ecological design is one of "the few promising epistemologies for the human future." Their design principles in practice is the "living machine" system, that "can be designed to produce food or fuels, treat wastes, purify air, regulate climate, or even to do all of these simultaneously." The book covers a full range of ecological designs for future human settlements, including energy usage, agriculture, community, and buildings. (Review Resource: The Futurist v.29, September/October 1995, p.62) Architecture, Domestic -- Environmental aspects. Bioengineering. Fish-culture. Human ecology. Organic farming. Futures by Design : the Practice of Ecological Planning. Edited by Doug Aberley. Philadelphia, PA : New Society Publishers, c1994 (UALB ULIB / HD 108.6 F88X 1994) The main goal of this book is to put forth an inspiring vision for sustainable communities and cultures, together with practical strategies that will carry society toward this visionary future. The proposed strategies include the reservation of habitats for local species at the home garden level, promotion of traditional urban development patterns, and the reduction of road densities near national parks. Reviewer of this book recommended it as a good introductory book, from which lay readers can especially benefit. (Review Resource: Journal of the American Planning Association v.62, Summer 1996, p.403) Environmental impact analysis. Human ecology. Land use -- Planning -- Environmental aspects. Urbanization -- Environmental aspects. Beatley, Timothy. Green Urbanism : Learning from European Cities. Washington, DC : Island Press, c2000 (UALB ULIB / HT 241 B437 2000) According to the author, green urbanism emphasizes the important role of cities and positive urbanism in shaping more sustainable places, communities, and lifestyles. This book shows examples of European cities that have already moved closer to sustainability through the implementation of specific environmentally-friendly programs and plans. It covers the case studies of 43 European cities in 12 countries. Through these samples, the author argued that Americans can learn from the European experience for sustainable cities. (Review Source: Journal of the American Planning Association v.66 no.4, p.450-1) City planning -- Environmental aspects. Sustainable development. Urban ecology. How Green is the City? : Sustainability Assessment and the Management of Urban Environments. Edited by Dimitri Devuyst, with Luc Hens and Walter De Lannoy. New York : Columbia University Press, c2001 (UALB DEWEY HC 79 E5 H676 2001) This is a collective works that describe the authors own assessment tool for a sustainable eco-city. In this book, the assessment tool has three purposes: to build on a community's assets, to restore degraded natural and human environment, and to foster planning and evaluations so that past mistakes are not repeated. This book contains somewhat professional knowledge on this issue. However, it also covers a lot of basic, useful information on eco-city, like its conceptual definition, origin and history, and real examples. (Review Source: Planning v.68 no.3, March 2002, p.35-37) Sustainable development. Urban ecology. Urban economics -- Social aspects. Lyle, John Tillman. Regenerative Design for Sustainable Development. New York : John Wiley, c1994. (UALB ULIB / OVER GE 140 L95 1994) This book, printed on recycled paper, is about the environmental design "where, the author says, the earth and its processes join with human culture and behavior to create form." With interesting illustrations, this book describes practical applications to the essential systems of energy flow, water flow, agriculture and land use, and building design. It also talk about the cultural, social, and economic implications of regenerative systems, and speculates on the global landscape that can result from their application. (Review Resource: Book News, Inc) Environmental degradation. Environmental policy. Sustainable development. Back to Top Multimedia Video materials are good resources to see what is going on the real eco-city and ecovillage and to hear about people's experiences. Green plans [videorecording] : documentary By John de Graaf & Jack Hamann ; a production of KCTS Seattle, with TV New Zealand and the CNN Environment Unit. Oakland, CA : The Video Project, c1995. New York : John Wiley, c1994. (UALB ULIB IMC / Videocassettes: GE 190 N45 G74V 1995) Green Plans takes a close look at two countries - the Netherlands and New Zealand - that have moved beyond the rhetoric toward sustainability with bold and innovative environmental programs. (Review Resource: United Nations Association Film Festival ) Environmental policy -- Netherlands. Environmental policy -- New Zealand. Sustainable development Ecovillages - the Dream and the Dreamers [videorecording] : documentrary By Michal Tarkowski; a production of the general assembly of GEN-Europe in Wolimierz in Poland, July 2001 (Can be purchased from Gen Europe E-shop http://www.gen-europe.org/e-shop/) A 30 minutes documentary film explains the concept of ecovillage and shows the heart-to-heart connections in real networking, including art performances from the "Interplanetary Ecovillage Festival" with music and theatre. Ecovillages in Europe: a Commitment to our Future [CDroom] Edited by Agnieszka Komoch and Eduard Gonzalez, produced by GEN Europe. (Can be purchased from Gen Europe E-shop http://www.gen-europe.org/e-shop/) This CD Rom explains the ecovillage concept. It can guide those wanting to start an ecovillage, or live in one. 32 ecovillages and 20 networks present their activities with photos, descriptions and contacts. The CD also offers information on resources in Europe and worldwide. Apart from the descriptions, the CD contains sections about: ecovillage design and planning, economy and complementary currencies, conflict resolution, decision making, natural building, permaculture, education, etc. Hayao Miyazaki, Japanese Animation Film (http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki) Hayao Miyazaki is a famous animation director in Japan. He has focused on the retationship between human beings and nature. His wonderful works reflecte his philoshopy on Nature. His works are the best resources to make us re-think of our nature, with beautiful pictures and amazing story. His works, like My Neighbor Totoro, Pincess Mononoke, and Spritied Away, are strongly recommended for not only children, but also adult. Back to Top Reference Resources Atlas \| Bibliography \| Biography \| Directory \| Encyclopedia and Dictionary \| Handbook Because there are few reference works on eco-city in particular, many of the works listed cover the broader field of environmental protection and environment science. These reference materials provide useful background information on environmentalism and natural friendly life style. These also contain reference lists that direct readers where to go for further information. Atlas The Atlas of U.S. and Canadian Environmental History. Edited by Char Miller. New York : Routledge, 2003. (UALB ULIB / REF GF 503 A84 2003) This is a full-color atlas with accompanying text of the interconnected environmental history of the United States and Canada. It covers the role of environment in human society, ranging from the pre-colonial era to the present. The text includes over 100 signed articles with a brief bibliography and either a map, a photograph, or a table. (Review Resource: Library Journal v.128 no.14, September 1 2003, p.151) Back to Top Bibliography Earth Works: Recommended fiction and nonfiction about nature and the environment for adults and young adults. New York: Neal-Schuman Publishers, 1996 (ILL / LC: GE 105 or Z5863.P6) This bibliography is a guide to the books about nature and the environment for adults and young adults. As a professional librarian, the author covers both fiction and nonfiction. In addition to this, this is one of the most user friendly bibliographies, which I have seen. There is an easy guideline to use this book. Because various classification schemes are applied to organize each entry, users can find out books directly according to their interests and ages. (Review Resource: Booklist v.92, April 15 1996, p.1458) Back to Top Biography Axelrod, Alan. The Environmentalists : A Biographical Dictionary from the 17th Century to the Present. New York : Facts on File, c1993 (UALB SCIENCE / REF S 926 A2 A94 1993) This biographical dictionary includes individuals and organizations that have written about the environment and environmental problems, have been active in movements to save the environment, or have generally been interested in the environment and conservation issues. This provides approximately 600 short biographical sketches of organizations and personalities from the seventeenth century to the present. It contains "villains" as well as "heroes." (Review Resource: Booklist v.90 (December 15 1993) p.776) Becher, Anne. American Environmental Leaders : from Colonial times to the Present. Santa Barbara, Calif. : ABC-CLIO, c2000. (UALB SCIENCE / REF Collection: GE 55 B43 2000) This is a very readable and engaging biographical reference on more than 350 American environmental leaders. Most are currently active, although there are also some historical figures from the last 300 years. The author is also an environmental writer. This bibliography contains profiles from the famous environmentalists, to the not-so-famous people, like organic gardening pioneer, to ordinary citizens, and to celebrities. (Review Resource: Library Journal (1976) v.126 no.2, February 1 2001, p.80) Back to Top Directory World Directory of Environmental Organizations. Claremont, Calif. : Published for the International Program of the Sierra Club by Public Affairs Clearinghouse. (UALB SCIENCE REF: S 920 W67) The World Directory of Environmental Organizations is a guide to governmental and nongovernmental organizations and programs concerned with protecting the earth's resources. It covers national and international organizations throughout the world. There is an online version of a book. It describes hundreds of international organizations and programs, and includes listings for well over a thousand groups in all the world's countries and territories. (On-line Resource http://www.interenvironment.org/wd/) Back to Top Encyclopedia and Dictionary Conservation and Environmentalism : an Encyclopedia. Editor, Robert Paehlke. New York : Garland Pub., 1995 (UALB ULIB / REF: GE 10 C68 1995) The contributors to this multi-disciplinary work were experts from more than 20 countries in this field of science, humanities, and social science. The 500 individual entries covers global issues on conservation efforts, studies of species, treaties, energy-use, biographies of individuals, and governmental organizations. These reflect many environmental concerns. (Review Resource: Library Journal v.120, December 1995, p.88) Environmental Encyclopedia. Detroit : Gale Research, c1994- (UALB ULIB / REF: GE 10 E65X) This encyclopedia provides the definitions and articles on every aspect of the broad, interdisciplinary field of environmental studies. Each entry is easy to read, written in relatively non-technical language, and has several interesting pictures and maps. (Review Resource: Booklist v. 90, May 15 1994, p. 1714) International Encyclopedia of Environmental Politics. Edited by John Barry and E. Gene Frankland. London ; New York : Routledge, 2002 (UALB DEWEY/ REF: GE 170 I55 2002) This encyclopedia is intended to serve as an introduction and resource of environmental politics with an interdisciplinary approach. The 500 articles were written by 160 scholars from around the world cover a wide variety of topics, including in-depth coverage of key environmental issues, analysis of important movements, biographies of significant individuals, definitions, treaties, and so forth. (Review Resource: Reference & User Services Quarterly v.42 no.2 (Winter 2002) p.175) Stevenson, L. Harold,1940- The Facts on File Dictionary of Environmental Science New York : Facts on File, c2001. (UALB SCIENCE / REF: TD 9 S74 2001) This is a concise, easy to read dictionary of terms used in the field of environmental science. It covers includes over 4,000 terms. Although it focuses on more scientific aspects, it is useful to get some basic information on environment related concepts and terms. Gilpin, Alan. Dictionary of Environment and Sustainable Development. Chichester ; New York : Wiley, c1996 (UALB ULIB / REF: HC 79 E5 G518 1996) This handy dictionary covers the terms related to the environment and development. The author focuses on the environmental concerns raised from many progressive steps for developing. Although several terms require some professional knowledge to understand, each entry is easy to read and pretty understandable. Back to Top Handbook The Green Pages : Your Everyday Shopping Guide to Environmentally Safe Products. The Bennett Information Group. New York : Random House, c1990 (UALB ULIB / REF: TD 171.7 G74 1990) Although this book is somewhat outdated, it is still interesting and valuable to look at. This is a guidebook on how to be friendly to the earth. The Green Pages offers assistance in purchasing green products in supermarkets and natural food stores. There are eight chapters: laundry, kitchen, nursery, bathroom, broom closet, workshop, yard/pets, and garage. Each chapter describes the major environmental issues that green consumers should be tackling and contains a list of environmentally safe products. Back to Top Journal Alternatives Journal. Waterloo, Ont.: Faculty of Environmental Studies, University of Waterloo, 1996- quarterly. (ILL / URL http://www.alternativesjournal.ca/alts.htm) This independent Canadian environmental journal is published by Alternatives Inc., a nonprofit charitable organization. Its aim is to promote understanding and dialogue among scholars, professionals, activists and students concerned about the environment. The International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology. London ; New York : Parthenon Pub. Group, 1994- (ONLINE Periodicals / Full text available online from 2003, EBSCO Academic Search Premier / Content list available online from http://www.parthpub.com/susdev/home.html) This international journal provides a forum for report and discussion of issues and ideas surrounding the important concepts of sustainable development in aspects of ecology, economics and sociology related to sustainable development and world resources. World Watch. Washington, D.C. : Worldwatch Institute, 1988- (ILL / URL http://www.worldwatch.org/pubs/mag/) The WorldWatch Institute has become a trusted provider of environmental information on climate, energy production, biodiversity, population, water resources, and trade. This magazine contains articles and short notes of important worldwide economic and social issues pertaining to environmental degradation and conservation. Sustainable Development Success Stories. United Nations, Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development. New York : Division for Sustainable Development, 1990s- (UALB ULIB HC 79 E5 S852 / Online version available from http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/success.htm) These success stories are collected and presented to the Commission on Sustainable Development, since 1997, to help share positive experiences and encourage information about sustainable development. Back to Top Internet Resources The Global Ecovillage Network (GEN) http://gen.ecovillage.org/ "The Global Ecovillage Network is a global confederation of people and communities that meet and share their ideas, exchange technologies, develop cultural and educational exchanges, directories and newsletters, and are dedicated to restoring the land and living "sustainable plus" lives by putting more back into the environment than we take out." This website provides information on this organization, geographical directory of ecovillage, activities in ecovillage, how to participate in, and sustainability-related resources. There are three broad regional categories of ecovillage network. GEN Europe and Africa http://www.gen-europe.org/ GEN Europe and Africa actively support the development of ecovillages and networks in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. GEN Oceania and Asia http://genoa.ecovillage.org/ The GEN Oceania & Asia covers the region from Australia through the Pacific to Hawaii, and through Asia. The Ecovillage Network of Americas http://ena.ecovillage.org/English/index.html The Ecovillage Network of Americas support the peoples of the Americas to join the global transformation towards an ecologically, economically, and culturally sustainable future. Ecovillage at Ithaca, New York http://www.ecovillage.ithaca.ny.us/ Ecovillage at Ithaca is the one ecovillage, located in the New York State. It is an intentional community and a non-profit organization. This website contains diverse information on its history, news, education methos, the life in this place with interesting pictures, and participation process for prospective residents. EcoCity Cleveland http://www.ecocitycleveland.org EcoCity Cleveland is a nonprofit environmental planning organization that promotes the design of cities in balance with nature in Northeast Ohio. This well organized website covers a lot of detail information on the re-developing cities in ecological way (Transportation, Buildings, Housing, Health and so on) and the ecological city design projects in Cleveland. Urban Ecology US http://www.urbanecology.org/index.htm Urban Ecology US was founded in 1975 by visionary architects and activists who believed that cities should serve both people and nature. This organization makes a plan and designs cities that sustain the people, natural resources, and economy necessary for everyone to thrive. This website is a good resource to know about the previous and current projects for sustainable cities in U.S. Ecocity Builders http://www.ecocitybuilders.org/ Ecocity Builders is a non-profit organization dedicated to reshaping cities, towns and villages for long term health of human and natural systems. This visual website covers the organization introduction, Ecological Urban Design Consulting, conference, project and event information. It also has a lot of beautiful illustrations to stimulate visitors' interests. Urban Ecology Australia http://www.urbanecology.org.au/ Urban Ecology Australia is committed to the transformation of human settlements into eco-cities, vibrant, equitable, ecologically sustaining and economically viable communities. Although this website focuses on the eco-city cases in Australia, it contains useful basic information on the concept and specific methods of eco-city. It also provides diverse links to other organizations and groups. ECOTECTURE http://www.ecotecture.com/index.html ECOTECTURE is an electronic resource center, which focuses on aspects of the ecological design field such as the re-design of cities for better ecological performance, sustainable agriculture, ecological housing, and alternative energy. This organization uploads new articles and graphics to some areas of the site. This website functions as a small library in this topic. Visitor can find out interesting writings and pictures through this website. Back to Top

Eco-City and Our Future