EcoLocalizer

Would You Buy Your Groceries Here?

Rhonda Winter — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:41:28 +0000

Where can you buy healthy fresh food in your neighborhood? Where are the grocery stores and farmer’s markets, how is the quality of food that is there, and which food options do you actually have access to? Are there nearby food banks or community gardens? Can you grow your own food? What local food choices are available to you in your community?

I took this photo in the meat section of my neighborhood grocery store earlier this week.

Read more of this story »

“Stand by Me” in Farsi for the People of Iran

Rhonda Winter — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:40:05 +0000

Worldwide there has been a growing solidarity with the people of Iran, and their brave local activism protesting against their increasingly repressive government. This photographic tribute to the Iranian people is accompanied by a partly Farsi cover of the Ben E. King classic “Stand by Me“; it was recorded by Andy Madadian, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora.

This post contains additional media. Click here to view the full post.

The Grassroots Work Behind the SF Bike Plan Victory

Rhonda Winter — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:59:11 +0000

San Francisco Bike Coalition member Rick Baraff produced this short video documenting how the grassroots advocacy work of thousands of SFBC members led to last Friday’s historic victory at the SFMTA hearing.

This post contains additional media. Click here to view the full post.

SF Muni Fares Go Up on July 1st

Rhonda Winter — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 22:39:47 +0000

The first time that I rode on San Francisco’s Muni it cost me a quarter, complete with a two hour unlimited transfer. Even as a clueless adolescent, I thought that was a pretty good deal. Mass transit ridership is skyrocketing all over the country, as more and more people are utilizing more sustainable methods of transport and bicycles. A few weeks ago, when I saw this notice that Muni fares will be going up to two dollars on July 1st, the first thing that I thought was: “I actually feel pretty good about spending two bucks of my meager resources to ride the streetcar. I want to support my local transit agency and help it to be a success.” Man, I am getting old.

Rainwater Harvesting Legalized in Colorado

Becky Striepe — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:00:38 +0000

Until this year, there were three Western states where it was illegal to have a rain barrel in your back yard: Washington, Utah, and Colorado. A change to local laws means we can scratch the latter off the list!

Read more of this story »

Southern Californians Can Trade Gas Mowers for Electric

Becky Striepe — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:00:13 +0000

[Creative Commons photo by Unbridled Transportaton]

California’s South Coast Air Quality Management District, which includes Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, offered huge discounts to residents who wanted to swap their gas guzzling lawn mowers for electric.

Read more of this story »

SF Bike Plan Unanimously Approved by the MTA Board

Rhonda Winter — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:40:50 +0000

Hundreds of ordinary citizens, as well as scores of environmental and bicycle advocates, packed the fourth floor of San Francisco City Hall today for the SFMTA’s hearing on the city’s long-awaited Bike Plan.

The Board heard hours of impassioned public comment in support of implementing the city’s desperately needed Bike Network; they voted unanimously this afternoon to approve the Bike Plan EIR and finally adopt the complete Bike Plan.

Read more of this story »

350.org Coordinating International Day of Climate Action

Becky Striepe — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 07:00:33 +0000

The international campaign 350.org is coordinating a day of action on October 24, 2009.

Leading scientists agree that 350 parts per million (ppm) is the absolute maximum safe amount of CO2 in our atmosphere. According to the NOAA, we’ve reached almost 390 already this year. 350.org is an international campaign dedicated to raising awareness about this pressing issue and working towards an international agreement to get us back on track.

Now, they’re organizing a day of of international climate action to spread the word and support “real climate solutions.” You can check out their video and learn about how to get involved right here:

Read more of this story »

Sundial Span Soars into the Summer Solstice

Rhonda Winter — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:58:18 +0000

If you ever find yourself near Redding California, especially on June 21st, you should make an effort to visit Santiago Calatrava’s pedestrian bridge, which spans the waters of the Sacramento River. In addition to being a stunning functional

work of art that attracts thousands of pedestrians, families, bicyclists and nature lovers, every year on the summer solstice the beautifully designed structure also functions as an accurate sundial.

Read more of this story »

Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale Starts This Weekend

Becky Striepe — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:00:41 +0000

Between June 20th and 28th, folks all over the world will be holding vegan bake sales to raise awareness about awesome vegan food and raise money for the causes of their choice!

[Vegan Green Tea Cupcakes. Photo (and cupcakes!) by Becky Striepe]

Meat production has gotten a lot of coverage for its impact on the environment lately, but what about all those dairy cows? Whether they’re slaughtered for meat or milked, we’re still talking cows and all the impacts that go along with raising them. The Worldwide Vegan Bake Sale organizers strongly feel that veganism is better for the planet and its inhabitants. Check out their intro to veganism to learn about the story behind animal products like eggs and dairy.

From New Zealand to Nigeria to New York, groups around the world are holding vegan bake sales during the last two weekends of this month. They’re encouraging both vegan and non-vegan groups to hold events, as long as the baked goods at the sale are completely vegan. To help facilitate, they’ve set up a page of vegan baking tips and vegan recipe resource guide. Each participating group is working to benefit a cause that matters to them. Check out some of the participating groups:

Read more of this story »