sweet wordpress blog on cycling, some cool vids too. Salty Dog Cycling – http://saltydogcycling.wordpress.com/. Love the name, but will it last?
September 21, 2009
University of Wisc. Water Savers
An awesome water use project, gives a clear example of how we can work to create more efficient use of water and beautiful landscapes at the same time.
“Through a neat program, the University of Wisconsin-Madison is diverting 84% of their stormwater runoff and keeping it for use around campus, reports the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. They’re also getting part of it paid for through grants. Find out where and how after the jump.
Just utilizing a few rooftops and one parking garage, 40,000 square feet total, officials at the university are reporting that they are diverting 84% of stormwater runoff to be used around campus. In return, a new system of streams are being engineered around campus, which will help water 10,000 square feet of flower beds with native grasses, sedges and native flowers. Plants chosen will also help to absorb some of the water.” – TreeHugger.com
September 18, 2009
A Simpler Way
An short trip revealing long held ways of life to inspire modern living…
“As we try to navigate through difficult economic times, sometimes simple insights from the past can help us to keep perspective. The past and future were juxtaposed in my life this past year in a profound way. While I attended a conference in Lancaster County, Pa., on the future of Lancaster, my 15-year-old daughter, Jaxie, and her friend Emily spent the day with an Amish family whose life revolved around the simple traditions of the past. As we look for ways to scale back, the lessons of a simpler Amish way of life can provide profound insights.
I had arranged for Jaxie and her friend to spend the day with the Planks, an Amish family with whom we had forged a friendship during a visit to the Pennsylvania Dutch Country in the summer of 2001. (The family’s name has been changed to protect their privacy). The Amish people (who refer to themselves as the “plain folk”) have always held a special appeal for me. Their simple living, plain dress, and resistance to modern conveniences stand in stark contrast to the rapid pace of New York life. The fact that the Amish manage to maintain these traditions while surrounded by the extravagances of modern life makes me admire them all the more.”
July 10, 2009
60 environmentalist groups support Sotomayor
Next week we should see the press and news cycle to give well deserved attention to the confirmation proceedings for Sotomayor to the supreme court. Now that Michael Jackson’s death and funeral is fading out of the limelight, the focus should shift again to national politics.
Most know that there are few positions more important than that of a Supreme Court Justice, not only in the direct influence they have over our legal system and political processes, but also because of the longevity of their appointments. With this in mind, one of my concerns was how would leading environmental groups lean on Sotomayor’s nomination? Good news, impressive support!
From the Environmental News Service
WASHINGTON, DC, July 9, 2009 (ENS) – Sixty environmental, conservation and Native American organizations sent a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee members today expressing their support for confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor as an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.The letter was delivered ahead of Sotomayor’s Senate confirmation hearing, which is scheduled to begin next Monday, July 13.
“Judge Sotomayor’s record evinces no clear bias in favor of or against environmental claims,” the groups wrote in the letter. “Instead, it reflects intellectual rigor, meticulous preparation, and fairness.”
“Her record demonstrates a consistently balanced and thoughtful review of complex legal issues. She has interpreted and applied the laws as Congress intended and safeguarded constitutional rights,” the groups wrote.
“Our support for President Obama’s nomination of Judge Sotomayor continues,” said Trip Van Noppen, president of the nonprofit environmental law firm Earthjustice. “We are pleased that so many environmental groups agree.”
The list of supporters is indeed impressive. It’s important for the environmental groups to have strong support for the next Justice, as we’ve faced some strong environmental setbacks in recent weeks.
“The letter was signed by some of the largest groups in the United States, including the League of Conservation Voters, Friends of the Earth, Greenpeace USA, the National Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, the National Wildlife Federation and The Wilderness Society. In total, they represent millions of members.”
July 10, 2009
yoga for cyclists
I stumbled across this post with a couple of yoga type stretches for cyclists. I’ve often done stretching very similar to these simple ones, and they’re in good detail here. stay loose people…
July 8, 2009
‘United Breaks Guitars’: Passenger Strikes (VIDEO)
‘United Breaks Guitars’: Passenger Strikes Back With Song (VIDEO)
Ah the power of the net! Love it!
June 24, 2009
more Americans moving downtown
A brief article confirming what most already know to be happening. I too made the move into the city, even as much as I love to be out in nature. Living closer to the city just makes life so much easier… maybe someday if I work from home, I could do the country. For now, Keep It Simple Sucka!
More Americans moving downtown and into new urbanist housing areas
According to a recent article from Bankrate.com, increasing numbers of Americans are moving downtown and to areas described as “New Urbanist”. There are a few key reasons offered for this growing trend:
Transportation will continue to be a huge issue in driving the growth of urban villages, Bernstein says. Many suburban households don’t fully factor in transportation expenses in their family budgets and quickly land in the red after discovering they need several cars to shuttle family members, he says.
Further shifts in the average age and make-up of the population are also bound to make such mixed-use enclaves more popular, Burden says. “In just a few years, 30 percent of the population is going to be over age 65, and they are going to want to be closer to dining, services and medical facilities,” he says.
Dozens of cities are responding to calls for smart-growth neighborhoods and are putting more urban villages and green preservation districts on the drawing board. Plus, they’re tweaking the formula using industry-best practices to create the types of self-contained communities that dominated American life prior to World War II.
“America is moving back downtown,” Burden says.
While this kind of living might not define simple living for everyone, it is certainly easy to see why many people would find downtown living and “New Urbanist” living preferable.
June 22, 2009
Great Green Building Site
Hey All…
While bouncing around the net today, I found this sweet Green Building Site, Jetson Green (cool name too). I haven’t fully explored it yet, but It’s def. worth a look for all you eco-seekers out there. Random bonus is they’re from my new city, Salt Lake City.
“Jetson Green is a daily updated magazine that’s obsessed with green building and everything related to it, including sustainable architecture, good design, green prefab, clean technology in the built environment, affordable housing, and eco-friendly development. Our goal is this: to help you become as obsessed with green building as we are. This is a place where curious, open-minded, demanding, entrepreneurial, and innovative readers are welcome.”
June 18, 2009
random ride pics
Last week I went for an evening ride on my road bike and took this quick pic of a deer across the road. It’s not the best photography, but I was on a bike and the light was really low. It’s so wonderful to have a hobby like cycling that also gives me so much exposure to wonderful parts of the natural world. I also feel good knowing that while I’m out and about I’m having a very low impact on the environment.
Salt Lake City also offers some great road to ride on and some even better sunsets. This isn’t a typical San Diego beach sunset, but it’s inspiring none the less.
Also caught this cool duck that was hang’n in the street slowing traffic down.
