Top Commuter Bikes in America
By Pippa Sorley
Filed Under Green Living, Sustainable Style | 2 Comments
Waylon Lewis, Founder and Editor of ElephantJournal.com, spells out what to look for when looking for a commuter bicycle.
With gas prices continuing to fluctuate like a roller coaster and the economy spiraling downwards, what better way to bring a smile to our every day than hopping on your bike and making your trip to work or the grocery store a true adventure??
Join the hundreds of other trend setters who are “biking the talk” and check out some of these fun, hip, and comfortable biking tips from the inimitable Waylon Lewis…
What’s the best commuter bike in America right now?
A commuter bike is defined, loosely, as a light, affordable, utilitarian bike fit for daily commuting. Qualities of the the winner will combine 1) upright riding position and practicality in riding and hauling groceries, schoolbooks etc. 2) style 3) at least 7 gears 4) utilitarian: gotta be compatible with rack, fenders (as well as bell and lights, which are always easy for any bike). Internal hub is nice: less maintenance, and seamless shifting.
Any bikes that I’m forgetting, just comment below with link.
First among contenders for that elusive ideal commuter bike: a heavy retro Euro beauty: Jorg & Olif. Pricey, but looks to be well worth it. Heavy, but gorgeous–your inner Cary Grant or Audrey Hepburn will wake you each morning and demand you dress up and bike down to your local cafe. Handlebars reach a bit far back–making the riding position almost too upright–but overall Jorg & Olif has gotta rate 9 outta 10.
A new fave, however, is the recently-released Gary Fisher Simple City. It’s a little heavy, but way lighter than Mr. Jorg & Miss Olif. It’s lovely, got requisite comfy seat, upright riding position (but not too upright), rackable back and chain guard to save that dress/pants from the oily, ripping grip of Mr. Chain. Still, it’s a lil’pricey for the 8 gear, 3 ain’t enough, so I gotta save up for that one, I’ve been riding a lovely…
…black Electra Amsterdam, which is sweet-looking, comfortable (though again slightly too upright) but heavy and needs a trip to the shop every other week (literally, just ask ‘em). So why’d I buy such a clunker (note: newer versions with Brooks saddles are probably better all-around than mine, which I got a year back)? I love the style, I love the company…and, oh yeah, my…
Bianchi Milano (in black) got stole. The Milano doesn’t get much respect–but it should. It’s good looking (red walled tires a bonus), sleek, light as air and (unlike the three above) ready to jump off a curb and hit the hills with abandon. Perhaps the ideal combo of good-to-look-at and eminently functional.
New to this list: the slick cool Paul Frank City Bike. Only three gears, but sweet-lookin’–in fact, our stylee videographer, Alex King, rides one he bought at Boulder’s Full Cycle. It’s light-ish, but no off-curbing mayhem for Mr. Frank.
Two “I coulda been a contendahs”: Biomega (gorgeous, if you love the Apple Air [which is kinda eco, btw] you’ll love this high-priced, fancy, hard to replace parts since it’s so unique) and Kronan (gorgeous, 5-speed max, colorfully classically European, stylee, like Jorg & Olif, super-heavy and pricey).
If you’re rich and your money’s under your mattress, rather than in the stockmarket, check out the A.N.T. Their site is bike porn for daily commuters.
My latest favorite: The Masi Urban commuter bike, it’s the coolest yet–light enough like the Milano to jump off a curb and not feel like half the bike’s gonna fall apart–stylish enough to give the Simple City a run for its money, affordable, cool (and–ouch!–hard) Brooksish seat, flat metal fenders (super-stylish), rack-compatible, cork (cool, and eco-ish) handlebars…barely a chain guard, which ain’t ideal, but it’s enough to keep your pans or skirt from turning black–an internal (commuter bikes must have internal, or maintenance and inconvenient gear-switching may send you back to your car) 7-gear hub (hopefully they’ll go with sturdy Nexus hub next time ’round) and last but not least the Masi’s got quick, but grippy tires fit for summertime (and the biking is easy) or winter (and black ice is lurking ’round every bike path corner). I’m in–despite being broke, starving, my mortgage on the line–I ran out and bought one this week (if I’d gone another month on my lovely but heavy and fragile Electra Amsterdam I’d hafta learn to play the violin).
So the Masi may take the cake, thus far, in the pleasurable, leisurely race to get out of the car nirvana–but if you want to be truly green, and save some green, there’s no home like craigslist for affordable, old school bikes built as solidly as any of the above.
Posted on November 25, 2008 |
Simple Nature: The Art of Andy Goldsworthy
By Melissa Vest
Filed Under Arts & Culture | 3 Comments
In a world that is ever buzzing, growing, moving, and consuming there is an underlying push toward the opposite. There lies in each of us a need for stillness, contemplation, and closeness to nature. We look for ways to balance our needs. Even within the environmental movement, we are continuously striving to balance our desires for more. We’re always looking for ways to make our day-to-day lives simpler. And in turn, we ask ourselves what can do to save this precious planet? We recycle; we buy LED light bulbs, we shop consciously, and we tote around our PVC-free yoga mats. However, the question remains: are we really connecting with the earth on a deeper level while on our quest to save it?
Sometimes art can help us tap into our universal connection to nature. The work of U.K. based environmental artist Andy Goldsworthy does just that. His work is an exquisite reminder of why we buy organic clothing, why we take five-minute showers, why we use scratchy toilet paper, and why we continue to strive to do more. Through his unique medium of environmental art, Goldsworthy succeeds in transporting us to the core of nature’s beauty and strength.
Goldsworthy creates a myriad of environmental art projects, some built indoors and others built outdoors. Indoors, his artwork can look as if they were laid there by a swift wind, and outdoors they represent human interpretations of nature itself. In any setting, they are a single moment’s perfection. They seem to be suspended in time, and are left to simply wash away, crumble, ruin, or break down from the elements. Like in nature, his installations are created to age and weather, and to only last for short amounts of time. According to Goldsworthy, “My sculpture can last for days or a few seconds — what is important to me is the experience of making. I leave most of my work outside and often return to watch it decay.”
Each piece is created using as many natural tools as possible. For example, when Goldsworthy strings together long chains of leaves, he uses his own spit. He also uses thorns to string together wonderfully fascinating layers of branches. The use of natural materials lends itself to simplicity, and ultimately a human perspective of nature at its finest. Goldsworthy sees each element of his art as part of nature itself, “My art is an attempt to reach beyond the surface appearance. I want to see growth in wood, time in stone, nature in a city…”
Goldsworthy’s work is mostly documented through photography, which preserves it in a single instance. His use of natural materials ranges from ice and snow to leaves, twigs, clay, and rocks. Some are completed through the use of volunteers, and others are an individual creation. From twigs seemingly “growing” out of the water, to bright circular mandalas made of orange and yellow leaves, each work is unique.
Sometimes on this journey towards sustainability we need a reminder of why we sink our hearts into such a cause. Each work by Goldsworthy gives us a pause, an opportunity to silently meditate. Everyone will see something different, but if you look close enough and long enough you just might not need that yoga mat after all.
Enjoy more about Goldsworthy’s Work:
- Watch a clip of the artist’s movie: Rivers and Tides.
- Purchase Enclosure, a book by Goldsworthy.
- Explore Artisan Cam featuring interactive media, video, and more.
Posted on October 6, 2008 |
Google Earth Gone Green
By Jenna Kirkman
Filed Under Green Living, The Big Picture | 1 Comment
Google Earth lets you zoom through three-dimensional Appalachian mountains, map out your dream vacation in Tahiti, or “fly” to a high-resolution satellite image of your very own home. The newest version comes equipped with close-up street views, 3D buildings, and stargazing abilities, but it is more than just fun and games – Google Earth is becoming one of the most important eco-tools of our time.
Already, Google Earth 4.3 comes with a Global Awareness feature that calls attention to eco-attractions like Fair Trade Certified Farms, Greenpeace Climate Control Areas, and Unicef Water and Sanitation Projects. Other businesses have been teaming up with Google Earth to provide add-on downloads in Keyhole Markup Language (KML) format in order to showcase international issues.
Basically, these KMLs enhance your view and global knowledge by painting a layer of interactive data and information over the Google Earth globe. Popular add-ons include: Disappearing Forests, Green Buildings, and EDGE Endangered Mammals. The Climate Change in Our World application, created by Google and Met Office Hadley Centre, not only shows current temperature stats, but also projects possible warming trends from now until November 2099.
Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has joined Google to create two add-ons that help American businesses, communities, and the general public track the main source of environmental evil – pollution.
In the first add-on, the EPA pinpoints locations from the United States Emissions File, which divides pollution into seven major point-source sectors; Cement Facilities, Chemical Manufacturing, Electric Generating Units (EGU), Natural Gas Pipelines, Oil and Gas Production, Petroleum Refineries, and Pulp and Paper Industries.
On the map, sectors are color-coded and can be clicked to reveal the company’s name, location, and a summary graphing total emissions from six common pollutants; carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide. Pretty cool.
Even cooler, though, is the EPA’s second add-on, Air Now, which shows you the current Air Quality Index (AQI) for certain areas of the United States, updated every hour, and forecasts 
tomorrow’s AQI, too. An area’s AQI predicts how the air quality will affect your health, and is based on a color-coded scale from 0 – 500, with 0 (green) being completely safe, and 500 (red) the most hazardous.
The UK Air Quality Archive has a similar Air Pollution add-on, and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) has produced a similar emissions application that maps pollution in Canada and Mexico in addition to the US, but a worldwide air pollution and emissions add-on is yet to be found.
Still, Google Earth’s revolutionary display of global data and statistics, and its ability to connect cultures in a creative new way, has made details about air pollution and emissions easily accessible and of interest to everyone.
Individuals who are searching for a vacation destination or a new home will steer clear of heavy pollution. As a result, new real estate and tourist attractions will be built in lower-risk areas. Businesses will move or implement new branches within less polluted communities, which will motivate these regions to sustain their green reputation. And most importantly, these trends will help inspire communities and businesses in heavily polluted areas to lower emissions and clean up their act.
Want to check out Google Earth for yourself?
- Read over the User Guide, and download the free version of Google Earth.
- Browse Google Earth 4.3’s already awesome features located in the bottom left navigation window, or search for downloadable KMLs that spark your interest.
- Visit Google Earth Outreach to find businesses, non-profits, and individuals who want to share a global message, or to seek help in creating your own KML.
Posted on September 26, 2008 |
Green Teens on Planet Earth
By Jenna Kirkman
Filed Under Arts & Culture, The Big Picture | 1 Comment
Too often, teenagers are seen in an ageist light as the lazy, self-centered, and irresponsible future of our world. It should be exactly the opposite.
A recent survey conducted by Greenpeace and the online teen hangout, Habbo questioned nearly 50,000 teens from 18 different countries on their environmental opinon. Less than 50 percent said their parents express a general concern for the environment, yet, 74 percent agreed that they consider global warming to be a serious problem. Sixty-four percent also said they believe the climate crisis can be solved by people working together; and these green-minded teens are ready to do something about it.
The teenage environmental movement is inspired by celebrities like Miley Cyrus, who sings the eco-pop tune Wake Up America, as well as the cast of The Secret Life of an American Teenager, who promote environmentalist views and film on a set made from recycled wood and materials. And this year the Teen Choice Awards used recycled bottles to make a “blue carpet” that is planed to be reused each year.
Teens aren’t just following their favorite superstars, though. They are joining, and founding environmental groups and demonstrating the leadership skills that will prove crucial to the future of our world.
Do Something emphasizes respect, trust, and belief in the power of teen activism. The online community features inspirational videos from celebrities like the Jonas Brothers and Rihanna, and encourages teens to share, read, and learn about human rights, poverty, animal welfare, teen sexuality and violence, and much, much more.
Do Something is also a helpful way to jump-start teen entrepreneurs and their ideas, like the recent group of eco-teens: Team K4A (made up of Kaitlyn, Keegan, Katherine, Kimber, and the lonely “A”, Albert). These five gathered information about hybrid cars, CO2 emissions, and other ways to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle in their Washington community and then used Do Something to help spread the word about their website.
Founded by Jane Goodall and 16 inspired students in 1991, Roots and Shoots connects thousands of international kids, teens, and college students who want to make a positive difference for people, animals, and the environment. The organization helps empower youth by promoting local campaigns, programs, and volunteer work in areas that focus on each member’s individual strengths.
One of the most impressive is 13-year-old Peter A.’s group: the Green Eagles, from Silver Spring, Maryland. The Eagles have not only implemented sustainable gardening and composting projects within their community, but they have also raised over one thousand dollars in donations for the Jane Goodall Institute. This school year, Peter’s plans include lobbying for healthier school lunches and selling energy-efficient light bulbs at fund-raising events.
Founded as early as 1982 by environmentalist, Shimon Schwarzschild, Action for Nature focuses on “encouraging young people to take personal action to nurture and protect a healthy environment on which all life depends”. In addition to tips and resources, the website holds the annual International Young Eco-Hero Awards which highlights impactful youths from across the globe.
The 2008 winners include 14-year-old Alexander Lin of the United States, who set up a program to help end e-waste exports from America to developing countries; 16-year-old Linus Wafula of Kenya, who created the Mazingara Safi Campaign in his poor, heavily polluted Nairobi community to help gather and properly dispose of toxic waste and trash; and 16-year-old Vania Santosa of Indonesia, the “dirtiest country in the world”, who implemented a system of recycling, composting, and publicly educating her East Java community about environmental harm.
Other organizations and teen info sources include the Global Youth Action Network (GYAN), Teens for Planet Earth, the Student Conservation Association (SCA), the Student Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC), and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Your Environment, Your Choice teen website and High School Environmental Center.
With encouragement and support, our global youth can take responsibility as leaders for a healthy, sustainable future. We need to educate the global community about what these young people are doing for the Earth and learn how to view the potential they hold as an invaluable resource.
Posted on September 22, 2008 |
Music That Matters
By Jenna Kirkman
Filed Under Arts & Culture | 1 Comment
You certainly know the world’s favorite 75-year-old cowboy-hippie Willie Nelson, but did you know he is opening his own bio-diesel truck stop in Summer 2008? Located in Texas, Willie’s Place will feature his own blend of veggie-oil derived BioWillie® fuel.
As environmental damage continues to elevate concern, numerous musicians are using their notoriety as a tool to promote positive global change. Here’s a look at some of the industry’s most inspiring green giants and what they are up to on and off stage. Continue reading Music That Matters…
Posted on September 1, 2008 |
Permaculture 101: Feed The People: What Everyone Can Learn From The Cuban Oil Crisis
By Erin Gallagher
Filed Under The Big Picture | 7 Comments
Another day passes and the buzz about fuel prices and dwindling oil reserves hangs (along with the rush-hour traffic exhaust) in the evening air. The future of our global petroleum-based economy is a picture that not many of us want to paint, yet it is unavoidable not to ask what our lives may look like when the last drop of oil has burned.
In the US, the average person currently requires 7 barrels of oil to operate their home (heating, cooling and electricity), 9 barrels to power their vehicle and 10 to grow and transport the food they eat. Does ten barrels of oil for food sound surprising? The food industry is an extremely energy intensive process that has been expanded and commercialized to a point where industrial-sized machinery and mass production methods such as monopolized corporate farms and indiscriminate pesticide use are necessary to keep up with demand.
Fortunately, there is a country who can provide us with an image of what that the not-so-distant future without oil may look like. Cuba faced a crisis due to oil shortage with the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. Oil exports abruptly dropped 50% and the country lost 80% of it’s international trade economy.
Food production quickly became Cuba’s number one issue after their oil supply dwindled. Buses stopped running, factories became silent, tractors sat on the side of the road and people began to realize that food was not making the long journey from the farm to the city. People began to starve. Within a few months the average person lost 25 pounds and malnutrition in pregnant women and small children became the dominant issues for the medical community. Continue reading Permaculture 101: Feed The People: What Everyone Can Learn From The Cuban Oil Crisis…
Posted on August 29, 2008 |
Green Your Screen: The Top 6 Eco-Friendly PCs
By Jenna Kirkman
Filed Under Conscious Commerce, News & Reviews | 2 Comments
Right now you are most likely staring at lead, mercury, cadmium, barium, beryllium, polyvinyl chloride, and brominated flame retardants. No, the toxic waste disposal company did not just dump a barrel of chemicals on your desk – these dangerous toxins can be found right inside your precious personal computer.
- Computer screens commonly contain lead, which can cause brain, nervous system, blood, and reproductive problems
- LCD screens and wiring boards, are often made with mercury, with prolonged exposure leading to brain and kidney damage
- Circuit boards usually contain brominated flame retardants (BFR) which have been linked to learning and memory impairment
- Inexpensive plastics like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are manufactured using a vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), a known carcinogen
Initiatives such as “one laptop per child” and the attraction of saving on gas by working from home has encouraged the increased production of computers. Coupled with the fact that the average PC has a life cycle so short that most are outdated within a few years, means an exponential increase in electronic waste (e-waste) in landfills, and toxins seeping into our ecosystems. Though some companies have recycling programs to reduce e-waste, millions of PCs are still disposed of irresponsibly. Sadly, an estimated 50-80 percent of e-waste from the United States is shipped overseas to China and India, where low income communities are paid to take these toxic chemicals off American hands.
Continue reading Green Your Screen: The Top 6 Eco-Friendly PCs…
Posted on August 11, 2008 |
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