Rebuild This City
By Erin Gallagher
Filed Under eCo TV | 2 Comments
Jaime Lerner wants to challenge the way we design our cities and propose that it can be accomplished within a budget that most urban planners would think completely unrealistic. His innovative, big picture view of efficient energy use, waste reduction, mass transportation and housing development has allowed him to transform gridlocked, clogged arteries of the city of Curitiba, Brazil into smooth flowing, pedestrian filled spaces in record time. Most notably, he has the ability to harness the power of citizens and work with them to create massive positive change. Lerner has deservingly received a United Nations Environmental Award, the Child and Peace Award from UNICEF, and the 2001 World Technology Award for Transportation.
Listen in on this brilliant lecture from Jaime and get inspired to work on redesigning the components of where you live.
Posted on August 5, 2008 |
Zaproot: Goodbye Nalgene, Hello Chipotle
By Jenn Breckenridge
Filed Under eCo TV | Leave a Comment
The lovely Jessica Williamson of Zaproot bangs the final nail into the coffin of Nalgene plastic water bottles and gives us the scoop on seasonal and organic fast food options. You’ll also get a glimpse at some of the wackiest alternative transport options available today…stainless steel rocket-powered toilet anyone?
Posted on June 4, 2008 |
Top 10 Reasons to Ride Your Bike…Everywhere
By Greg Berry
Filed Under Green Living | 4 Comments
First, I must preclude this Top 10 with a note about my cycling experience. I’ve been bike commuting for all of my professional life, and before that all during college, and before that I was an early convert to mountain biking. In short, I’ve spent my whole life on a bike and I think it’s the coolest thing going. Why, you ask? Well…
10. No Traffic
Well, this one kind of depends. I commute on bike paths almost the whole way. I bought my home with this in mind, but not everyone has that as a criteria. Either way, at least you’re not contributing to evil traffic, and hopefully you can avoid it altogether.
9. Enjoy The Outdoors
As a culture, we have gotten so completely disconnected from our natural environment, it’s frightening. On your bike you can hear the birds, breathe the outdoor air. See the clouds and decide for yourself whether or not it’s going to rain. Beyond reconnecting with the outside world, cycling is completely emissions-free!
8. Critical Mass
Calling all rebels and rabblerousers…Biking is political protest. If you didn’t know about Critical Mass before, you do now. It’s happening monthly in cities all over the country. Come join us, it’s a blast.
7. Community
Once you start bike commuting regularly, you’ll notice that you see the same people out there. You’ll meet someone from your neighborhood you didn’t know before. And you’ll develop camaraderie that doesn’t come from watching the same TV show.
6. Relax
We all spend too much time rushing around. There’s reason for me to believe that humans weren’t meant to go so fast all the time, hence jet lag. When you’re only moving as fast as your body can make you go, there’s a better sense of groundedness. Continue reading Top 10 Reasons to Ride Your Bike…Everywhere…
Posted on May 22, 2008 |
Go Green, Slow Down, Save Money
By Pippa Sorley
Filed Under Green Living | 5 Comments
I admit it. As an adrenaline junkie I like to do things fast. I like to ski fast, bike fast, I even prefer running trails over hiking them. Lo and behold- I like to drive fast. That is, until I learned about all the crazy costs that come with putting my pedal to the metal.
With peak oil, the ever-rising price of gas (which is perhaps a blessing in disguise), and climate change swiftly sweeping across the planet, it’s time for all of us to pay heed to the collective effects of our driving habits. With the US consuming over 400 million gallons of petroleum per day, we in turn produce about 7.8 billion pounds of carbon dioxide emissions…every day. Perhaps it’s come time for us to just slow down.
According to fueleconomy.gov, most engines don’t run efficiently past 60 miles per hour. For every 5 miles per hour you drive over 60, you are most likely wasting 20 cents’ worth of gasoline per gallon. And, this of course doesn’t take into account the environmental cost of driving too fast. Who knows how many CO2 emissions can be saved by chilling out a bit while driving? Continue reading Go Green, Slow Down, Save Money…
Posted on May 19, 2008 |
Bike To Work Week
By Jenn Breckenridge
Filed Under Green Living | 1 Comment
Bike To Work Week is upon us once again! This is the best time of the year to experiment with the bicycle commute you’ve been thinking about, or to be super psyched on yourself that you already do get to work on your carbon neutral bicyclette. Depending on what type of job you have and how far your commute is, you may want to put your work clothes in your bag to avoid a super sweaty start to your work day. Believe me, figuring out the clothing bit is well worth it…How often do you get to show up to work in the morning feeling exhilarated? This Friday is the big Bike To Work Day, so pull out your cruiser, BMX, fixed gear, electri-cycle, ten-speed, or mountain bike and get to pedaling!
Need to take this step with a group of Bike To Work enthusiasts? Check out the many Bike To Work events taking place around the country and around the world
Posted on May 15, 2008 |
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