Water Shortage!

Ever since the beginning of this nation, Americans have always been able to take for granted that there would always be plenty of fresh water. But unfortunately that is rapidly changing. Due to pollution, corruption, inefficiency and the never ending greed of the global elite, the United States (and the entire world) is heading for a very serious water shortage. According to a new report released by the Natural Resources Defense Council, more than one-third of all counties in the lower 48 states will likely be facing very serious water shortages by 2050. And Americans certainly do use a lot of water. In fact, a five minute shower by an American uses more water than a typical person living in poverty in a developing country uses in an entire day. For hundreds of years, North America has been blessed with an overabundance of fresh water, but those supplies are quickly running dry. If the breadbasket of America were to dry up, what would that mean for the future of this nation? Why?

STAR Community Index — ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability USA The STAR Community Index™ is a national, consensus-based rating system for community sustainability. STAR, now in beta release, provides communities with a standard and comprehensive set of goals, objectives and performance measures by which to improve interdependent environmental, economic, and social conditions. STAR is also a community of leading local governments creating more sustainable places for the long term. Visit the STAR Communities Website For the latest updates on STAR, visit the STAR Communities website at www.starcommunities.org. STAR Founding Partners ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA is proud to be a founding sponsor of STAR.

Welcome to the Sustainability Knowledge Network — Sustainability Knowledge Network Real Simple Recycling A to Z Each water bottle you recycle may seem like a drop in the bucket, but don't undervalue your efforts. America is recycling nearly 33 percent of its waste -- almost twice as much as 15 years ago. But sometimes it can be tough to tell what can go in the bin, what can't and what your recycling center does and does not accept. To help you navigate the often murky recycling waters, check out Real Simple magazine's A to Z guide to recycling. These tips were first published in the September and October issues of Real Simple and written by Natalie Ermann Russell. For more tips like these, a new lifestyle makeover series called "Real Simple, Real Life," hosted by Kit Hoover, premieres on the television channel TLC on Oct. 17, at 8 p.m. AEROSOL CANS. ANTIPERSPIRANT AND DEODORANT STICKS. BACKPACKS. BATTERIES. BEACH BALLS. BOOKS. CARPETING (NYLON FIBER). CARS, JET SKIS, BOATS, TRAILERS, RVS AND MOTORCYCLES. CELL PHONES. Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

League of California Cities Did you know that, under certain home rule provisions in California's state constitution, voters can exercise a greater degree of local control than that provided by the California Legislature? Becoming a charter city allows voters to determine how their city government is organized and, with respect to municipal affairs, enact legislation different than that adopted by the state. In 2001, the Institute for Local Government, nonprofit research affiliate of the League and the California State Association of Counties, teamed up with the Hastings Public Law Research Institute to create an informational resource for those interested in understanding more about this special form of local control.

Atlanta - City in the Forest: