Cities have reached out to destroy the sources of their existence. Millions of acres of farmland yield to suburb, manufacturing, and highway yearly. Life persists on a treelimb whose trunk is being killed. Control of natural resources passes to fewer corporations, which thus control our work options and cost of living. People flee cities and create the same problems elsewhere.
This can change. By transforming urban supply systems, cities can return to nature what they use. These processes can be controlled by citizens, primarily in neighborhoods. Environmentally sound communities can promise better-quality food and shelter at less cost; more joyous family, friendship and sex relations; and meaningful work for all.
GREEN YOUR CITY Bioregional possibilities for Los Angeles are very different than those for New York City, Mexico City, Berlin or Bombay. Each city will find architecture and technology best suited to their climate, regional resources, topography, and cultures. Citizen Planners are dedicated to principles such as those presented here.
OTHER BOOKS BY GLOVER • HOMETOWN MONEY: How to Enrich Your Community with Local Currency • HEALTH DEMOCRACY: Liberating Americans from Medical Insurance • DEEP GREEN JOBS • HOW TO TAKE POWER • GREEN JOBS PHILLY Glover is available for speaking and workshops in your community.
CHECK THESE OUT TOO: Architecture without Architects by Bernard Rudofsky Carfree Cities by J.H. Crawford Dwellers in the Land: the Bioregional Vision by Kirkpatrick Sale Earth Sheltered Housing Design by Underground Space Center Earthship by Michael Reynolds Ecocities by Richard Regster Ecotopia and Ecotopia Emerging by Ernest Callenbach The Edible City by Richard Britz From Eco-cities to Living Machines by John Todd
Going Local by Michael Shuman Permaculture I and II by Bill Mollison Self-Relinant Cities by David Morris