One Size Fits All

Delaware’s bicycle maps have tips on how one can live car free or car-lite in Delaware. The tips can be used for any place.

Its easy to live a car-lite, or even car-free, lifestyle in Delaware! Use your bicycle and these tips to start down the path to a healthier, more efficient form of travel.

1. Find your home on the Delaware Bicycle Maps and draw a circle with a one or two mile radius around it. Use a highlighter to mark places inside the circle that you regularly visit.

2. Choose a familiar place and try bicycling rather than driving. See if you can find a comfortable route and secure parking. Add a new location every 1-2 weeks.

3. See if you can find a closer destination for errands that fall outside your circle. By slowly increasing the number of bicycle trips and incorporating transit or using a carshare program, you’ll be living car-lite in no time!

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) recognizes bicycling as a legitimate mode of transportation and recreation and addresses the needs of cyclists on all roadway improvement projects where appropriate and feasible to do so. In 2003 the SHA developed a statewide network of bicycle routes using on-road and off-road facilities. The purpose of this effort was to provide long distance touring cyclists direction and guidance when crossing our state. Our goal was to make your bicycling experience as safe and enjoyable as possible while providing links to towns, cities and points of interest. The routes were developed in cooperation with Maryland’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and input from local cycling organizaitons and citizen members.

Like everyone else, I was sad when I read Crunchy Chicken announcing that she would be taking a blogging break. To be honest, I was surprised that she hadn’t done so earlier. I mean this lady was a mom to two kids, she appeared to have a full time day job, she blogged frequently and had to pull it together while dealing with bad news. And god only knows how long she spends designing the cutest little banners for the challenges she hosts. Edit: The truth behind Crunchy Chicken. I am not familiar with the antics of Wonder Woman (except that she wears no pants), but Crunchy Chicken was a wonder woman. I on the other hand, have nervous breakdowns at the thought of driving a car. So you can see why I found Crunchy Chicken inspirational.

I came across Crunchy Chicken’s blog sometime last summer shortly after I joined the riot4austerity mailing list. And while I love reading my funnies, for some reason it didn’t dawn on me initially that Crunchy Chicken had a really excellent sense of humor. Who needs Dave Barry when you have Crunchy Chicken? Especially now with the impending apocalypse one needs advice in addition to the laughs.

I didn’t really begin to read Crunchy Chicken’s blog on a regular basis until she launched the freezer yer buns challenge last fall. It was the challenge that really spoke to me! I happen to think that austerity is fun. Additionally, the banner she designed had the cutest looking baby seal. Her previous challenges weren’t challenging enough for me. For example, I was not that interested in her previous challenges like the diva cup challenge or in the cloth wipe challenge, but I did find it fascinating that all these people (mainly women) were actually thinking about their toilet habits. I loved the fact that her challenges got her readers to think a bit outside the box.

During the freeze yer buns challenge…when I was sitting at my desk being cold, I would wonder about the other participants and how they were coping with the cold. And since Crunchy had a handy-dandy list of all her participants and their commitments on her sidebar, I began to read the blogs written by those who had also made the same promise as me: to be heat free for the entire winter season. This is how I found arduous’ blog because she was one of the few crazies like myself who had decided to go heat free. Later I learned that arduous lived in L.A. where bad weather of any sort is an anomaly, but by that point I was a regular reader. By following links from Crunchy Chicken’s blog I also found Green Bean’s blog, and Chile’s blog and others I cannot remember.  In short, I found this huge group of people who cared enough to do something besides changing lightbulbs and emitting alot of hot air thereby causing even more global warming.

After the sad announcement that Crunchy would be taking a break, her readers soon found out that she was actually addicted to blogging and thus her absence was not a long one. But the distress that was caused by her announcment to take the break did result in some of us thinking about how we could adaquately thank Crunchy Chicken for inspiring us so much. So now seemed as good of a moment as any to pay tribute to that wonderful bloggeress who has not only inspired me but has restored some of my faith in humanity. She has taught by example that instead of sitting around being grumpy about whatever pisses us off, we can do something about it. If you’re upset that tampax is marketing their wares to South African school girls, you can do something about it like Crunchy did. Be proactive not reactive (sorry…just chanelling some productivity gurus)!

So thanks Crunchy Chicken…for being as inspiring and as imaginative as you are.  

CSA for the poor.

Tom Lehrer’s song on pollution (youtube)

Olive Oil Scandal. 

Michael Pollan on the revolutionary act of gardening. (I have yet to read a book by Pollan - its always checked out at the library. But his articles have…actually changed my life and my way of thinking.)

I found the blog, 20 year challenge via blunt money yesterday and immediately added it to my feed reader. I have never found a blog that I relate to on so many levels. And since I am not good at articulating my thoughts too well in words, finding this blog details nearly all my views and ethics in a better way than I could have. The author also faces many of the financial struggles I have or had faced.

One of the reasons I had to delay getting my degree for so long was because once I dropped out from the first university I attended, I had to pay the tuition that wasn’t covered by scholarship before I could get my transcripts and transfer out. However I paid off over $3,000 making about $6/hour. I also had the usual bills to pay. And I was paying off a debt incurred by my parents on my account. It was a very challenging time. I remember writing out my expenditures in the detail Tread Softly (the author) does and worrying so much about money.

After reading the blog entries on the 20 year challenge, I am now reevaluating my decision to carry a credit card (even though I pay my balance in full). I dislike the credit card industry in general. My husband’s identity was stolen (yet again) and we learned about this a few days back. So now we have to start the letter writing and spend money on postage disputing the information, begging the credit reporting agencies to remove the fraudulent information from his credit report. Its such a giant nuisance and I just want to get out of this dumb system and have both our credit reports permanently frozen. And ensure that every since transaction we conduct is on a cash basis. I know my husband can have his reports frozen for free since his identity has been stolen. But I am wondering if I should shell out the $10/agency fee. Its probably worth the piece of mind. And any property/land purchases in our future is about 5-10 years away.

I am reading Karen Armstrong’s The Spiral Staircase. A small excerpt:

In the course of my studies, I have discovered that the religious quest is not about discovering “the truth” or “the meaning of life” but about living as intensely as possible here and now. The idea is not to latch on to some superhuman personality or to “get to heaven” but to discover how to be fully human - hence the images of the perfect or enlightened man, or the deified human being.

I am currently reading Happiness, a book by Matthieu Ricard. A section on renunciation really spoke to me, the section is below:

The Intelligence of Renunciation

Renunciation is a way of taking one’s life into one’s own hands, that is, of becoming fed up with being manipulated like a puppet by selfishness, the scramble for power and possessions, and the never-ending quest for pleasure. She who practices genuine renunciation is well informed of all that goes on around her. She does not flee the world because she’s unable to control it, but knowing how prejudicial pointless worries are, she has no interest in entertaining them. Her approach is eminently pragmatic. The renunciant shows no weakness, only daring.

Renunciation also conveys the delicious taste of simplicity and profound well-being. Once you have sampled it, it becomes easier and easier. But there is no question of forcing one self into renunciation, which would be doomed to failure. First you must clearly see its advantages and aspire to free yourself from that which you want to renounce. Once you’ve done that, renunciation is experienced as an act of liberation.

While we must never neglect those with whom we share our lives, we can get off the endless roller coaster of happiness and suffering. In so doing, we reject nothing but simplify everything.

Here are my favorite posts from the Urban Vegan:

* summer express :: 101 simple vegan meals ready in 10 minutes or less
* Recipe: sun-dried tomato pesto
* vegans gone wild! contest :: and the winner is….
* vegans gone wild runners up :: part 1 of 3
* vegans gone wild runners up : : part 2 of 3
* vegans gone wild runners up : : part 3 of 3

From Penelope Trunk’s blog, Networking tips for introverts. An excerpt:

Help others. For instance, send leads to jobseekers you know. You don’t have to talk to them, but they’ll remember the favor and view you as a friend. My husband maintains a list of specialized job sites that he sends to friends who have recently lost jobs. They’re grateful for his help and the time it saves them, while my husband is grateful that he only has to research job sites instead of having to talk to people.

I read “Alternatives to Plastic” sometime in 2006 and immediately set about eliminating plastic from my life. It has been, by far, one of the most challenging goals I’ve ever set for myself. While I am a lot better now about avoiding plastic in my life than I was before, it still has a way of creeping into my life. This goal has also made me feel…isolated. None of my friends are interesting in avoiding plastic. The local grocery store clerks look at me like I’m nuts when I tell them I’d like to bag my own grocery in my own bag. So when I found Enviro-Woman’s blog, I was thrilled. While her goal seems to be directed toward removing plastic from her life in 2007, I hope she will continue the project and her blog when 2008 comes around. Below are the posts I’ve bookmarked from her blog:

* Plastics 101: Part 1, Bad Witch, Good Witch
* Plastic free: Trash Bags
* Brain Food: Plastic Ocean
* Plastic free: Pens
* Plastic free: Toothpaste
* Plastic free: MASCARA

While reading for a class, I came across the story of Java Logs. I promptly looked it up. From the website:

Java-Log, an innovative new firelog made from 100 per cent recycled spent coffee grounds that burns brighter and more beautifully than sawdust firelogs.

Java-Log burns for up to three hours, producing higher, brighter, and more consistent flames than wood, while also releasing a faint, sweet aroma. The log produces 25 per cent more energy and emits over three times the flame capacity (per unit of wood) compared to wood, for a better, cleaner flame.

“With the temperature dropping and people spending more time indoors, there’s no better time than now for Java-Log. It provides features that heighten the fireside experience,” says Marcel Sbrollini, President & CEO of Ottawa-based Java Products Corporation “Not only does Java-Log burn brighter and more beautifully than sawdust firelogs, but it also diverts waste from landfill. Plus, it reduces the overall amount of chimney maintenance needed, and represents a safety advantage, with 50 per cent less soot build-up than with traditional firewood. ”

Java-Log generates 14 per cent less carbon dioxide emissions than sawdust firelogs, which could result in a reduction of up to four million kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions per year in North America. The environmental advantages of Java-Log are apparent, not just in the product, but in its packaging. Java-Logs are packaged in environmentally friendly brown paper wrap that can be burned safely in a fireplace.

The product benefits the environment using the world’s most consumed beverage. Turning recycled, spent coffee grounds into reusable energy-based fuels means a reduction in landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Java-Log is available in the North East U.S. at Whole Foods (including the Mid-Atlantic region), Shoprite, King Kullen, The Food Emporium, Stew-Leonard’s, King’s, Waldbaum’s, Harvest COOP, Price Chopper, Shaw’s and Farmer Jack in Michigan and Ohio. In California it is available at Whole Foods. It can also be purchased online at www.java-log.com.

I recently watched a documentary about Ralph Nader and read a few articles and books about/by him and decided to join the Green Party. The Green Party has 10 Key Values, all of which appeal to me:

GRASSROOTS DEMOCRACY
Every human being deserves a say in the decisions that affect their lives and not be subject to the will of another. Therefore, we will work to increase public participation at every level of government and to ensure that our public representatives are fully accountable to the people who elect them. We will also work to create new types of political organizations which expand the process of participatory democracy by directly including citizens in the decision-making process.

SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
All persons should have the rights and opportunity to benefit equally from the resources afforded us by society and the environment. We must consciously confront in ourselves, our organizations, and society at large, barriers such as racism and class oppression, sexism and homophobia, ageism and disability, which act to deny fair treatment and equal justice under the law.

ECOLOGICAL WISDOM
Human societies must operate with the understanding that we are part of nature, not separate from nature. We must maintain an ecological balance and live within the ecological and resource limits of our communities and our planet. We support a sustainable society which utilizes resources in such a way that future generations will benefit and not suffer from the practices of our generation. To this end we must practice agriculture which replenishes the soil; move to an energy efficient economy; and live in ways that respect the integrity of natural systems.

NON-VIOLENCE
It is essential that we develop effective alternatives to society’s current patterns of violence. We will work to demilitarize, and eliminate weapons of mass destruction, without being naive about the intentions of other governments. We recognize the need for self-defense and the defense of others who are in helpless situations. We promote non-violent methods to oppose practices and policies with which we disagree, and will guide our actions toward lasting personal, community and global peace.

DECENTRALIZATION
Centralization of wealth and power contributes to social and economic injustice, environmental destruction, and militarization. Therefore, we support a restructuring of social, political and economic institutions away from a system which is controlled by and mostly benefits the powerful few, to a democratic, less bureaucratic system. Decision-making should, as much as possible, remain at the individual and local level, while assuring that civil rights are protected for all citizens. COMMUNITY-BASED

ECONOMICS AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE
We recognize it is essential to create a vibrant and sustainable economic system, one that can create jobs and provide a decent standard of living for all people while maintaining a healthy ecological balance. A successful economic system will offer meaningful work with dignity, while paying a “living wage” which reflects the real value of a person’s work. Local communities must look to economic development that assures protection of the environment and workers’ rights; broad citizen participation in planning; and enhancement of our “quality of life.” We support independently owned and operated companies which are socially responsible, as well as co-operatives and public enterprises that distribute resources and control to more people through democratic participation.

FEMINISM AND GENDER EQUITY
We have inherited a social system based on male domination of politics and economics. We call for the replacement of the cultural ethics of domination and control with more cooperative ways of interacting that respect differences of opinion and gender. Human values such as equity between the sexes, interpersonal responsibility, and honesty must be developed with moral conscience. We should remember that the process that determines our decisions and actions is just as important as achieving the outcome we want.

RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
We believe it is important to value cultural, ethnic, racial, sexual, religious and spiritual diversity, and to promote the development of respectful relationships across these lines. We believe that the many diverse elements of society should be reflected in our organizations and decision-making bodies, and we support the leadership of people who have been traditionally closed out of leadership roles. We acknowledge and encourage respect for other life forms than our own and the preservation of biodiversity.

PERSONAL AND GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY
We encourage individuals to act to improve their personal well-being and, at the same time, to enhance ecological balance and social harmony. We seek to join with people and organizations around the world to foster peace, economic justice, and the health of the planet.

FUTURE FOCUS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Our actions and policies should be motivated by long-term goals. We seek to protect valuable natural resources, safely disposing of or “unmaking” all waste we create, while developing a sustainable economics that does not depend on continual expansion for survival. We must counterbalance the drive for short-term profits by assuring that economic development, new technologies, and fiscal policies are responsible to future generations who will inherit the results of our actions.

So I am now a card carrying member of the Green Party.

I found an ecovillage in PA, Hundredfold Farm. From their website:

The Hundredfold Farm Cohousing Community is an effort of several families to create a 14-household rural cohousing community in the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania area . The members of this multi-generational community are learning together as they explore the art of living in a sustainable way.

Hundredfold Farm is a collaborative housing project that offers an alternative to alienation and isolation exacerbated by most other housing alternatives. The cohousing model is characterized by private dwellings, clustered housing, pedestrian friendly design, and extensive common facilities. Additionally, cohousing communities are generally funded, designed and managed by the residents.

These are some of my favorite posts on The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, who says:

I’m working on a book, THE HAPPINESS PROJECT–a memoir about the year I spent test-driving every principle, tip, theory, and scientific study I could find, whether from Aristotle or St. Therese or Martin Seligman or Oprah. THE HAPPINESS PROJECT will gather these rules for living and report on what works and what doesn’t. On this daily blog, I recount some of my adventures and insights as I grapple with the challenge of being happier.

* Seven tips for making someone like you
* Blocked? Frustrated? Procrastinating? Put yourself in Creativity Boot Camp - “You tackle your project in an intense, concentrated way, and push yourself far harder than usual.”
* One big tip for changing the way you think
* Seven tips for making yourself happier IN THE NEXT HOUR
* As promised from last week, I tackle the question: “what is happiness?”

A little learning is a dangerous thing
Drink deep, or taste not the Pierian spring [216]
There shallow draughts intoxicate the brain,
And drinking largely sobers us again.
- Alexander Pope in An Essay on Criticism