According to the EPA,

Brightfields is a revolutionary concept that addresses three of the nation’s biggest challenges — urban revitalization, toxic waste cleanup, and climate change — by bringing pollution-free solar energy and high-tech solar manufacturing jobs to brownfields.

All around the world, people are taking action and showing their support by:

1. Turning the lights off at 8.30PM on March 26, 2011
2. Taking Earth Hour beyond the Hour by taking even more
3. Sharing the event to friends, family and co-workers
4. Encouraging local businesses, governments and communities to participate

The EPA defines brownfields as:

Real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Cleaning up and reinvesting in these properties protects the environment, reduces blight, and takes development pressures off greenspaces and working lands.

Brownfield News and Information

Slideshow: From Brownfields to Hot Oakland Properties
Bay Area’s economic comeback may suffer from EPA budget cuts

California Green Building Standards Code

The purpose of the code as defined is:

…to improve publichealth, safety and general welfare by enhancing the design andconstruction of buildings through the use of building conceptshaving a reduced negative impact or positive environmental impact and encouraging sustainable construction practices inthe following categories:

1. Planning and design
2. Energy efficiency
3. Water efficiency and conservation
4. Material conservation and resource efficiency
5. Environmental quality

Green building is the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building’s life-cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. This practice expands and complements the classical building design concerns of economy, utility, durability, and comfort. Green building is also known as a sustainable or high performance building.

when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.

Food security is further defined by the “three pillars” of: food availability, food access and food use.

Beyond the issues of hunger and nutrition, food security is also an environmental and sustainable development issue. Availability, access and use of food can be impacted by choices such as diversion of land and crop use for fuel, and the effects of deforestation, seawater rise and, water and soil contamination.