Have you ever actually calculated just how much you shell out for gas each month? Or do you simply close you eyes and fork over the cash every couple days or so? Either way, if you drive every day, you know you spend a lot of dough just to keep going.
Before prices catapulted, I calculated that I was spending roughly $160/month on gas (and that doesn't include insurance, maintenance, rising prices, or repairs). Sure that doesn't seem like a lot, but I didn't drive very much either. Being an ex-avid cyclist and a newbie at driving (yes I have the "N"), my long forgotten conscience soon started creeping back (that pesky thing!). So I have now retired my vehicle to the garage and have re-familiarized myself with the wonders of public transportation. True, it's certainly far from peachy, but it's not so bad. I actually enjoy the time it gives me to relax, read, and hang out with my daughter, rather than stress and yell at everything because I left at the last minute in my vehicle and then there's construction (and there is always construction). The Vancouver Transit system is pretty good, although it could always be better. It is the elusive catch 22 that the system doesn't improve because not enough people use, and more people don't use it because it is not convenient enough. So there lays the conundrum.
Driving is expensive on our wallets and the environment and transit can be inconvenient.
What's a person-who-wants-to-do-their-part-but-just-doesn't-have-the-darn-time, to do?
Never fear, solutions, are always near.
It's not rocket science, and I'm sure you've probably figured it out yourself, but here it is for those who haven't...(drum roll please)
Try Taking The Bus!!!!!
Ok, ok, keep your excuses, I'm only talking about a commitment to a couple trips of week here, no big deal. An adult can purchase a pack of 10 tickets for a mere $18 for 1 zone, $27 for 2 zone, or $36 for 3 zone. These tickets do not expire at the end of the month and what's even better is that whenever you purchase a bus ticket (or monthly pass), the government gives you a tax credit at the end of the year. I'm sure you don't get anything back for driving your car except bills. Take the money that you would spend on one week on gas, get yourself a faresaver book, and decide on one or two days a week that you will take the bus instead (and remember to bring a book). Your first few trips may be stressful as you step timidly into the unknown, but be brave young grasshopper, once you find a routine, you may come to enjoy or even cherish the time you have to relax, read, whatever. By substituting some of your car trips, you help the transit system to become more efficient, possibly save a couple bucks, and definitely, give Mother Nature a break. All that in one day. Give yourself a pat on the back!
I've provided a link to help you plan your route, including bus numbers and names, where they stop and when, and where to link to your next bus should you need one.
www.translink.bc.ca/
Below is a link that may be of interest:
www.vancouver-ecodensity.ca/
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Take Action Daily - Spin Your Wheels
Cycling around Vancouver is so easy, it's no surprise we have such a vast bike culture. With gas prices the way they are, combined with the gorgeous pre-summer weather we've been enjoying, what better time to dust off those wheels of yours hiding in your storage locker. If you don't have a bike yet, there are lots to be found, whether by perusing craigslist, local papers, sports junkies, or scoring from your local bike shop, now is the perfect time to look. I've added a map of cycling routes in Vancouver for a quick glance, and have also added links at the top of the blog for a more detailed look as well as links for sub Vancouver maps. These links are in PDF. format so you may need to download free Adobe Acrobat Reader software (www.adobe.com) if you don't already have it.
Now that you know where to go, rather than hopping in your gas guzzling, air polluter for a jaunt to the store, grab your newly greased up two wheeler and get a splash of fresh air. Trust me, it may seem like a pain at first to get going, but once you do, you will love it.
Before long you'll be ready to peddle with the rest of the cycling cult at Critical Mass, a large scale cycling group that meets up around 5-5:30pm at the Georgia side of the Vancouver Art Gallery on the last Friday of every month. The name "Critical Mass" is taken from Ted White's 1992 documentary film about bicycling, "Return of the Scorcher". In the film, George Bliss describes a typical scene in China, where cyclists often cannot cross intersections because there is automobile cross-traffic and no traffic lights. Slowly, more and more cyclists amass waiting to cross the road, and when there is a sufficient number of them -- a critical mass, as Bliss called it -- they are able to all move together with the force of their numbers to make cross traffic yield while they cross the road. The idea started in San Francisco in 1992 and has since spread throughout the world. Every place has a different feel to their rides which I imagine says a lot about each individual city. Here in Vancouver, the rides are as diverse as is the city. From people riding with barbecues and delicious food, to BMXers, to stylish cruisers, to hard core cyclists, most people come out to have fun and enjoy the company and the view from a new perspective. If you live in Vancouver or have friends visiting, it is a great way to spend an evening!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Take Action Daily - Hosers
Who's hosing who?
Gas prices are skyrocketing! OH NO! We must put a stop to this madness! We want our deserved right to pollute!
Seriously people, get a grip. The only way we will ever kick our own asses into choosing alternative fuels is by paying a fortune for the luxury of pollution. I read a rather frightening article a while back when gas prices first started to climb. The article told of a one very worried G.W. Bush who thought he outta bring the gas prices back down so people would forget about such vehicles as hybrids, fuel cells, electrics, or bio diesels. Once people had forgotten about these alternative options, he would be able to slowly bring the prices up again. How sick is that? What is even sicker, however, is the behaviour of our fellow Canadians who are actually demanding prices be lowered!
What!?
Recently I read a reader's feedback letter in the little free paper 24 Hours. The man wrote about how, while the gas prices affect him too, rather than cry and whine about the gouge, he would be more interested in signing a petition demanding the Government end the creation of new gasoline cars, requiring instead, car makers start making sustainable vehicles. Hmmm, I wonder if he has read my petition?
For the next couple weeks, I will be reviewing alternative vehicles and posting the information on this site. I will be test driving these cars and trucks, giving price quotes, where to buy... all the necessary low-down for the enlightenment of inquiring minds.
Gas prices are skyrocketing! OH NO! We must put a stop to this madness! We want our deserved right to pollute!
Seriously people, get a grip. The only way we will ever kick our own asses into choosing alternative fuels is by paying a fortune for the luxury of pollution. I read a rather frightening article a while back when gas prices first started to climb. The article told of a one very worried G.W. Bush who thought he outta bring the gas prices back down so people would forget about such vehicles as hybrids, fuel cells, electrics, or bio diesels. Once people had forgotten about these alternative options, he would be able to slowly bring the prices up again. How sick is that? What is even sicker, however, is the behaviour of our fellow Canadians who are actually demanding prices be lowered!
What!?
Recently I read a reader's feedback letter in the little free paper 24 Hours. The man wrote about how, while the gas prices affect him too, rather than cry and whine about the gouge, he would be more interested in signing a petition demanding the Government end the creation of new gasoline cars, requiring instead, car makers start making sustainable vehicles. Hmmm, I wonder if he has read my petition?
For the next couple weeks, I will be reviewing alternative vehicles and posting the information on this site. I will be test driving these cars and trucks, giving price quotes, where to buy... all the necessary low-down for the enlightenment of inquiring minds.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Good Green Fun
Last night (May 18) was the eco-themed club night held at the Waldorf Tiki Lounge. The place is perfect for a night like this with two rooms complete with palm trees, eerie masks and bamboo wall coverings. The event cost a mere $12 at the door ($10 if you pre purchased) and started out with a screening of Thin Ice. The documentary features the life of the Inuit and how climate change is drastically affecting their way of living. Where conditions are the most cold and extreme, these people are seeing first hand how rapidly our warming planet is changing and realise just how important it is to protect it.
Following the film, DJ Timothy Wisdom kicked in the jams, stirring lethargic environmentalists from their cushy seats. DJ Wisdom mixed a variety of music for all sorts of tastes from hip hop, to house, some old school and even some new school like Lily Allen. After every one's dancing feet were warmed up Third Eye Tribe brought the funk to the house with a positive message to lift spirits. Sadly not many people were dancing, although perhaps if there were more nights like this, word would spread bringing more of the eco-friendly and eco-curious out to play in the name of positive change.
Following the film, DJ Timothy Wisdom kicked in the jams, stirring lethargic environmentalists from their cushy seats. DJ Wisdom mixed a variety of music for all sorts of tastes from hip hop, to house, some old school and even some new school like Lily Allen. After every one's dancing feet were warmed up Third Eye Tribe brought the funk to the house with a positive message to lift spirits. Sadly not many people were dancing, although perhaps if there were more nights like this, word would spread bringing more of the eco-friendly and eco-curious out to play in the name of positive change.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Under Construction
Hey Eco Fans,
I'm working on some changes so I won't be writing for awhile, but check back in a few weeks, hopefully I'll be up and with it then.
Chiao
I'm working on some changes so I won't be writing for awhile, but check back in a few weeks, hopefully I'll be up and with it then.
Chiao
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Take Action Daily - Buying Power
Shop Your Mind
And speak it too. Notice how more and more products are available in organic? Or how about how more grocery stores have larger natural foods sections? It's not a coincidence...it's all you baby. You, me, everyone. We tell producers what consumers want by everyday choices. So now it's swell to see more and more natural, organic, free-range, choices, but what about the packaging? So first we take our health to heart, now how about Mother's...you know, miss au natural herself. What do you do when the product you want comes in non-eco friendly wrap? You speak your voice. All products have a contact or questions line, email, or address. With email today it's really very simple and only takes a moment for a quick inquiry or suggestion. Today I emailed two organic companies whose product I consume but am unable to readily recycle the containers (I also suggested they try out biodegradable plastic, not just recyclable...biodegradable plastic really needs a push from consumers now - especially plastic bags). This has bothered me for a long time now and so I finally did it and you know, it was quick and easy. So now I just wait for a response. I think I will try to do this with more products. If these companies hear about packaging issues from more and more people, it will put the pressure on. They need to know what we want. So tell them.
And speak it too. Notice how more and more products are available in organic? Or how about how more grocery stores have larger natural foods sections? It's not a coincidence...it's all you baby. You, me, everyone. We tell producers what consumers want by everyday choices. So now it's swell to see more and more natural, organic, free-range, choices, but what about the packaging? So first we take our health to heart, now how about Mother's...you know, miss au natural herself. What do you do when the product you want comes in non-eco friendly wrap? You speak your voice. All products have a contact or questions line, email, or address. With email today it's really very simple and only takes a moment for a quick inquiry or suggestion. Today I emailed two organic companies whose product I consume but am unable to readily recycle the containers (I also suggested they try out biodegradable plastic, not just recyclable...biodegradable plastic really needs a push from consumers now - especially plastic bags). This has bothered me for a long time now and so I finally did it and you know, it was quick and easy. So now I just wait for a response. I think I will try to do this with more products. If these companies hear about packaging issues from more and more people, it will put the pressure on. They need to know what we want. So tell them.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Events June 2007
Clean Water Classic
June 2-3
Pro Surfing competition to benefit the Pacific Northwest chapters of the Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to the protection and preservation of the world's oceans and beaches.
Westport, Washington
www.cleanwaterclassic.com
North Shore Neighbourhood House Garden Party
Sat. June 10
1-4pm
Enjoy a garden tea party and an electric car show
Lower Lonsdale Community Garden
E.2nd ST. and St.Georges
June 2-3
Pro Surfing competition to benefit the Pacific Northwest chapters of the Surfrider Foundation, a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to the protection and preservation of the world's oceans and beaches.
Westport, Washington
www.cleanwaterclassic.com
North Shore Neighbourhood House Garden Party
Sat. June 10
1-4pm
Enjoy a garden tea party and an electric car show
Lower Lonsdale Community Garden
E.2nd ST. and St.Georges
Take Action Daily - Here Fishy Fishy
Red Fish, Blue Fish, One Fish, None
"Eat more fish" touts almost every health and fitness magazine and article. Yet stocks are disappearing fast - really fast. Some scientists predict the oceans will be devoid of sea life come 2050 (a mere 40 years). This seems extreme, however we are already seeing proof. Coastal fishing villages, who have put pressure on governments for years not to restrict their livelihood, are now now facing consequential collapse. We can see these symbolic villages rapidly falling apart. We cannot see the lack of fish found in the ocean. We do not see the horrific by-catch, suffocated, useless and wasted, thrown back, destroyed carelessly. We also don't see the cruelness of the shark hunt, where fishermen fin a shark alive and allow it to sink helplessly to the bottom of the ocean to die slowly and painfully (if anyone has seen a show on this, it may just bring you to tears. You forget your preconceived notions that it is just a shark and see it for what it is, a living, feeling creature, just trying to survive like the rest of us). Check out a good Canadian documentary called Sharkwater. www.sharkwater.com
"My big fear is that it may be too late" says Spanish marine biologist, Sergi Tudela, about the decline of the great Bluefin Tuna. "I have a very graphic image in my mind. It is of the migration of so many buffalo in the American West in the early 19th century. It was the same with the bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean, a migration of a massive number of animals. And now we are witnessing the same phenomenon happening to giant bluefin tuna that we saw happen with America's buffalo. We are witnessing this right now, before our eyes." - National Geographic
As consumers, we MUST show and enforce our buying power here, - NOW. You don't have to stop eating fish entirely, but we need to slow down and be responsible and ethical. If you are dining out, take a moment to get acquainted with responsible restaurants (even if you don't plan to eat fish, it's good practice to support them because of what they support). If you are buying fish yourself for home, do a little research first. Have a list of questions to ask the clerk (find out where it is from and how it was caught, ex. if you are buying shrimp you want to make sure it is cold water shrimp)and if they can't answer, chances are you don't want to eat their fish.
for more info :
www.seachoice.org
www.oceanwise.org
"Eat more fish" touts almost every health and fitness magazine and article. Yet stocks are disappearing fast - really fast. Some scientists predict the oceans will be devoid of sea life come 2050 (a mere 40 years). This seems extreme, however we are already seeing proof. Coastal fishing villages, who have put pressure on governments for years not to restrict their livelihood, are now now facing consequential collapse. We can see these symbolic villages rapidly falling apart. We cannot see the lack of fish found in the ocean. We do not see the horrific by-catch, suffocated, useless and wasted, thrown back, destroyed carelessly. We also don't see the cruelness of the shark hunt, where fishermen fin a shark alive and allow it to sink helplessly to the bottom of the ocean to die slowly and painfully (if anyone has seen a show on this, it may just bring you to tears. You forget your preconceived notions that it is just a shark and see it for what it is, a living, feeling creature, just trying to survive like the rest of us). Check out a good Canadian documentary called Sharkwater. www.sharkwater.com
"My big fear is that it may be too late" says Spanish marine biologist, Sergi Tudela, about the decline of the great Bluefin Tuna. "I have a very graphic image in my mind. It is of the migration of so many buffalo in the American West in the early 19th century. It was the same with the bluefin tuna in the Mediterranean, a migration of a massive number of animals. And now we are witnessing the same phenomenon happening to giant bluefin tuna that we saw happen with America's buffalo. We are witnessing this right now, before our eyes." - National Geographic
As consumers, we MUST show and enforce our buying power here, - NOW. You don't have to stop eating fish entirely, but we need to slow down and be responsible and ethical. If you are dining out, take a moment to get acquainted with responsible restaurants (even if you don't plan to eat fish, it's good practice to support them because of what they support). If you are buying fish yourself for home, do a little research first. Have a list of questions to ask the clerk (find out where it is from and how it was caught, ex. if you are buying shrimp you want to make sure it is cold water shrimp)and if they can't answer, chances are you don't want to eat their fish.
for more info :
www.seachoice.org
www.oceanwise.org
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Take Action Daily - School Gardens
Give A Man A Fish - He'll Eat For A Day
Teach A Man To Fish - He'll Eat Forever
A child may or may not want to eat that carrot being forced upon her, but had she grown it herself, guaranteed (at least 90%), she would want to eat it. Not only would she want to eat it, she would care about it, where it came from, how it was treated, etc. She would also in the process learn to love the good bugs, and how to control the pests without the chemicals, and love the land from which the carrot grew. She would begin to understand why polluting our earth is so bad and most likely care to make changes in her life and those around her. School gardens are a fabulous way to inspire respect for the earth, encourage healthy eating habits, and incorporate school curriculum. Talk to your child's school about the idea. There is funding available from certain sources. Here are a few sites to help you get growing:
http://www.cityfarmer.org/
http://www.kidsgardening.com
http://www.landscapingbynature.com
http://www.littlegreenthumbs.org/
http://www.spec.bc.ca
http://www.eya.ca
Teach A Man To Fish - He'll Eat Forever
A child may or may not want to eat that carrot being forced upon her, but had she grown it herself, guaranteed (at least 90%), she would want to eat it. Not only would she want to eat it, she would care about it, where it came from, how it was treated, etc. She would also in the process learn to love the good bugs, and how to control the pests without the chemicals, and love the land from which the carrot grew. She would begin to understand why polluting our earth is so bad and most likely care to make changes in her life and those around her. School gardens are a fabulous way to inspire respect for the earth, encourage healthy eating habits, and incorporate school curriculum. Talk to your child's school about the idea. There is funding available from certain sources. Here are a few sites to help you get growing:
http://www.cityfarmer.org/
http://www.kidsgardening.com
http://www.landscapingbynature.com
http://www.littlegreenthumbs.org/
http://www.spec.bc.ca
http://www.eya.ca
Monday, April 2, 2007
Take Action Daily - Local Grub
As a newbie in the blog game, just fumbling my feeble way through, I have come to the realization that I am all over the freakin' place. And hence, through a little pondering, I've decided to have theme weeks. I pilfered the idea of an Action A Day, from the website (which is my home page), A Word A Day, who also have weekly themes. So it only makes sense to continue with my copy-cat style, and besides, there are so many avenues upon which to expand any action, that one can take.
So being that the Winter Farmer's Market is coming this Sat. April 7 (see April events down the left side or in Feb. archives), I figured it is an appropriate action theme to start off. The farmer's market is a great way to get local organic food, and lots of it, and support our farmers without the mark-up of big grocery stores. And the other great thing is you don't have to travel far to get it as it is being held at 1882 Adanac St. Ok so maybe you're like me (and most people) and you're really super busy, or you have to work on Saturdays....never fear. There are two great little companies who, not only delivers fresh, local, organic food to your door, they pedal-power it to you on their cycles....how cool is that? The companies are called SPUD and Green Cycle, and they are reasonably priced. So check it out, now you have NO excuses...myself included!
www.spud.ca
www.greencycle.ca
So being that the Winter Farmer's Market is coming this Sat. April 7 (see April events down the left side or in Feb. archives), I figured it is an appropriate action theme to start off. The farmer's market is a great way to get local organic food, and lots of it, and support our farmers without the mark-up of big grocery stores. And the other great thing is you don't have to travel far to get it as it is being held at 1882 Adanac St. Ok so maybe you're like me (and most people) and you're really super busy, or you have to work on Saturdays....never fear. There are two great little companies who, not only delivers fresh, local, organic food to your door, they pedal-power it to you on their cycles....how cool is that? The companies are called SPUD and Green Cycle, and they are reasonably priced. So check it out, now you have NO excuses...myself included!
www.spud.ca
www.greencycle.ca
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