Biomarkers

http://money.cnn.com/2010/03/10/real_estate/green_homes_redlight/index.htm?hpt=T2

Here is an interesting article on green residential houses and how appraisers are undervaluing green technology. This results in banks only accepting home loans at a fraction of the construction cost. Thus, without significant money down, people cannot afford the houses. A consequence is that developers are only building with the lowest cost green options. Is this good or bad for the country as a whole?

The last paragraph, especially the last sentence, of the article is the most interesting:

"As more American homeowners green their homes, there will be more and more of a premium paid for green homes," said Ben Kaufman, GreenWork's founder. "I can imagine a miles-per-gallon type sticker on homes for sale and the marketplace will absolutely favor fuel-efficient homes."

The Human Life Project would like to indentify and promote the use of "biomarkers" within communities. Biomarkers would collect data and notify the community of healthy or unhealthy patterns. As a simple example, consider a buoy in the water with a light on top. When the light is green, the water is safe to swim in. When the light is red, the water is not safe to swim in. In the case of green homes, Kaufman's idea of a energy-efficient sticker that comes with the sale of the house offers a biomarker to alert future homeowners.

What biomarkers do people think would make good indicators for the sustainability of the community? For example, categories such as nature might include air quality and renewable energy. Harder to measure categories under social indictors might include family stability, quality of relationships, and effectiveness of community leadership.

Post by the Staff of the Human Life Project

Sliding vs. Deciding

Dr. Scott Stanley has been doing some interesting research that he calls Sliding vs. Deciding ™ (http://slidingvsdeciding.blogspot.com). The general concept is related to how one moves from a cohabitating relationship to being married. Dr. Stanley states that those that make the conscious decision to get married have a better chance of staying married. Conversely, those that "slide" into marriage are more likely to get a divorce. Thus, the longevity of the relationship is based, in part, on making the conscious decision to be in the relationship, instead of just "going with the flow".

One of the goals of the Human Life Project is to find and implement patterns that lead to building truly sustainable communities. One thought is that long term relationships translates into more stable communities.

In future postings, we will try to discuss "Commitment Levels" and the impact on relationships. For now, do readers of this blog have any thoughts on how committed long term relationships (or lack of commitment) impact the community?

Another interesting thought is applying Sliding vs. Deciding concepts to other aspects of our life. For example:
- Consciously deciding how many hours to work vs. sliding into a situation of working many hours of overtime
- Consciously deciding how much TV time the kids are allowed vs. sliding into the situation in which they watch TV many hours a day

Post by the Staff of the Human Life Project

Handprint Denver

Denver is already benefiting from two existing documents: Blueprint Denver and Greenprint Denver that outline improvements to the urban and natural environment. While not on the drawing boards yet, Handprint Denver would complement by adding the social dimension that sustains the city.

As a starting point, Denver has a number of impressive programs such as: Denver Preschool Program, Denver Health, and Building a Better Denver. Handprint Denver would be instrumental in showcasing existing programs and recommending new social initiatives.

Handprint Denver would have an overriding theme of care for every resident with a special emphasis on addressing the needs of families. The scope of Handprint Denver could encompass education, health care, provisions, safety, and culture.

Goals:
- Improve educational oppertunities for children and youth
- Increase affordable and attractive family housing
- Form neighborhood social networks

Our handprints are integral to the success of Denver and the greater metropolitan region. What additional goals do you think would be important?

Earth Day Zero Waste Household

Is it possible to have zero waste? In our households, this sounds practically impossible. However, there is hope in that not all waste is garbage. Recoverable products (paper, plastics, and organic material) represent 82 percent of material disposed in landfills according to a CNN article, Downtown Atlanta recycles self into a Zero Waste Zone. While the Zero Waste Zone focuses on businesses, the practice of recycling and composting can be applied to our households. Three ways of separating solid waste will help us empty our trash cans.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/04/17/gsif.atlanta.zero.waste.zone/index.html

1. Recycle Paper, Plastic, Glass, and Metal

Recycling options are growing fast especially for paper, plastic, glass, and metal. Urban areas admittedly have more convenient options available from curbside pick-up to drop-off locations at local businesses or schools. With a little research, a convenient drop-off location might be just around the corner from your house. Some areas no longer require sorting items, making it easier than ever to recycle. There are companies also offering to recycle printer cartridges and other household electronics.

2. Person to Person Reuse of Household Items

With a little creativity, the remaining products that might be thrown in the trash can be reused around the house or passed along to someone else. Clothing can be shared among families or donated to charity. Socks with holes are useful as cleaning rags. Garage sales and Craigslist are both great ways to find a new home for items that still hold value. Reuse of items at the end of the day simply saves money and helps our neighbor.

3. Composting Food Waste

After recycling food containers and reusing household items, the majority of solid waste remaining in the trash is food scraps as well as summer yard waste including leaves and grass clippings. Composting is a natural process of allowing organic material to decompose over time into a nutrient rich fertilizer used in gardening. There are a variety of options available on the market to compost from a compact container sold at Target that can be stored indoors to rotating barrels placed in the yard. With a sizable yard, composting can be as easy as designating a location to pile the organic material or build your own storage container from wood.

After applying one or more of the three practices, post the amount of waste removed from your trash. How close can you get to zero household waste after applying all three steps?

105 Mayors sign Action Challenge for Childern and Families

The National League of Cities, through its Institute for Youth, Education, and Families, is celebrating a milestone this month for the number of mayors signing The Majors' Action Challenge for Children and Families. Since the unveiling of the call to action in November 2008, over 100 mayors are committed to improve the outcome for every child by focusing on four key areas: opportunities to learn and grow, a safe neighborhood to call home, a healthy lifestyle and environment, and a financially fit family in which to thrive. Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper is among the outspoken advocates.

There is an exceptional quote included in the beginning of The Majors' Action Challenge for Children and Families. "Strong cities are built on a foundation of strong families and empowered neighborhoods that support every child. The steps we take to strengthen families and improve the outcomes for children and youth are among the most important investments we make in the health and vibrancy of our communities."

The sustainability of our cities encompasses more than the natural and built environment. The family is an essential contributor to ensure each community endures over time. The Majors' Action Challenge is a positive step towards supporting children and the family.

Check to see if your city's mayor has signed on.
http://www.mayorsforkids.org/mayors.php

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights 60th Anniversery

If you have never read the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, today is your opportunity to view a document that addresses equality for each member of the human family. On December 10, 1948 the United Nations adopted this historic text. http://www.un.org/Overview/rights.html

The core social and political components within society are illuminated. It is interesting to note that the word "everyone" appears twenty-eight times.
Article 25 proclaims that "everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family..." The family is described in the document as the "natural and fundamental group unit of society" with a right to protection.

The content remains relevant today, with many of the statements yet to be fully realized. What areas outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights do you believe are most in need of future attention?

Aligning Green Perspective with Relationships

There was a recent article on the top ten green tips for Thanksgiving. The first tip recommended staying home. While this may save on energy, there are times when travel is part of reuniting with loved ones. Relationships should take precedence, especially during major holidays. While recycling and reusing material items can be seamlessly integrated into gathers, it is the people that make the gathering memorable. Enjoy this time of year to celebrate with family and friends whether staying at your own home or traveling across the country.