SUSTAINABILITY
Click here for various definitions of sustainability.
WEB SITES
Agriculture
United States Department of Agriculture library specializing in sustainable, organic, low-input, biodynamic, and regenerative methods of agriculture.
American Farmland Trust
Permanently protects American farmland by uniting farmers, environmentalists, and policymakers.
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture
Non profit organization dedicated to sustaining agriculture in Western Massachusetts and promoting the products of small farms. Includes programs, special events, marketing products, and workshops.
Find farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area.
Promotes earth friendly agriculture, community based food systems and nutritious, farm fresh local foods. Site provides an excellent list of Resources.
National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service (also known as ATTRA)
Updated news regarding sustainable agriculture and organic farming, events, and funding opportunities. Features in-depth publications on production practices, alternative crop and livestock enterprises, innovative marketing, organic certification, and highlights of local, regional, and federal activities.
Northeast Organic Farming AssociationNon profit organization of nearly 4,000 farmers, gardeners, and consumers working to promote healthy food, organic farming practices and a cleaner environment. Information about conferences, workshops, farm tours and printed materials to educate farmers, gardeners, consumers and land care professionals.
Rodale InstituteFocuses on soil health, food quality, regenerative agriculture education, composting and regional, national and international community development.
Sustainable Food LaboratoryCollaboration of businesses, governments, farm groups and non-governmental organizations to make food systems more economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable.
Associations/Alliances
Alliance for SustainabilityNon profit organization supporting sustainability projects on the local, national and international levels. Brings together businesses, government agencies, academic institutions, religious organizations, nonprofits, community groups, and individuals.
Northeast Sustainable Energy AssociationAims to accelerate the deployment and use of renewable energy, green buildings, and energy efficiency. Produces major events that inspire and motivate large numbers of people to get involved and make a difference. Links organized by energy, buildings, transportion.
Rocky Mountain Institute
Entrepreneurial non profit organization fostering the efficient and restorative use of resources to make the world secure, just, prosperous, and life-sustaining. They collaborate with business, civil society, and governments to design integrative solutions that create true wealth.
Sustainability Institute
Think tank which conducts stakeholder-based systems analysis and change projects through consulting, research, workshops, and facilitated systems projects, services, publications, and other resources.
Trust for Public Land
National, non profit, land conservation organization that conserves land for people to enjoy as parks, community gardens, historic sites, rural lands, and other natural places, ensuring livable communities for generations to come.
Union of Concerned Scientists
Independent non profit alliance of more than 100,000 concerned citizens and scientists. Their mission is to augment rigorous scientific analysis with innovative thinking and committed citizen advocacy to build a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world.
Business/Economics
Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (B.A.L.L.E.)
Network which supports the growth and development of community-based business, encourages local purchasing by consumers and businesses, creates opportunities for business leaders to network and share best practices, and advocates public policies that strengthen independent local businesses and farms, promote economic equity, and protect the environment.
Co-op America
Non profit organization focused on economic strategies that solve social and environmental problems. Mobilize and educate people as consumers, investors, workers, and business leaders.
Credit Unions
Online directory of credit unions in the U.S. These are non profit, cooperative financial institutions which are owned and controlled by its members. They often pay higher interest rates and charge lower interest on loans.
E.F. Schumacher Society
Educational non profit organization demonstrating that social and environmental sustainability can be achieved by applying the values of human-scale communities and respect for the natural environment to economic issues. Links to events, local currencies, and land trusts.
Holistic Management International
Non profit seeking to restore deteriorating landscapes and the lives of the people dependent on them using practical, low-cost solutions.
Building
Ecological Building Network
Non profit, international association of builders, engineers, architects, academics, and developers committed to promoting intelligent building methods and materials for a sustainable future. Includes access to articles, papers, conference proceedings, and related events.
Energy and Environmental Issues in the Building Sector
Links to Green Building Policies Network, a database for Sustainable Building Information System, and a tool for assessing and reducing energy-related impact of buildings on interior, local and global environments.
GreenSpec
Directory of more than 1,800 environmentally preferable building products with descriptions, manufacturer information, and links to additional resources.
How Products are Made
Explains the manufacturing process of a wide variety of products, from daily household items to complicated electronic equipment and heavy machinery. Provides step by step descriptions of the assembly and the manufacturing process (complemented with illustrations and diagrams). Also has related information such as the background, how the item works, who invented the product, raw materials that were used, product applications, by-products that are generated, possible future developments, and quality control procedures.
Malcolm Wells
Useful links for eco friendly housing design. Wells is a seasoned expert in the field.
U.S. Green Building Council
The nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work.
Communities
Building Better Rural Places
Federal programs for sustainable agriculture, forestry, entrepreneurship, conservation, and community.
Communities Directory
Extensive directory of established and forming communities in the U.S. and abroad. Organized by geography or alphabetically
Global Ecovillage Network
Global confederation of people and communities who 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 is taken out.
Intentional Communities
Information for seekers of community, existing and forming communities, and other friends of community building.
OntheCommons
Blog about protecting and managing the Commons "gifts of nature such as air, water, the oceans, wildlife and wilderness, and shared 'assets like the Internet, the airwaves used for broadcasting, and public lands... our shared social creations: libraries, parks, public spaces as well as scientific research, creative works and public knowledge that have accumulated over centuries."
Rocky Hill Cohousing
A Northampton-based community with ecological leanings. This page was created by a resident and contains many useful links to green resources.
Smart Communities Network
Aims to create sustainable communities using green buildings and green development, and the efficient use of energy, land, and finances.
Energy
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
Conducts in-depth technical and policy assessments, advises policymakers and program managers, works with businesses, public interest groups, and other organizations, organizes conferences and workshops, publishing books, conference proceedings, and reports, and educates consumers and businesses.
Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology
Accelerates the use of renewable energy by providing credible information, insightful policy analysis, and innovative strategies amid changing energy markets and mounting environmental needs by researching, publishing, and disseminating information, creating policy tools, and hosting highly active, on-line, renewable energy discussion groups.
Consumer Report: Greener Choices
Information on the environmental impact of various consumer products and tips on improving your own usage. Also includes information on recycling,labeling, and rebates for efficient products. Currently features a comparison of alternative fuels, and ways to save money on gas.
Massachusetts Techology Collaborative
The Commonwealth's development agency for renewable energy and the innovation economy, which is responsible for one-quarter of all jobs in the state. MTC administers the John Adams Innovation Institute and the Renewable Energy Trust.
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Leader in the U.S. Department of Energy's effort to secure an energy future for the nation that is environmentally and economically sustainable.
Renewable Energy Tax Incentives
Summar of Commonwealth tax incentives designed to promote the development and use of renewable energy resources.
Renewable Energy Trust
Seeks to maximize environmental and economic benefits for the Commonwealth’s citizens by pioneering and promoting clean energy technologies and fostering the emergence of sustainable markets for electricity generated from renewable sources. Includes links to the Trust's various programs and activities. Use the Energy Information links for more information about renewable energy and actions you can take.
Western Massachusetts Electric Company
Offers a variety of solutions to saving energy, including energy-efficient products and an online program for calculating your energy use. Also provides a network of energy programs and services for businesses.
Government
Conservation Law Foundation
Non profit focused on water, forests, oceans, and issues of smart growth in New England.
Environmental Law Institute
Provides information services, advice, publications, training courses, seminars, research programs and policy recommendations to engage and empower environmental leaders the world over. ELI’s audience is leading environmental professionals in government, industry, public interest groups and academia.
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs
Describes the State Sustainability Program to help state agencies minimize their environmental impacts of operations and activities, and promote innovative sustainable practices in Massachusetts.
FedCenter
Current guidance, examples, and information resources to aid Federal facilities in developing and maintaining sustainable facilities and helping to develop and promote sustainable practices within their environmental programs or activities. Includes extensive links to related organizations, tools, and policies.
Management of Social Transformations (MOST) Programme
UNESCO program fostering and promoting social science research. Special attention is given to capacity building and the establishment of a clearing house of knowledge in the field of social science.
Smart Growth Network
Collaboration between U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, environmental groups, historic preservation organizations, professional organizations, developers, real estate interests, local and state government entities, and government organizations. Boosts the economy, protects the environment, and enhances community vitality.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Examines sustainability and provides links to EPA programs and tools in four key areas: the Built or human-created Environment; Water, Ecosystems and Agriculture; Energy and the Environment; and Materials and Toxics. Links to the programs and tools are organized in three categories: Policies and Programs; Research, Tools and Technologies; and Assessments and Performance Measures.
Human Ecology
ETC Group
Dedicated to the conservation and sustainable advancement of cultural and ecological diversity and human rights. Supports socially responsible developments of technologies useful to the poor and marginalized and it addresses international governance issues and corporate power.
International
Center for Clean Air Policy
Independent non profit entity recognized as a world leader in air quality and climate policy since 1985. Seeks to promote and implement innovative solutions to major environmental and energy problems which balance both environmental and economic interests.
Heifer International
Building self reliant communities in developing countries by distributing resources fairly, improving access to education, and preserving the environment.
International Research Development Centre
Collaborates with researchers from the developing world to build healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous societies.
UN Commission on Sustainable Development – Environment Program
A forum for sustainable development within the United Nations system. Established by the UN General Assembly in 1992 to ensure effective follow-up of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, also known as the Earth Summit. Reviews progress on local, national, regional and international levels.
World Resources Institute
Environmental think tank providing objective information and practical proposals for policy and institutional change that will foster environmentally sound, socially equitable development.
Worldwatch Institute
Gateway for interdisciplinary research, global focus, and accessible writing on interactions among key environmental, social, and economic trends. Their work revolves around the transition to an environmentally sustainable and socially just society—and how to achieve it.
Practical Skills/Training
Living Routes
Offers accredited college programs based in ecovillages around the world. Empowers students, educators, and communities to help build a sustainable future.
Permaculture Activist
Offers a current listing of upcoming permaculture design courses and a networking directory linking students to teachers and information, homeowners to designers and consultants, and homeseekers to community.
Permaculture International Ltd.
A directory of permaculture design courses offered around the world.
Regenerative Design Institute
Non profit educational organization providing courses and workshops designed to effectively teach the skills necessary to live a more sustainable life on the planet. RDI has evolved out of the Permaculture Institute of Northern California (PINC) which continues to be a key project.
Sustainability Studies at UMass-Amherst
Links to courses offered at UMass Amherst, as well as job, internship, and study abroad opportunities.
COMMUNICATION
Environmental Sustainability Portal
An information gateway leading to international blogs, learning networks, RSS news feeds, action alerts, and relevant sites.
Green Builders
Listservs and newsgroups on topics such as strawbale, cob, alternative technology, cohousing, indoor air quality, and solar energy.
Rocky Mountain Institute
Discussion groups on topics such as energy, water, climate, green development, natural capitalism, home resource efficiency, and communities.
ARTICLES
Use the following databases to retrieve articles from journals, magazines, and newspapers. (These resources are available on campus, or off campus to UMass Amherst affiliates with an OIT account; enter your OIT login and password when prompted.)
Academic Search Premier
Citations, abstracts and full text articles from scholarly and general interest periodicals relating to social sciences, humanities, education, physical, and biological sciences. Covers 1975-present.
Agricola
Citations and abstracts for journal articles, book chapters, conference proceedings, government documents, and theses relating to agriculture and allied disciplines; including plant and animal sciences, forestry, entomology, soil and water resources, agricultural economics, agricultural engineering, agricultural products, alternative farming practices, and food and nutrition. Covers 1970-present.
Alt-Press Watch
Several hundred U.S. alternative newsweeklies, covering issues like the environment, labor, public policy, and the peace movement. Covers 1995-present.
Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals
Citations to articles relating to architecture, city planning, landscape architecture, interior design, and historic preservation, from journals published worldwide. Covers 1924-present.
DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals
A directory of over 1,200 open access online journals published mostly by academic departments in universities around the world. Journals are grouped by broad subject catagories with more than 300 searchable at the article level.
EconLit
Citations and abstracts for journal articles and some books relating to the field of economics. Covers 1969-present.
Energy Files
Indexes over 500 databases and Web sites containing science and technology information of interest to the U.S. Department of Energy. Coverage varies.
Environmental Index
Citations to articles on the environment from scientific, legal, and popular journals. Covers 1972-present.
GovEngine
A private meta-site that organizes access to federal, state, and local government information online. Updated.
Left Index
Citations to articles in scholarly and non scholarly periodicals with a leftist perspective, covering areas such as labor movement, ecology & environment, race & ethnicity, social & cultural theory, sociology, art & aesthetics, philosophy, history, education, law, and globalization. Covers 1982-present.
LexisNexis Environmental
Articles from general, scholarly and trade periodicals on all aspects of the environment, plus environmental law and regulations. Covers 1975-present.
Web of Science
Consists of three indexes:·Arts and Humanities Citation Index, Social Science Citation Index, Science Citation Index. Covers 1945-present.
BOOKS
Quick links to Subject Headings, leading you to relevant materials at the W.E.B. Du Bois Library
Agricultural Conservation
Architecture and Society
Buildings – Environmental aspects
City Planning – Citizen Participation
Common Good
Dwellings – Energy conservation
Ecological Houses
Garden Cities
Green Products
Greenbelts
Green Roofs (Gardening)
Greenways
House Construction – Environmental Aspects
Human Geography
Open Spaces
Personal Space
Public Spaces
Renewable Energy Sources
Sustainable Architecture
Sustainable Buildings
Sustainable Development
Urban Homesteading
