The big idea: Smart cities embrace sustainability

Regional experts said the federal government can start by not using current or future stimulus dollars to fund the same old projects that have been proven ineffective in the past. In particular, training programs with no jobs (regardless if they are "green" or not) at the end of the rainbow.

For Greenberger, funding for weatherization programs like the one up and running in Philly is the biggest deal right now. "They help the city in general and have a very direct effect on energy costs for homeowners," he said.

What we can do:

 

Buy local. When you fork it over to a local business, three times as much money stays in the community, studies show.

Krueger-Braneky's advice on that front: Pick one thing and stick to it.

Other things don't have to involve brushing up on civil engineering. Put blankets over your hot-water heater. Get a better thermostat. Take the subway.

If you can safely divert rainwater to use for watering your lawn or garden, or washing your car, do it. It saves you money. It helps lessen the load on the sewer system. It helps the planet. Your basic triple bottom line.

The big (local) names

in the field:

 

Those mentioned above, plus Liz Robinson, executive director of the Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia. Vivian VanStory, founder, Community Land Trust Corp. SBN's Krueger-Braneky. Heather Blakeslee of the Delaware Valley Green Building Council. Christine Knapp, director of outreach at PennFuture and many others. *