How New Urbanism Makes Traditional Suburbs Greener Recent
suburban green living designs are moving toward new urbanism,
which incorporates mixed housing types, higher housing
densities, walking paths, community parks, local shopping
centers, and strong community associations for a more eco-
friendly living experience. Many newer suburbs also have
improved their management of natural vegetation and water
runoff. These new urbanism concepts help counter the
environmental challenges of traditional suburbs: Inefficient
land use: Green land is paved over to provide housing. During
heavy rains and storms, the water runs off into storm sewers or
floods low-lying areas (often creating erosion as it does so)
because it can no longer seep naturally away into the earth as
it once did. Increased demand for gas and oil: Many suburbs
designed several decades ago feature few sidewalks and little in
the way of local stores, practically forcing residents into
vehicles for getting to work, recreation, and shopping, thus
increas