As sustainability becomes a pervasive, governing criteria in the eco-conscious mind, issues that were once considered strictly the realm of policy wonks are now central to everyday individuals. Checking the Gauge — part of the excellent ongoing All-Consuming: Conversations on Oil and Water series — inspects how local and national oil and water planning influences the daily lives of communities, and how we can better manage these resources — CMAP's comprehensive GO TO 2040 being a good jumping-off point. Last year's wide-ranging Great Lakes Compact gave area environmentalists reason to cheer; sign up (reservations are required), and see what's next.