Green buildings sprout in Indian country.

• Author: Block, Ben
• Position: EYE ON EARTH

The walls of Elmer Bear Eagle's house are covered in mold. It began in the basement, then crept up the sides. Now it blocks the sunlight through the windows.

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The problem is fairly common throughout the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in the U.S. state of South Dakota. Overcrowding--homes built for four people have held more than 20--contributes to high indoor humidity, creating a mold haven. Still, Bear Eagle is fortunate just to have a home; the tribal housing authority...