Scorecard Update: Save gas, don't sprawl
As gas prices reach new heights, fuel efficiency is back in vogue. Hybrid cars are flying off the lots, and Washington just passed clean car legislation that would improve vehicle gas mileage. Oregon is eyeing similar standards.

But making cars more efficient is only half the job; building well-designed, compact communities can save just as much gas. Take New York State, which has the lowest per capita gasoline use in the nation, or Nevada, where gas consumption has fallen by a third since the late 1970s. And Oregon's not far behind. Read more about how controlling low-density sprawl has paid dividends in fuel efficiency.

Scorecard in Action: Sea otters show signs of life
Sea otters are furry bundles of joy-almost too adorable to be real. But for marine ecosystems, they're more than just another pretty face. They're a sign of returning ecosystem health. Read more.

Personal Scorecard: Taking steps toward health
A recent survey shows that 3 of the 10 best US cities for walking are in the Northwest: Seattle, Portland, and Eugene. And studies show that in neighborhoods that are designed to make walking convenient, people do, in fact, walk more. So what can you do for your health-and your community's health-this spring? Advocate for better neighborhood design where walking (or biking) can become a natural part of life. Here are some talking points to help you arm you.

Sightline Profile: Ethan Meginnes and Alex Loeb on privilege and practice.

The Secret Lives of Stuff: From videos to curriculums to musicals. Tell us how you've used Stuff: The Secret Lives of Everyday Things; and read about how others are using it.

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Events in Cascadia:
Alan Durning speaking on Earth Day, green home workshops. Click here for info.

Backyard sanctuary: Seattle-area home looking for a green owner-and finding a buyer will help Sightline. Click here.

The Daily Score:
Thirsty yet?
More on the regional drought.

Missing children

Notes from the Palouse

PBDEs in house dust

A (truly) green house: Read about cell phone waste, organic cash cows and a house powered by spinach in our new blog section on sustainable living.

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