When we say some thing or practice or process is "Green," what do we mean? Can we believe Green labels? For example, what about LEED ratings for buildings? Energy Star ratings for appliances? Is there such a thing as a process with no waste? Why are renewable energy schemes tied to fossil fuels, and can they be untied? Is there a criterion for examining the sustainability of processes such as making ethanol biofuel from corn? What about impacts of such processes outside the energy market, such as on the food market? Is local food always better? Is there truth to the notion that Native Americans have always lived lightly upon the land? Why was Easter Island abandoned? What is our responsibility to current and future generations? Is there a sustainable future in the face of unlimited population growth? Can technology save us? Was Malthus right? Through examinations of historical and current case studies and topics and hands-on assignments, we will investigate these and related topics, to find our way to an idea of sustainability based on sound science and ethical behavior.

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