Note: Wherever possible, the title link to each book leads to Archive.org, from which you can borrow the book for free, or to an extended review here on GreenSense. Otherwise, it will take you to one of our affiliates, from whom you can purchase the book. A purchase made through an Amazon link will earn us a commission. We also partner with BookShop.org and IndieBound, two organizations dedicated to supporting local, independent bookstores.

A purchase made through either of those links will earn us a commission, while helping local, independent bookstores to survive and thrive.

New

Better Not Bigger - How to Take Control of Urban Growth and Improve Your Community - - By Eben V. Fodor. 160 acres an hour. That's how fast we're developing land in the U.S.. And why? Fodor exposes the myths about the benefits of growth and development...and who reaps them. He shows how we've set things up to accelerate sprawl and shows how several communities are putting on the brakes.

Street Reclaiming - Creating Livable Streets and Vibrant Communities - - For all of history, the social, cultural, and economic life of cities has been centered in and around streets. Historically, streets have been full of life - art, music, eating, drinking, shopping, meeting, dancing - all have taken place literally in the streets. The street has been the backbone of community. Not any more. Our current love affair with the automobile has led us to permit noise and fumes to replace what was once perhaps the greatest asset of city life - the street. Street reclaiming will thoroughly acquaint you with the potential of streets that belong to people instead of cars. It will inspire you to see that potential realized. Best of all, it'll show you how to do it.

The Hometown Advantage - How to Defend Your Main Street Against Chain Stores and Why It Matters - - Do lower prices really save you money? Does having one or more superstores close by improve your quality of life? When you look closer, they don't and it doesn't. This book draws on careful research to document the damage corportate retailers are doing to our lives and our communities. Better yet, it's packed with examples of how communities around the country are changing public policy to reverse the catastrophy.

***

Better Not Bigger - How to Take Control of Urban Growth and Improve Your Community - - By Eben V. Fodor. 160 acres an hour. That's how fast we're developing land in the U.S.. And why? Fodor exposes the myths about the benefits of growth and development...and who reaps them. He shows how we've set things up to accelerate sprawl and shows how several communities are putting on the brakes.

Street Reclaiming - Creating Livable Streets and Vibrant Communities - - For all of history, the social, cultural, and economic life of cities has been centered in and around streets. Historically, streets have been full of life - art, music, eating, drinking, shopping, meeting, dancing - all have taken place literally in the streets. The street has been the backbone of community. Not any more. Our current love affair with the automobile has led us to permit noise and fumes to replace what was once perhaps the greatest asset of city life - the street. Street reclaiming will thoroughly acquaint you with the potential of streets that belong to people instead of cars. It will inspire you to see that potential realized. Best of all, it'll show you how to do it.

The Hometown Advantage - How to Defend Your Main Street Against Chain Stores and Why It Matters - - Do lower prices really save you money? Does having one or more superstores close by improve your quality of life? When you look closer, they don't and it doesn't. This book draws on careful research to document the damage corportate retailers are doing to our lives and our communities. Better yet, it's packed with examples of how communities around the country are changing public policy to reverse the catastrophy.