Sustainability

30 articles

A vibrant urban park juxtaposed with a gentrifying neighborhood, highlighting the complex social and economic impacts of urban greening initiatives.
Neighborhoods

What Are the Top Challenges for Urban Green Spaces?

In a study of 28 North American and European cities, urban greening was a leading or contributing factor in citywide gentrification in 17 places between 1990 and 2016, according to the Lincoln Institu

Derek Molina·July 5, 2026
Diverse local businesses in a city integrating sustainable practices, featuring green elements and community engagement.
Business Spotlights

Local Businesses Embrace Sustainable Practices for Future Impact

At necessary & sufficient coffee®, customers bringing their own cup get a discount, but the real story is how this local cafe has woven zero-waste, living wages, and local partnerships into its very f

Marco Alvarez·June 30, 2026
Diverse citizens and local officials collaborating on community development plans around a table with blueprints and maps.
Neighborhoods

How to Participate in Local Development Planning for 2026

A small municipality, by adopting a Voluntary Local Review (VLR) process, found its previously siloed departments—from urban planning to social services—suddenly collaborating on shared sustainability

Derek Molina·June 20, 2026
Diverse group of people actively tending to a flourishing community garden, symbolizing growth, collaboration, and access to resources.
Neighborhoods

How to Start and Sustain a Community Garden for Long-Term Growth

A single community garden can unlock up to $1 million in federal funding, a critical resource for local development.

Derek Molina·June 19, 2026
Parkhill's Austin office interior, featuring abundant natural light, green walls, and employees working with sustainable materials, symbolizing their platinum green status.
Business Spotlights

Parkhill Sets New Green Standard for Local Businesses

While many businesses tout green initiatives, in Austin, design firm Parkhill has achieved a rare Platinum-level status, demonstrating that deep operational sustainability is not just aspirational, bu

Marco Alvarez·June 9, 2026
Diverse local businesses in a city, adorned with green elements like rooftop gardens and solar panels, demonstrating community commitment to sustainability.
Business Spotlights

3 Local Businesses Championing Sustainable Practices

Between January and April this year alone, a composting machine at three Malaysian malls processed over 455,000kg of food waste, transforming it into fertilizer and reusable water, according to Free M

Marco Alvarez·June 7, 2026
A vibrant Berkeley cafe scene showing customers using reusable mugs and a barista collecting single-use cups for recycling, highlighting successful plastic waste reduction.
Food & Drink

Local food businesses cut plastic waste, proving sustainability pays off.

In Berkeley, one local coffee shop slashed its single-use cup waste by 40% in just six months.

Hannah Pierce·May 20, 2026
Santa Monica pier at sunset, symbolizing the vibrant tourism industry and its impact on local neighborhoods.
Community

Santa Monica's Tourism Boom Threatens Neighborhoods, But a Solution Exists.

Despite generating an estimated $917 million in annual spending for its local economy, Santa Monica faces a projected structural General Fund operating deficit of $29.

Derek Molina·May 20, 2026
Diverse group of people of all ages working together happily in a vibrant, sunny community garden in a city.
Neighborhoods

How to Start and Manage a Community Garden in 2026

Community gardeners report significantly higher levels of subjective well-being compared to those who tend individual home gardens, suggesting a unique boost to happiness.

Derek Molina·May 14, 2026
What Is a Short-Term Mission Trip and How Does Thirst Missions Ensure a Lasting Impact?
Events

What Is a Short-Term Mission Trip and How Does Thirst Missions Ensure a Lasting Impact?

A short-term mission trip is a one-to-two-week volunteer experience where groups support ministry and community development, often in a cross-cultural setting. Thirst Missions organizes these trips, focusing on long-term community partnerships and locally-driven projects to ensure a lasting, positive impact.

Sponsored·May 14, 2026
A split image contrasting a dim office with a sustainability sign and a bright, green cityscape, symbolizing corporate cutbacks versus regulatory green transition.
Business Spotlights

Green Commitments Waver, But Regulations Drive Sustainable Business Forward

Over the last two years, a quarter of companies have slashed their sustainability headcount and budgets, according to Trellis Group data.

Marco Alvarez·May 13, 2026
Diverse group of people tending to plants and harvesting fresh produce in a lush urban community garden, with city buildings in the background.
Neighborhoods

What Are the Benefits and Challenges of Urban Community Gardens?

While often seen as simple plots of land, urban community gardens are quietly transforming diets and social bonds across neighborhoods.

Derek Molina·May 12, 2026
Local businesses in a city skyline embracing green certification, showcasing a blend of urban development and environmental sustainability.
Business Spotlights

Green Certification: Local Businesses Embrace Sustainability

Businesses participating in green certification programs have collectively mitigated over 400,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, a significant environmental achievement.

Marco Alvarez·May 11, 2026
Kincardine's 'Relove Runway' circular fashion show featuring upcycled clothing and community engagement for sustainability.
Best in City

Kincardine's 6 Eco-Friendly Sustainable Practices

On June 18, the Kincardine Theatre Guild will host a 'Relove Runway' circular fashion show, an initiative by the Kincardine Environmental Action Network (KEAN) to promote sustainable clothing practice

Marco Alvarez·May 10, 2026
A historic San Diego neighborhood street with diverse architecture and people, juxtaposed against a modern construction site in the background.
Neighborhoods

Historic neighborhoods are cheaper and denser than new urban development.

In San Diego, historic districts are nearly twice as dense as other residential neighborhoods, challenging the conventional wisdom that new construction is the sole path to urban density.

Aaron Blake·May 8, 2026
A diverse group of people tending to a lush community garden in a bustling city, showcasing urban farming and community engagement.
Neighborhoods

What are the benefits of community gardens in urban spaces?

In Quezon City, Philippines, over 4,000 urban farmers have been trained as the city transformed unused land into more than 300 gardens and 10 farms, according to Grist .

Aaron Blake·May 6, 2026
Diverse group of people happily gardening together in a vibrant urban community garden with city skyscrapers in the background.
Neighborhoods

What Are the Benefits of Community Gardens for Urban Areas?

Community gardeners consume fruits and vegetables 5.

Derek Molina·May 3, 2026
A lively urban marketplace filled with local food vendors and customers, representing the top influential food and drink companies of 2026.
Business Spotlights

Top Influential Local Food & Drink Companies for 2026

In 2026, Green Plate Eatery, a small urban farm-to-table restaurant chain sourcing 90% of its ingredients within a 50-mile radius, reported 35% year-over-year revenue growth in 2025.

Marco Alvarez·April 29, 2026
A diverse group of people engaging with sustainable local businesses in a vibrant, green city street, highlighting community and environmental consciousness.
Business Spotlights

Sustainable Local Businesses Driving Community Impact

Climate Pledge Arena collects over 250,000 gallons of rainwater in three seasons to create the NHL's greenest ice, according to One Roof Foundation .

Marco Alvarez·April 29, 2026
Beyond the Brew: How JoshSERIOUSCOFFEE's Direct Trade Model Defines Ethical Coffee in Seattle
Food & Drink

Beyond the Brew: How JoshSERIOUSCOFFEE's Direct Trade Model Defines Ethical Coffee in Seattle

JoshSERIOUSCOFFEE is redefining ethical coffee in Seattle through its direct trade model, forging transparent partnerships with farmers to ensure fair compensation and access to exceptional, high-quality beans. This approach elevates coffee from a commodity to an art form, allowing discerning drinkers to taste the unique story and superior flavors of single-origin beans.

Sponsored·April 27, 2026
Diverse community members working together in a lush urban farm, showcasing the positive local impact of urban farming initiatives.
Community

Urban Farming: Community Initiatives Show Local Impact

Since 2016, one urban farming program in South Dallas has provided over 2 million servings of fresh fruits and vegetables to families facing food insecurity.

Derek Molina·April 26, 2026
A diverse group of people actively working and socializing in a lush, vibrant community garden situated amidst tall city buildings.
Neighborhoods

What Are The Benefits of Community Gardens for Urban Development?

New York State committed $2.

Derek Molina·April 24, 2026
A lively farmers market with abundant local produce and smiling community members, showcasing sustainable food systems and local engagement.
Business Spotlights

7 Local Eco-Friendly Initiatives for 2026

At Eugene's Red Barn Farmers Market, over 70% of vendors source produce within a 50-mile radius, demonstrating a powerful local shift towards sustainable food systems.

Marco Alvarez·April 24, 2026
Diverse community members participating in Earth Day activities like planting, book swapping, and receiving small plant incentives in a sunny park.
Events

Local Earth Day events broaden focus beyond environment

In Corpus Christi, the Coastal Bend Blood Center is offering hanging baskets to the first 10 platelet donors for Earth Day, a surprising incentive for a cause traditionally focused on ecological actio

Sophie Nguyen·April 23, 2026
Volunteers from Southbank Gift Company and River City Habitat for Humanity ReStore deliver furniture to a family in need as part of an Earth Day initiative.
Events

Local Businesses Partner for Earth Day Events

This Earth Day, the Southbank Gift Company is partnering with River City Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

Sophie Nguyen·April 23, 2026
Diverse community members actively participating in various environmental activities like tree planting and recycling at a city park Earth Day event.
Events

Cities nationwide host diverse Earth Day 2026 events

This Earth Day, residents in cities from Park City to Round Rock can engage in diverse environmental action, choosing from free national forest access, hands-on plant swaps, or critical wildfire prepa

Sophie Nguyen·April 22, 2026
Northfield residents participate in Earth Day activities, including planting and policy discussions, in a sunny park.
Events

Northfield Celebrates Earth Day with Community Action and Policy Updates

At the upcoming Northfield Earth Day celebration, residents gain a direct voice in local environmental policy.

Sophie Nguyen·April 22, 2026
A diverse group of consumers exploring innovative alternative protein products at a lively, modern farmers market.
Food & Drink

Why Local Food Businesses Should Bet on Alternative Proteins

In a surprising shift, 88.

Sophie Nguyen·April 22, 2026
A diverse group of people enjoying a sunny day in a lush urban park, with city buildings visible in the background.
Neighborhoods

What Are Urban Green Spaces and Why Do They Boost Neighborhood Health?

Homes located within a quarter-mile of protected open space increased in value by an average of $13,119, according to uniqueplacestosave .

Aaron Blake·April 21, 2026
Community members of all ages participate in Earth Day activities, planting trees and cleaning parks and beaches across New Jersey.
Events

New Jersey Embraces Earth Day With Community Celebrations and Cleanups

This Saturday, April 25, residents in Woodland Park can actively participate in their 3rd Annual Earth Day Celebration, planting trees and cleaning local parks.

Sophie Nguyen·April 18, 2026