National News
The New York Times and Sustainability Issues
A Threat So Big, Academics Try Collaboration
By CLAUDIA H. DEUTSCH, December 25, 2007
It is a basic tenet of university research: Economists conduct joint studies, chemists join forces in the laboratory, political scientists share ideas about other cultures — but rarely do the researchers cross disciplinary lines. The political landscape of academia, combined with the fight for grant money, has always fostered competition far more than collaboration.
A Bag Problem Blossoms
EDITORIAL, December 3, 2007
"Now that the leaves have finally fallen, a new decoration becomes more visible on the nation’s many deciduous trees: those plastic bags that float high into tree limbs and flutter noisily with each autumn breeze. Despite this unappealing vision, a ban of all plastic bags would be hard to champion, although the earth would be a greener and healthier place without them. What this unsightly airborne litter does offer is an opportunity for industry and consumers to think a lot harder about how much such convenience is costing the planet."
Going Green, Luxuriously
By Lionel Beehner, December 2, 2007
"If the ski industry has a buzzword this season, it's “green.” Yes, all those snowmaking guns and high-speed lifts soak up untold amounts of energy, but thanks to eco-friendly capital improvements, skiers can schuss down the mountain this winter with a somewhat clearer conscience. Snow guns are using oil-free air compressors, mountaintop restaurants are being powered by solar panels, and carbon offsets can be purchased as part of your lift ticket. Ignore the S.U.V.'s crammed in the parking lot, and skiing might also seem like a sustainable sport..." View entire article...
Resorts Prepare for a Future Without Skis
By Gisela Williams, Dec. 2, 2007
"The sun was glaring down on the Swiss Alps. Bronzed 30-somethings in designer sunglasses and tight Tshirts were draped over extra-large lounge chairs that lined the deck. Euro-pop music played from multiple speakers as fetching young waiters served expensive bottles of Champagne and cheese plates. It might have been August at a Nikki Beach Club — except for the splotches of snow, mountain vistas and overworked snow machines..." View entire article...