This article comes to us from our friends at
Patagonia, it highlights the
Earth Policy Institute. It's part of their
Eco-Economy Indicators research -- twelve trends that the Institute tracks to measure progress towards building an eco-economy.
Bicycles Pedaling Into the Spotlight
J. Matthew Roney
The world produced an estimated 130 million bicycles in 2007—more than twice the 52 million cars produced. Bicycle and car production tracked each other closely in the mid-to-late 1960s, but bike output separated sharply from that of cars in 1970, beginning its steep climb to 105 million in 1988. Following a slowdown between 1989 and 2001, bike production has regained steam, increasing in each of the last six years. Much of the recent growth has been driven by the rise in electric, or “e-bike” production, which has doubled since 2004 to 21 million units in 2007. Overall, since 1970, bicycle output has nearly quadrupled, while car production has roughly doubled.
Promoting the bike as a clean and efficient alternative to the personal automobile is a practical way for cities to reduce traffic congestion and smog. To simultaneously confront those problems as well as climate change and an emerging obesity epidemic, government leaders and advocacy groups are working to bring cycling back to prominence in the urban transport mix.
Continue reading "Bicycles Pedaling Into the Spotlight" »
It's with a heavy heart that we discovered something about ourselves this morning. The realization was a simple: we're a bunch of lawbreaking crooks.
Activist supporters? Sure. Guilty as charged. But criminals? We have no doubt supported a number of activists whose direct-action approach has landed them in jail (think
Buffalo Field Campaign ). And it's true; we'll post bail for employees arrested during non-violent peaceful protests, provided they've completed
activist training with the
Ruckus Society.
But criminals? Us?
Apparently so. You see, we recycle a LOT of boxes. And as we learned this morning, that innocent little gesture toward a healhty, happy earth is . . . well, it's against federal regulations.
That last sentence sounds so silly, I'm tempted to go back and delete it. But as they say in the Stand-Up (comedy) business: you can't make this stuff up.
Here's a quick excerpt from today's story on Denver, Colorado's
Channel 7 news site:
A Colorado man says he was accused of violating postal regulations for reusing a United States Postal Service priority mail cardboard box to send something.
Gary Adler said he was just recycling a box that was going to be thrown in the trash, but according to the Postal Service that kind of repurposing is not allowed.
“We recycle old boxes that we get at the grocery store or other merchants and dumpster dive sometimes,” said Adler.
Adler uses the boxes to mail sports memorabilia for his non-profit organization called Pro-Players Association. . . . But the Postal Service said what Adler did is against postal regulations.
Read the full story
here. While you're there, take the Denver News Channel 7 survey and check out the latest results to see what others think. And what the hey . . . drop by the website of our friends at the
USPS, check out their
policy page and maybe drop them a line and let 'em know what you think. But whatever you do, please don't tell them you saw this photographic evidence on our blog of us actively preparing to re-use all these boxes *gasp*!
[Top to bottom: Dirty proof of illicit activity - boxes finding new life and uses at our Reno Distribution center. Photos: localcrew]
Whoopee Cushions, Tent Gnomes and Piñata’s! With all of the negative press over certain outdoor products these past couple of weeks, we thought it would be fun to show you the lighter (i.e. true) side of the outdoors and gear manufacturers. Pacific Outdoor Equipment, makers of fine outdoor products, has a line of “Backcountry Fun” that will not only put a smile on your face, but actually save your toes and food from ruin on the trail.
Here is a sampling of products that caught our attention, and will likely accompany us on our next foray to the Pisgah National Forest.
For more information and products from Pacific Outdoor Equipment and where to buy them, please go to their newly redesigned site Pacific Outdoor Equipment.
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Fun with animals in the backcountry!!! Save your toes and protect your tent from inevitable trip at night with our fun tent stake friends. Try our sophmoric whooppe valve cover on a friend in the morning. Pack Pinata’s keep the bears at bay, and your goodies aware from batting paws during the night.
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This incredible new product just hit the shop today. Works great with all water bottles…we recommend Camelbak, Nalgene or Platypus.
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Gear Testimonials:
“My thanks to Great Outdoor Provision Co. and Bernard. In fact, I will hereafter address him as “St. Bernard” given the life changing effect of his de-hydrated water. On past hikes I would carry water for both me and my dog. Now I simply strap a few cans of Bernard’s de-hydrated water neath the chin of my Malamute and we are on our way. Happy Trails.”
– Yukon Jack, Yukon, Alaska
“I can’t believe how light my pack load is now…thanks GOPC!”
– Mike B.
“Dehydrated water is the best invention since the pop up tent”
– Susie T.
