It’s not often that I envy other cities for their bike-related policies (Portland being such a poster child, in that department), but this is pretty impressive: a formalized bike-sharing program in Barcelona that’s much like Zip Car here in the states, only better, because it cuts out the car part.
Only begs one question: Why haven’t we done this yet in the States? Or have we?
Found via Out There Biking.
Intelligent Debate. Passionate Media. How rare is that? If you found it, would you engage with it? I ask because I recently discovered Scribemedia.org. That’s exactly what they promise and that’s definitely what they deliver. The folks at Scribemedia travel extensively to capture and deliver speeches, roundtables and interviews of thought leaders across an incredibly diverse range of disciplines from technology, fashion, business, design, media and the arts. My samplings included a talk by Chris Jordan at the recent Greener Gadgets Conference where he artfully illustrates our staggering quantities of mass consumption and a speech by Lord John Browne of Madingley (former Managing Director of the colossus oil company British Petroleum) about the future of world energy markets.
Scribemedia serves up intelligent dialogue, versus the usual sound-bite approach that has become all too prevalent in our national dialogue. As they say, they “deliver content where and how people want to receive it.”
Saw this bus on a walk yesterday.
Had to run over and look in the window.
Of course, it had the perfect sticker on it…
Why doesn’t a car manufacturer make a cool bus again? An AWD, hydrogen-powered six-seater with a fold-down bed in back (or above). Sink, toilet, and card table would all come standard.
This Westy concept car by Verdier is what I’m talking about… Hello, VW?
Losing a glove sucks. Usually, if you’re biking or on a walk, you try to retrace your route and hope that some kind soul has picked it up and stuck it on a fencepost—but that rarely seems to happen. What ends up happening is that you keep the other glove for a while, unable to throw it away because technically, it still works. You almost feel sorry for it, like an identical twin that’s been separated from its sibling, until finally you have to donate it or toss it away. It’s so much better to lose a hat, because at least you know the hat has more of a chance for a second life.
The One Cold Hand? blog is an ingenious lost-and-found on the web that reunites Pittsburgh’s lost gloves with their lonely counterparts. Designed by Carnegie Mellon art student Jennifer Gooch, the site is a work of art in itself, with each lost glove telling a story and inspiring the imagination. But this isn’t just for show—As of yesterday there have been 12 happy endings where gloves have been returned to their rightful owners.
I finally got a chance to download the short movie Pulp, Poo and Perfection that addresses two issues threatening water quality in Chile: Pichilemu’s sewage pipeline and forest industry pollution in the South. It’s a great piece that shows how surfers and organizations like Save the Waves can rally public awareness of corporate irresponsibility and environmental disregard. Between scenes that document the chewing and spewing of paper mills, there’s some great footage of the treasured left point breaks that are at risk—If you’re a goofyfooter like me, you’ll be even more pissed off! Released in Chile in November 2007, the short has been screened at several film festivals over the past few months, including Earth Vision in Santa Cruz and the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival.
You can download the full podcast of the documentary HERE. (under podcasts/ppp_english)
To support Save the Waves in their fight against the Chilean pulp mills, go HERE.
A conceptual design from 1999, Non-Stop Shoes (NSS), by Spanish designer Emil Padòs, is a collaboration with Camper that asks the question: What would happen if you could harness the energy you create through walking? Padòs imagines a world where the calories you exert through everyday activity can be stored and used later to power small lights, mp3 players, fans or other appliances. This invention seems so obvious that I’m really surprised it hasn’t become commonplace in footwear. A quick search on Google reveals that a US patent was awarded for “footwear with energy storing sole construction” in 2001, but I’ve yet to see anything utilizing this technology on the market. Can you imagine the benefit of self-sufficient energy for activities like trekking? Or better yet, what if all the runners in a marathon were given this footwear, and the collective energy harvested could be used for some form of positive change?
To see more of Padòs’s thought-provoking designs, go to his emili ana design studio.
Superbowl Sunday is usually one of the best days of the year to score uncrowded surf, short lines on ski-lifts, or an empty climbing wall, but if you’re into watching America’s most popular sporting event, you’ll be happy to know that the NFL is taking steps to make the extravaganza a little greener. NPR’s All Things Considered talked to Jack Groh, the NFL’s environmental program director (yes, there is such a position) about what the league is doing to tackle offsetting the big game’s massive carbon footprint. Check out the interview HERE.
Also, I think I may have just coined a phrase: “Bowlpooling.” That’s when you watch the Superbowl with as many friends possible on one television; thereby reducing the amount of overall electricity used this gameday.
Every year the World Economic Forum invites many of the world’s top leaders from politics, business, NGO’s and the arts to gather in Davos, Switzerland to talk about how to make the world a better place. This year they’re reaching out to the broader community by asking others to join them — and help out — by answering the “Davos Question” which is:
What one thing do you think that countries, companies and individuals must do to make the world a better place in 2008?
The exchange is being facilitated by YouTube. The idea is to have people submit their response by video. Submissions will be ranked and the highest rated videos will be screened at Davos and responded to by the assembled participants. Is it possible that this emerging form of digital dialogue will kick-start action that will truly make a difference?
OK, we’re a few days late to it, but here’s a selection of well-intended resolutions from the Nau gang. Hopefully they’ll inspire, or at least inspire a chuckle.
What’s on your plan for the New Year?
Eat Tastier Food, Dude
I’m of the school of thought that New Year’s resolutions shouldn’t be painful. As a matter of fact, they should be as decadent as possible, to counteract the post-holiday blues, crappy winter surf and the end of fantasy football season. This year my goal is to eat more delicious meals, meaning I’ll have to shop regularly at the farmer’s market and frequent local restaurants that abide by the slow food ethos like Portland’s Nostrana. Everybody knows that organically grown food tastes tons better and supporting our area’s mom ‘n pop farms and eateries is good for the environment and the health of our community. Next year’s resolution? Drink lovelier wines. –Rick
More Work, Less Office.
I have resolved to put in less time at the office, so as to cut down on the amount of fossil fuel I consume on my daily commute from the houseboat. I will endeavor to drop down to three days in the office, and two days telecommuting from home. If that doesn’t work, I’m just going to shack up with our office manager and walk into work from her house. –Hal
Car Smart
My resolution starts with a dilemma: I have a ten-year-old truck, and I want to keep it rolling. But, 2008 will likely be the year for a trade-in, so I’m looking to move to a biodiesel or a hybrid vehicle. –Ian
Home Is Where the Napkins Are
My resolution is to permanently turn my paper towel holder into an abode for the cloth napkins Santa brought me. –Josie
Deep Thoughts
My resolution for 2008: At the juncture where heart and mind collide, I will choose to follow the heart. –Mark
More or Less?
And mine? I resolve to make 2008 the year of more and less. I will write more of my own work. I will cook more of my own food (good start on that one so far). I will visit my family more. I will ski more (and hopefully better). I will ride my bike more…which means I will drive to work less. I will spend less money, and more carefully. I will spend less time on things that leave me unsatisfied. I will do more, with less, whenever possible. That’s a lot of line items, but after a year filled with richness and exhaustion of the best kind (marriage, buying our first home, meaningful work) I am seeking to reinvest in my own routines and rituals in a way that can hopefully transcend the calendar year.
And yours? What ever they are, the Nau collective wishes you success in realizing them.
Also, if you need some more inspiration for a greener 2008, check this post out.
I just got an email from David Hirsh, a lawyer, environmental professional, and longtime surfer who is currently fighting a proposal to place 350 wave energy conversion buoys in and around the surf at Westhaven State Park in Washington. Not only would these buoys potentially destroy the waves at Westport’s most popular break, but according to Hirsh’s research, these harvesters would have a negative impact on the local ecosystem. Hirsh’s attempt to raise public awareness of the project and to convince local city and county leaders to adjust the proposed location of the buoy array makes me wonder:
When does carbon-free energy trump outdoor recreation? Shouldn’t we all take the time to research the holistic impact of “green” projects, even if the intent is good on a macro level? Am I just being a selfish outdoor enthusiast who doesn’t want to sacrifice a limited commodity—a surf spot—to increase a necessary commodity—carbon neutral energy?
Other issues that are similar to this, and that definitely fall into this line of thinking, are the dam being built on the Ashlu River in BC (see our Collective Video on the subject), and the wind farm controversy currently taking place in a number of eastern states. When do you have to give up part of your backyard to ensure there will be any yards at all?
