Whether it’s made of paper or pixels, the latest issue of Alternatives Journal is essential reading. Fresh from his legacy tour, David Suzuki reveals his inner-most thoughts; tar sands decrier Andrew Nikiforuk rips into “ethical oil;” the country’s top green writers tell us what they keep by their bedsides; we […]

Musicians have always drawn inspiration from the world around them, but what happens when that world is in trouble? For an increasing number of environmentally minded artists, their efforts are moving off-stage. Instead of writing green lyrics, they are setting up foundations, leading conservation drives, greening their tours, and changing […]

Despite the Internet and the iPad, it’s hard to imagine that books will give way altogether. And as for environmental books, there are more than ever before on bookstore shelves. As Stephen Bocking points out in this issue of Alternatives, information is important, but stories are essential. That is exactly […]

Initially intended to celebrate our nation’s spectacular biodiversity in 2010, the UN International Year of Biodiversity, Alternatives Journal could not help but highlight Ottawa’s spectacular failure to value these invaluable ecosystems. At the UN’s Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagoya, Japan, Canada may be blocking progress, rather than encouraging it.

Number 5 – Education for the Planet (Special pullout!) This year’s environmental education directory is bigger and better than ever — 50 universities, 150 programs and lots more inspiring student-driven initiatives and ideas worth stealing. Check out what universities fit your educational goals and what creative student initiatives are worth […]

Informed participation in open, accountable and effective governance: that’s a pretty good working definition of development. Governments have been using foreign aid for many purposes over the decades, and their first purpose is not always development or alleviation of poverty, as Ian Smillie points out in this issue of Alternatives. […]

Editorial: What’s the Buzz? Living It Up – Deborah Curran & Ray TomaltyThe wide range of support for smart growth in Canada promises morelivable towns and cities. Smart Growth Principles – Linda Pim & Joel Ornoy Three Ways We Subsidize Sprawl – Enid Slack Don’t Touch My Property – Deborah Curran

Editorial: Our Place in the World This issue of Alternatives explores how the built environment – the physical structures making up our cities, towns and villages – influences our relationships with nature and our fellow human beings. The basic insight expressed in the various theme articles is that if we […]

Editorial: Culture Jammers and Basic Civility – Robert Gibson Free Radio – JEFF FERRELLCaught between community service and criminalized activity, pirate microbroadcasters are challenging authority.Inset: Meet Godzilla: Media Monster Poised to Gobble the World by RICHARD EDMONDSON