Cycle and Recycle

2011-07-25T19:22:00.001-04:00

I'm going kayaking on Thursday. Though I'm more in the mood for this:

Biking in DC: #1 Be Seen at Night

2011-04-14T09:07:00.000-04:00

The law in DC says that a cyclist must have a white front light and a rear red reflector. There is a minimum requirement for how bright the light has to be but I don't remember off the top of my head.

My suggestion is a rear red blinky light and a front white light too. It would be stupid to get struck from the back because you weren't wearing a red blinky.

That said, most crashes that occur at night happen when an automobile crashes into the side of a cyclist. My bet, though, is that it is probably a car pulling out of a driveway, not seeing the biker. This is the reason that I wear a white blinky light in the front when I'm in the city. A steady light is great for trails or dark roads

Most new bikes come with ugly reflectors in the spokes of the wheels. Those are dorky and should just be ripped off before they break off. If you feel like you need something for the sides, get creative! LEDs and such can be a lot of fun. Like spoke lights, pedal-powered wire lights, Orbit wheel lights from Cat Eye, or... you let me know!

Biking in DC: Intro

2011-04-13T22:55:00.013-04:00

I've learned just recently that I have a gazillion simple tips for cyclists and that I probably know the laws better than 95% of road users (or more?) in DC. Maybe it was the workshop I did a few weeks ago at Visions in Feminism or perhaps responding to a friend's advice on Facebook about bike lights that got me thinking. Whatever it was, it helped me realized that the tidbits that I've learned in the last 8 years because I've biked just about everywhere are potentially useful. I guess I never saw this as valuable information so I never thought to put it down in words. But perhaps I should just post some stuff here as a reference for my friends, and networks, who welcome the pointers.
(Meanwhile I'm thinking to myself, "Geez, what am I getting myself into?")

As a disclaimer, I am in no means telling you that what works best for me, works best for everyone. You need to figure out what works best for you. I also do not condone any of flagrant violations of traffic laws. Unnecessary risks are stupid. Don't take 'em.

While this blog series — Biking in DC — will be primarily in regards to the DC metro region. Much of it transfers over to other metro areas in the U.S. so I'm sure others would find it as useful as the locals.

Biking in DC:

Be Seen at Night
Be Heard

DC Officials Arrested on Capitol Hill

2011-04-12T08:11:00.006-04:00

Nothing to do with bikes or recycling, but this clip is important for everyone to see. DC residents like myself are sick of the federal government controlling our city. We need statehood now!

See what DC Vote is working on: http://dcvote.org/

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Bicycle: Machine of Empowerment or Oppression?

2011-04-02T21:17:00.003-04:00

I put this powerpoint together for a workshop I did with Visions in Feminism 2011. I have received input on the workshop and plan to do an improved version again.

The next step I shall take is to host a workshop on cleaning and maintaining bikes. More information on that soon.

Bicycle: Machine of Empowerment or Oppression?

Visions in Feminism 2011, Bicycle: Machine of Empowerment or Oppression?

View more presentations from mbegin.

2011-03-24T22:58:00.003-04:00

Triple Crown!!

2011-02-23T19:13:00.005-05:00

Have you ever been hit by a car?

2011-02-02T20:47:00.015-05:00

There have been so many moments on my bicycle that I was hit or nearly hit by an automobile that sometimes it is difficult for me to remember specifics. But here is one I will never forget.

It was my 2nd year as a bike messenger — rookie enough not to really know how to handle a crash but experienced enough to know the law. Traveling east on H Street NW during rush hour, I was going to make a left at 16th Street to make a delivery. Being a major East/West thoroughfare, H Street is adorned with all sorts of "No Parking" signs for rush hour. Now because I was going to be making a left in less than a block, I'm passing all the traffic on the left side. In front of me in the left lane is an unmarked Fed Ex Ground van. What I know about Fed Ex Ground is that they are all contractors and required to supply their own vehicle. Most buy or lease a vehicle from Fed Ex but some — like this guy — have their own. So the delivery guy is parked—illegally—on the left side of a one-way street and I have no choice but to pass him to the right. Low and behold, the driver has the door open on the passenger side (in traffic) and is sifting through packages. I roll up and politely say, "Excuse me!" and smile. The driver steps aside and partially closes the door. As I squeeze between him and a Metrobus, the driver pushed the door back open and knocked me to the ground. The bus slammed on his brakes and jumped out to see if I fell. Apparently he saw the whole thing and called the transit police and MPD. Transit cop took a statement and hung around; Metro cop wrote me a ticket.

I know that it is NOT illegal to split lanes. But the cop was going to give me a ticket for splitting lanes and the driver, who was parked illegally, wasn't gonna receive a ticket for illegal parking nor for opening his door into traffic!

It is because of instances like these that I am so passionate about making the roads safe for everyone. Will you join me? Tell your story today!

DC Councilmember Mendelson is hosting a hearing on Enforcement of Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety this Friday! They will be taking written comments through Feb. 15th.

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National Bike Summit is in March!

2009-12-21T11:45:00.007-05:00

I attended the National Bike Summit for the first time last year and I'd say it pretty much changed my life. This annual conference brings together urban cyclists, weekend roadies, mountain bikers, advocates, government workers, city planners, retail warriors, manufacturers, mechanics, engineers, distributors, educators and more! The panels are diverse and interesting. The speakers are well-versed and entertaining. Awards are given out to groups and individuals who have made a difference in the bike world in the last year (or more). And it is an excellent way to network with others around the nation involved in the bike industry.

Not only will all attendees learn something new (regardless of how much you think you know, I'm sure you'll learn something!) but who doesn't want to take advantage of the chance to meet your congressional representative(s) AND party! How fun was it drinking wine and beer on Capitol Hill and rubbing elbows with "people in power"!

I hope everyone has the time and $$ to attend the National Bike Summit.

Response to "Look Ma, No Brakes!"

2009-09-29T11:24:00.005-04:00

I am quite disappointed with your Style feature "Look Ma, No Brakes!" (September 28, 2008) While I do appreciate the attention that cycling has received in the Post recently ("Two-Tire Industry Goes Flat", Sept. 15, 2009), I'm embarrassed that you would publish such a non-factual fluff piece that only extends stereotypes and exacerbates the general public's confusion and disdain for urban bicycle culture. This type of article belongs on some guy's blog, not in the Style section of the Washington Post.

First, lets clear a few things up. A fixed-gear bike, “fixie”, is not necessarily a road bike. There is no such thing as a “classic fixie”. Velodromes, contrary to the definition in the article, are more often outdoor arenas than indoor. The fixed geared bikes in Quicksilver are actually trick bikes with 1:1 gear ratio – not very practical for street riding. Many fixed gear riders are not “cropped, unadorned [and] skinny.” The term used for stopping is “skidding” not “skip-stop”. If the chain falls off, a rider better have skills to take control rather than being a “helpless, speeding missile.” And perhaps most importantly, the # 1 reason a cyclist should give for riding a brakeless track bike is because it is MORE practical than anything with gears and brakes.

“Fixie” can be the term for any bike with a fixed gear, yes, but not all fixies are road bikes. A track bike is definitely not a road bike but does fit under the umbrella of a fixie. There are at least two very significant differences between fixies built with a track frame and those converted to fixed gear with a road, or other, frame. If you look at the rear drop-outs on a road frame versus the rear fork ends on a track frame, you will notice that a road bike has a vertical drop-out, and usually a derailleur hanger, with the opening for the axle underneath the frame while a track frame has a rear fork end which opens at the back of the frame. Road bikes converted to fixies are somewhat dangerous and should only be attempted if the drop-out is more horizontal than vertical. This is necessary in order to gain the proper chain tension needed to keep the chain from falling off. Track frames have a shorter wheel base and higher bottom bracket allowing for sharper twists and turns. Road bikes are designed to go straight and make long, gradual turns. So depending on personal preferences, one may choose the frame that suits their needs.

There is no such thing as a “classic fixie”. The term “fixie” in itself has no historic or “classic” connotation. Perhaps you are referring to a classic track bike as seen in velodrome racing? Track racing on velodromes has been in existence since late 19th century when bicycle touring and racing was all the rage. However, contrary to what the article says, “the obscure but mighty gods of the velodrome,” are more likely to be riding on outdoor velodromes. In fact, of the 26 active cycle tracks in the United States, only 2 of them are indoor.1 And though velodrome racing is not as popular as it was in its heyday in the United States, it is far from obscure in 87 other countries especially Japan, France, Australia and Argentina.

I agree that fixies, for some, are impractical. However, fixies serve one very specific purpose, especially to bike messengers. Bike couriers ride 40-50 hours per week all year round, through snow, rain, salted roads, exhaust and other debris. These elements tear up and wear out brake pads, cables, derailleurs and levers requiring constant maintenance. The fixed gear bike is an economical and time-saving solution to a courier who feels he or she is working just to maintain their work horse. So while I do agree that there is an aesthetic beauty to track bikes, I and many others will attest that there are other, more practical reasons for riding fixed. Track bikes are opted for over road bikes, or even road frames converted to fixies, in part because of the significant geometric differences in a track frame versus a road frame. The “mighty gods” of the city's streets, who weave in and out of traffic all day long, are more than likely enjoy the agility that comes from a more compact, agile track frame. I know I do.

But I am not your stereo-typical “cropped, unadorned, skinny” fixie rider. I am a sprinter with short, strong, fast-twitch muscles. I love to go fast but I can also stop or change direction as needed. I'm a balls-to-the-walls, brakeless vintage track rider though I don't recommend for others to follow suit. Seriously, unless you've put as many hours in the saddle as the average bike messenger, you should use a brake. If your chain falls off, you better have an out. If you don't have a hand brake, you better have the skills to stop your bike some other way. Riding a bike that is too advanced for you is not only dumb but dangerous for yourself and everyone around you. If you're blowing out your knees because your gear ratio is too tough for you to skid (not “skip-stop”), then back it down a bit. Spinning through traffic in a high gear can be a lot more fun anyway.

We just need to trust that each individual rider does what is best for him or her and not what looks the coolest. There many benefits to riding fixed over free wheel but the important factor to highlight is individual riding style. If you ride because of the way you look, then you may look better as a hood ornament. If you ride many hours in city traffic through all seasons, then a track bike might very well be the most practical bike for you.

How amazing friends inspire me...

2009-04-25T19:20:00.012-04:00

My very good friend, Lola, will be honored at Bike Show 2009 for being an extraordinary cyclist in the DC metro region. Having a friend like Lola has helped me to become a better person. Not only does she inspire others to be "ordinary" cyclists, she has also inspired me to be more compassionate to the Earth and others sharing life on the Earth. She has a powerful competitive drive that has pushed me to pedal harder and faster. We cheer each other on and congratulate each other on the others success. We both understand that competition can be healthy, fun and supportive. And one day I might be on her tail forcing her to jump into high gear and the next she might be doing the same to me. I witness Lola's accomplishments and strive to make accomplishments too.

Lola has made me a better person, a better friend and a better citizen of Earth.

Urban garden/organic vegetable gardening classes in DC

2009-04-23T21:24:00.015-04:00

The lovely Bea Trickett posted the following:
Just wanted to let you know about an organic vegetable gardening class sponsored by the America the Beautiful Fund. It starts in May and lasts through Sept. For more info, see the website and blog for details.

This is the garden's inaugural year- the coordinators are hoping for a good crew of volunteers and interns and a good inaugural class. They're trying to broadcast news of this class/garden to as many as possible.

So please spread the word!

The price is $650/2 people or $325/person (which shares 1 plot) . . . or $550 for one person (1 plot).=A0 The price includes a 12 x 12 foot plot, access to supplies/equipment, seeds, seedling, help from staff and volunteers, and instruction every other week from May through Sept. . . and, of course, the bounty of your garden! You just need to commit to the class, tend your garden 3 hours every week, and pay for the class.

Website: neighborhoodfarm.110mb.com
Blog: neighborhoodfarm.blogspot.com

Colbert Report: Tip of the Hat goes to MACA

2009-04-21T13:06:00.010-04:00

Forward to just after 2:00 minutes for Stephen Colbert's salute to Mid Atlantic CropLife Assocation's use of genetically engineered soybeans and its affects on water and fish.

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Tip/Wag - Texas Secession & MACA

colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Gay Marriage Commercial

Read the post about the letter to the Obamas on Food & Water Watch's blog

I love this segment because Colbert references food production with water shed pollution and fish contamination. The organization I work for, Food & Water Watch, focuses on the consumer advocacy aspect of these three very interrelated facets of our lives. Our mission is to fight the corporate control of our food and water resources and to encourage consumers to make wise choices about what they consume. The best practice is to eat local, sustainable and organic. Don't use pesticides, don't drink bottled water and only eat seafood that is clean, green and safe.

Industrial farming, which has been a booming industry since the creation of policies that subsidize large scale agribusiness, does more damage to the Earth than all forms of transportation added together. A lot of the grains "grown" with the aid of heavy chemicals are fed to animals that humans consume. These pesticides and any of the antibiotics fed to livestock (often to combat disease caused by eating the unnatural grains) end up in our water stream and on our dinner (and breakfast and lunch and snack) plates.

Our water is becoming more and more polluted. Water is the source of life and yet humans continue to overconsume and pollute our precious freshwater systems. The run-off from large scale crops and animal feedlots is polluting our water with pesticides AND antibiotics. People's biggest concern about tap water lately is the ingestion of hormones, drugs and antibiotics. Well, for one thing, the bottled water probably has traces, too. And for another, if we weren't growing such unnatural large scale crops, much of it primarily to feed animals to feed us, then we wouldn't have so much of the nasty stuff getting into our water. And, as Colbert points out, into our fish.

Do people understand how easily fish ingest all of the nasty chemicals in the water supply? And the fatty tissue just kind of holds it there. And many of the chemicals used in industrial farming are toxic to natural bacterias and algae and plankton that live in the water systems and are part of the whole environment. These natural micro-organisms play an important role in the vitality of life and the circle of life. The fish we eat depend on smaller fish which depend on the existence of the micro-organisms. If we kill everything at the smallest level, then we're gonna be putting more and more organisms in a difficult place.

Food chain? No. Humans are not intended to be at the TOP of the food chain. Rather, we are a part of the circle of life.

Another major chemical to be concerned with is triclosan, aka, "antibacterial soap". This stuff is nasty and has been showing up in all the wrong places. "Sometimes I worry about zombies"... Well, actually, sometimes I worry about superbacteria. Bacteria that has evolved to withstand destruction by triclosan cannot be stopped. And what the heck is it doing to our insides! Triclosan doesn't break down and it has shown up in blood, urine and breast milk of people across the globe. Yuck! Why are we trying to kill all this bacteria that is natural and only makes our immune systems stronger? Pledge to stop using soaps and products that contain triclosan.

Sol's map: Draft

2009-04-13T20:44:00.004-04:00

View Rapha Ride in a larger map

An Excerpt

2009-04-02T10:19:00.004-04:00

From The Private Plunder of Our Common Wealth, David Bollier:

Not many Americans realize that they collectively own one third of the surface area of the country and billions of acres of the outer continental shelf. The resources are extensive and valuable: huge supplies of oil, coal, natural gas, uranium, copper, gold, silver, timber, grasslands, water and geothermal energy. The nation’s public lands also consist of vast tracts of wilderness forests, unspoiled coastline, sweeping prairies, the awe inspiring Rocky mountains, and dozens of beautiful rivers and lakes. Public lands represent an unparalleled commons for the American people, held in trust by the US Government.

As steward of these public resources, the government’s job is to manage these resources and lands responsibly for the long term. The sad truth is that government stewardship of this natural wealth represents on of the great scandals of the twentieth century. While the details vary from one resource to another the general history is one of antiquated laws, poor enforcement, slipshod administration, environmental indifference and capitulation to industry’s most aggressive demands. Through sweetheart deals pushed through Congress and federal agencies, corporations have gained discount access to huge quantities of publicly owned resources while wreaking environmental havoc. The true scale of economic malfeasance and scope of ecological harm are truly staggering.

Every few years, another unsavory episode of public lands abuse finds its way into the mainstream press. Almost invariably, however, reform efforts are slowed down or stopped as politicians ‘owned’ by the affected industries flex their muscle in quiet backroom ways.

Time after time a compliant congress and captive federal agencies agree to throw open public lands to commercial exploitation on some of the cheapest terms imaginable.

If the Republicans had fulfilled their promise to run the government like a business, and the democrats had fulfilled their promise to end corporate welfare, the American people would have reaped untold billions in new revenues. Instead, not only has the Government too often failed to perform its fiduciary responsibilities to the American people, but its slack management of public lands has often resulted in new environmental abuses, intensified pressures on threatened species and communities, aggravated and created public heath problems, and worsened concentrations of public power.

The sorry history of public lands management is not just about venal political leaders, inept bureaucracies and a cultural compulsion to exploit natural resources (though it is that). At a more fundamental level it is about the rise of corporate capitalism in the late 1800s, supplanting Adam Smith’s free market capitalism – which in turn has neutralized the accountability mechanisms otherwise exercised by citizens and consumers. As described by forestry scholar Richard W. Behan in his book Plundered Promise, in such a political economy it is only natural that public lands would be managed for maximum short-term private gain. The resulting overdevelopment - over cut forests, over-dammed rivers, over grazed rangelands – is an institutional symptom of excessively powerful corporations and a predatory political system. [1]

[1] From David Bollier, Silent Theft, The Private Plunder of Our Common Wealth. Routledge, 2002.

Press Release: SoCal High School Gets Velodrome & Track Racing Program

2009-04-01T19:24:00.001-04:00

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, April 1, 2009

SOCAL HIGH SCHOOL GETS VELODROME AND TRACK RACING PROGRAM
Contact: Matt Fritzinger, fritz@socaldirt.org, (510) 653-2453, www.socaldirt.org

Cedar Glen, CA – Last night, with a 7-2 vote, the school board of Mountain Top High School approved the construction of the first ever high school velodrome and scholastic track program in America. The decision serves as a historic milestone in the main-streaming of competitive cycling in secondary schools across the state of California. While high school mountain biking has been picking up steam since 2001 with the formation of the NorCal High School Mountain Bike Racing League, track racing looks to be the next alternative for high schoolers eager for sports that suit their short attention spans.

"Mountain biking is an endurance sport and except for the occasional sprint finish, it favors athletes with slow-twitch muscles leaving young cyclists with the genetic gift of more fast-twitch muscles feeling devalued. I'm very pleased to see this new discipline brought into the schools," commented Matt Fritzinger, director of the Northern California mountain biking program.

In what may draw some criticism, the velodrome will replace the astro-turf field and football program. MTHS’s Head football Coach, Don Boggs commented "I'm keeping an open mind here. After two losing seasons, I don't get much say around here anyway. I'm also very impressed with the way cycling is addressing the problem of performance enhancing drugs." Unlike professional football, which penalizes wealthy players with meager fines and has led to a vast abuse of steroids at the high school level, professional and amateur bike racers face 2-4 year bans from the sport.

School Superintendant, Jim Swift, said “I advocated for this as soon as I saw the cost-benefit analysis. A velodrome is going to cost $1.8 trillion whereas a stadium retrofit and new astroturf was going to cost us $1.9 trillion. That may seem like a small difference, but that's actually $100 billion dollars. We can buy quite a few books and computers for that much money.”

Additionally, it appears that track racing will become a natural complement to the recently inaugurated Socal Interscholastic Cycling League that only includes mountain biking currently. Board president Quintin Easton commented, “I’m stoked -– we put the generic term 'cycling' in the League name because we planned to incorporate various disciplines into the League. This velodrome is a dream come true!”

About the Southern California Interscholastic Cycling League
The SoCal Interscholastic Cycling League was organized to provide a well-defined race season for junior racers and to promote the formation of teams at public and private high schools. With the cooperation of local race promoters and our sponsors, the League organizes a first class series of races designed for high school aged riders. The League is working to make high school racing the easiest way for juniors to get involved in the challenging and exciting world of competitive cycling. The SoCal League was founded with a generous grant from the Easton Sports Development Foundation II (ESDF II) and is supported by other generous sponsors such as founding national sponsor Specialized Bicycle Components, results cranked out by Shimano, Bike Magazine, CLIF Bar, Crank Brothers, Hincapie Sportswear, Tifosi, Trek, and WTB. For more information on the League, contact Quintin Easton at quintin@socaldirt.org and 949.285.0316 Website: http://www.socaldirt.org

Google Calendar for community meetings and events in DC

2009-02-08T12:06:00.001-05:00

Kraft envelopes are NOT recyclable!

2009-01-24T16:31:00.004-05:00

I learned a little something new this week. Kraft envelopes, you know the ones that are like a bright golden-rod color, are NOT recyclable all across the nation.

If you look at the picture above, you will notice 3 different types of envelopes. The one on the left is recyclable with cardboard paper. The one in the middle is recyclable with office paper. The one on the right, "Kraft" paper, is NOT recyclable.

Why, you ask, is it not recyclable? Well, because of the dye techniques. Unlike the first 2 envelopes, the goldenrod envelope is dyed with a heavy-metal that is pounded into the fibers itself. The industry term is "beater dye". Because the dye is inside the fiber instead of just printed on top, the fibers cannot be recycled.

One way to tell the paper is dyed with the beater dye is to tear the paper. If the fibers in the tear are white then the paper is most likely recyclable. If the fibers in the tear, you know, kind of underneath the top layer, are NOT white, then the paper is most likely NOT recyclable.

Why are some envelopes and some colored paper made this way? Some manufacturers use this process to hide color or specs that one can sometimes see in plain paper, especially recycled paper.

So the biggest thing to be concerned about is that you may be purchasing products that are "recycled" but are not "recyclable".

What to do instead? Only use paper and envelopes that are recyclable with either cardboard or office paper. You dig?

Gluten-Free in DC

2008-12-16T09:34:00.002-05:00

I want to type up a list of tips for those Celiacs or just anyone with gluten intolerance who plan on visiting DC for the Inauguration or just whenever!

Check back soon...

RECYCLE MORE IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA!!

2008-10-08T14:11:00.004-04:00

I pulled this from the following website: http://newsroom.dc.gov/show.aspx/agency/dpw/section/2/release/15085

Mayor Fenty Announces Expanded Recycling Program

Mayor Adrian Fenty announced that starting today Department of Public Works recycling collection crews will accept an expanded list of items for recycling, especially plastics. Now residents can recycle film plastics like grocery, produce, and dry cleaning bags, as well as aerosol cans and a variety of rigid plastic including plastic lawn furniture, toys and flower pots.

“We are meeting District residents’ demand for increasing the types of recyclables we collect,” said Mayor Fenty. “Washingtonians are deeply committed to halting the damage being done to the environment and recycling is a win-win program for the District and the environment.”

Mayor Fenty noted that District residents exceed national recycling rates for newspapers, cardboard and plastic and glass bottles. He added that there are opportunities to increase the overall recycling rate by increasing the number of acceptable items and diverting more cardboard, and steel and aluminum cans from the landfill to the recycling processing center.

“Educating residents is vital to increasing the number of people who recycle as well as increasing the volume of recyclables collected that are converted into new products,” said Mayor Fenty.

DPW Director William O. Howland, Jr. said, “The value of potential recyclables depends on the market available for the recovered materials and, until recently, the market for these new items was scarce. Over time, we have seen new and imaginative final products derived from recycled materials. Clothing and kitchen countertops are among the products made from recyclables and we take for granted that what we buy contains some recycled content.”

“With this expanded list, most residents will probably find they fill their bins or blue recycling carts more than their 32-gallon trash cans or their Supercans,” Howland added.

Beginning October 6, residents can recycle:
• Aerosol cans
• Milk and juice cartons
• Plastic bags, e.g., grocery bags, newspaper bags, shopping bags (Please “bag the bags” by placing all the bags into one bag.)
• Rigid plastics: plastic milk/soda crates, plastic buckets with metal handles, plastic laundry baskets, plastic lawn furniture, plastic totes, plastic drums, plastic coolers, plastic flower pots, plastic drinking cups/glasses, plastic 5-gallon water bottles, plastic pallets, plastic toys, and empty plastic garbage/recycling bins
• Wide-mouth containers: peanut butter, margarine/butter tubs, yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, whipped topping, and prescription and other medicine bottles.

For a complete list of accepted recyclables and instructions, review a copy of the new DPW Reference Guide, which is being mailed out to DPW customers and distributed throughout the city, or visit http://www.recycle.dpw.dc.gov . Residents whose recyclables exceed their container(s) can put additional recyclables in either a brown paper bag or a small cardboard box and place them next to their recycling bin or cart. For an additional cart or bin, residents may call 311.

I haven't posted!

2008-09-19T11:12:00.003-04:00

I can't believe that I haven't posted a blog in a year! I guess that I've been busy, especially since I have a new job which doesn't give me time to screw around at work.

I am now the Program and Administrative Assistant at a fantastic non-profit called Food & Water Watch. Our mission as a consumer advocacy organization is to ensure safe food and clean, accessible water. For more info, check out the website at www.foodandwaterwatch.org.

Well, I better get back to work!

2007-09-11T17:22:00.000-04:00

Here is an amazing list recyclables and how-to's for recycling. The list was generated by Co-op America. Check it out!

Co-op America: Economic Action for a Just Planet
Co-op America Quarterly

FALL 2007

21 Things You Didn't
Know You Can Recycle

Garbage. Americans produce more and more of it every year, when we need to be producing less.

Even the most waste-conscious among us can feel overwhelmed by the amount of household waste that goes beyond what municipal recyclers and compost bins can handle.

That’s why our editors have spent the summer investigating the state of waste management in our country, and putting together information for you, our Co-op America members, explaining how we can get serious about the three R’s – reducing, reusing, and recycling. Supporting members of Co-op America can expect to receive this issue of the Co-op America Quarterly this fall. If you’re not already a supporting member, join us now to get this special issue mailed to you.

1. Appliances: Goodwill accepts working appliances, www.goodwill.org, or you can contact the Steel Recycling Institute to recycle them. 800/YES-1-CAN, www.recycle-steel.org.

2. Batteries: Rechargeables and single-use: Battery Solutions, 734/467-9110, www.batteryrecycling.com.

3. Cardboard boxes: Contact local nonprofits and women’s shelters to see if they Boxcan use them. Or, offer up used cardboard boxes at your local Freecycle.org listserv or on Craigslist.org for others who may need them for moving or storage. If your workplace collects at least 100 boxes or more each month, UsedCardboardBoxes.com accepts them for resale.

4. CDs/DVDs/Game Disks: Send scratched music or computer CDs, DVDs, and PlayStation or Nintendo video game disks to AuralTech for refinishing, and they’ll work like new: 888/454-3223, www.auraltech.com.

5. Clothes: Wearable clothes can go to your local Goodwill outlet or shelter. ShirtsDonate wearable women’s business clothing to Dress for Success, which gives them to low-income women as they search for jobs, 212/532-1922, www.dressforsuccess.org. Offer unwearable clothes and towels to local animal boarding and shelter facilities, which often use them as pet bedding. Consider holding a clothes swap at your office, school, faith congregation or community center. Swap clothes with friends and colleagues, and save money on a new fall wardrobe and back-to-school clothes.

6. Compact fluorescent bulbs: Take them to your local IKEA store for recycling: www.ikea.com.

7. Compostable bio-plastics: You probably won’t be able to compost these in your home compost bin or pile. Find a municipal composter to take them to at www.findacomposter.com.

8. Computers and electronics: Find the most responsible recyclers, local and national, at www.ban.org/pledge/Locations.html.

9. Exercise videos: Swap them with others at www.videofitness.com.

10. Eyeglasses: Your local Lion’s Club or eye care chain may collect these. Lenses Glassesare reground and given to people in need.

11. Foam packing: Your local pack-and-ship store will likely accept foam peanuts for reuse. Or, call the Plastic Loose Fill Producers Council to find a drop-off site: 800/828-2214. For places to drop off foam blocks for recycling, contact the Alliance of Foam Packaging Recyclers, 410/451-8340, www.epspackaging.org/info.html

12. Ink/toner cartridges: Recycleplace.com pays $1/each.

13. Miscellaneous: Get your unwanted items into the hands of people who can use them. Offer them up on your local Freecycle.org or Craigslist.org listserv, or try giving them away at Throwplace.com or giving or selling them at iReuse.com. iReuse.com will also help you find a recycler, if possible, when your items have reached the end of their useful lifecycle.

14. Oil: Find Used Motor Oil Hotlines for each state: 202/682-8000, www.recycleoil.org.

15. Phones: Donate cell phones: Collective Good will refurbish your phone and sell Cellphoneit to someone in a developing country: 770/856-9021, www.collectivegood.com. Call to Protect reprograms cell phones to dial 911 and gives them to domestic violence victims: www.donateaphone.com. Recycle single-line phones: Reclamere, 814/386-2927, www.reclamere.com.

16. Sports equipment: Resell or trade it at your local Play It Again Sports outlet, 800/476-9249, www.playitagainsports.com.

17. “Technotrash”: Easily recycle all of your CDs, jewel cases, DVDs, audio and video tapes, cell phones, pagers, rechargeable and single-use batteries, PDAs, and ink/toner cartridges with GreenDisk’s Technotrash program. For $30, GreenDisk will send you a cardboard box in which you can ship them up to 70 pounds of any of the above. Your fee covers the box as well as shipping and recycling fees. 800/305-GREENDISK, www.greendisk.com.

18. Tennis shoes: Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe program turns old shoes into playground and athletic flooring. www.nikereuseashoe.com. One World Running will send still-wearable shoes to athletes in need in Africa, Latin America, and Haiti. www.oneworldrunning.com.

19. Toothbrushes and razors: Buy a recycled plastic toothbrush or razor from ToothbrushRecycline, and the company will take it back to be recycled again into plastic lumber. Recycline products are made from used Stonyfield Farms’ yogurt cups. 888/354-7296, www.recycline.com.

20. Tyvek envelopes: Quantities less than 25: Send to Shirley Cimburke, Tyvek Recycling Specialist, 5401 Jefferson Davis Hwy., Spot 197, Room 231, Richmond, VA 23234. Quantities larger than 25, call 866/33-TYVEK.

21. Stuff you just can’t recycle: When practical, send such items back to the manufacturer and tell them they need to manufacture products that close the waste loop responsibly.

©2005 Co-op America. All rights reserved.

DCBCA Destination Dublin Fundraiser

2007-07-19T18:32:00.001-04:00

2007-07-06T12:18:00.000-04:00

Energy Waste.

2007-03-23T14:35:00.000-04:00

There is nothing I loathe more than a waste of non-natural engergy. Why do people that aren't physically handicapped use the button to open a door. It doesn't appear to me that they need to maneuver a wheelchair. And it appears they have 2 or even 1 working arm. So why press the button!?

How much energy is needed to mechanically open the door? How many calories does it take for a person to open a door? Are people really that fat and lazy?

There is always the excuse, "I was trying to help you." Well, if I couldn't open the door because of what I was carrying then I would ask for help.

Don't assume I need help because I have a handful. I'm used to a handful. I'm built for hard-labor. I guess others aren't. The ones that use the button must not be built for any labor.

We are in an energy crisis, people! If we don't start cutting our non-renewable energy expenditure, our reign on this earth will cease to exist.

The Luis Faife Quartet

2007-03-18T12:15:00.000-04:00

I went last night to HR-57.

Its a great little jazz club @ 1610 14th St Nw.

Great little story about the congressional bill that recognizes jazz as "a rare and valuable national American treasure to which we should devote our attention, support and resources to make certain it is preserved, understood and promulgated."

The place is BYOB. First time I ever went anywhere that is BYOB. Pretty great because we end up spending less money even though they charge a $3 "corking fee". That seems to mean "If-you're-drinking fee."

Went to HR-57 to see a QMS driver's jazzy music. Driver 43, Luis, plays the saxophone in the Luis Faife Quartet. I was very impressed.

I definetly recommend seeing him perform.

Fun time was had by all.

My bloody knees

2007-03-16T16:05:00.004-04:00

I figure that since my title is "Cycle and Recycle" then I gotta at least have 1 picture with me on my bike! This is during the 2006 North American Cycle Courier Championship (NACCC) in Philadelphia. Notice the bloody knees? I fell right at the beginning of the race and then again about halfway through. What an idiot. I ended up finishing like 6th female or something. I also won track skids and track stands for women, earning me the title (and some awesome prizes*) of North American Track Queen.

My bike looks a lot different these days, with the blue rims and new track drop bars. I'm gonna have to put a pic of the new look up here soon....

*the BIG prizes:
Awesome bag from R.E.Load
Super sexy utility belt from Fabric Horse
Track wheelset with Level Hubs and blue Velocity Deep V rims
Pair of pants from Bedlam Custom
and some other random swag

Natural Gourmet Institute

2007-03-16T13:47:00.000-04:00

I wanted to post this after I saw an article on food coloring for Velvet cake. When I first thought of the luscious red cake, I thought, "Well of course I would use beets as a food colorant. Plus, beets, if cooked right, would add an exotic sweetness that food coloring lacks.

That got me thinking (yet again) about my future in the natural foods business.

I've been thinking about culinary school for quite some time now. I've loved working in the food service industry for the past 11 years. (On more than off since I was 15) I've always wanted to have my own restaurant. Sure the vision of it has changed over the years. I almost want to puke knowing that I wanted to own a/some McDonald's. Boy was I young and naive (or ignorant?). Since college, however, the vision has been the same. College town atmosphere. Counter service. Breakfast and lunch foods. Good coffee and tea. Healthy choices. It was only in the last year or so that I've been a bit more serious about the vegan/vegetarian fare. I still want to have lots of breakfast/brunch items (my specialty) including eggs. Would customers be satisfied with veggie sausage/bacon? Cuz I think that stuff is fantastic. I guess I'm saying that I don't want to limit the clientele to vegetarians only.

So on to culinary schools. I'd like to study some Culinary Management but I'd like to take some culinary arts courses. I did a simple Google search for "culinary schools vegetarian" and I came across the Natural Gourmet Institute. Their program seems to be exactly what I'm looking for on the Culinary Art side of things. Perhaps I can find another school in NYC that has a Culinary Management program that fits my needs. We'll see.

I am traffic-free

2007-03-16T09:55:00.000-04:00

Lights and timing of lights.
What is the purpose of traffic lights.
To direct the flow of traffic.
So there is no purpose in cars trying to defy the lights.
No purpose in speeding, changing lanes or making fast, irresponsible moves.
Because the light is gonna get you.

But why can't cars noodle through traffic the way they envision?
The way the commercials show?
Becuase they are large and obtrusive. Because they are fat.

The problem with America's #1 use of transportation is also the problem with modern American society. Cars, SUVs, trucks and vans are fat and inhibat free movement and agility.

And sometimes the drivers of large vehicles will try to muscle you off the road*. Are the drivers as obtrusive as their cars? Jealous that they don't have the mobility I do? The freedom?

I can see why they're jealous that we can run reds. But maybe if they didn't take up so much space, they could be stealth too.

*Metrobusses do it all the time yet yell at me if I grab on a light.

Tell Morningstar Farms "No eggs in veggie products!"

2007-03-15T11:01:00.000-04:00

This was posted as a bulletin by a MySpace pal. We need to reduce the demand for factory farmed hens/eggs. And when we eat a vegetarian burger, we shouldn't have to worry that the hens used to produce the eggs that are absurdly added to products were mistreated! "If you're gonna go vegetarian then just go vegan!"

Bulletin:

Our friends at Compassion Over Killing are trying to get Morningstar Farms
to stop using eggs in their product line.

Morningstar Farms®, which is owned by the Kellogg® company, is currently
purchasing eggs produced by hens confined inside barren wire battery cages.
Battery caged hens are typically provided with a meager 67 square inches of
space in which to live—that’s less than the size of one sheet of notebook
paper. These birds are so intensively confined for their entire lives that
they are denied their natural inclinations to spread their wings, perch,
preen, or even walk.

Morningstar Farms® has long been a leader in supplying delicious vegetarian
foods to a growing market. Let them know that the market also wants them to
remove their support from the cruel battery egg industry. Please encourage
them to join with companies like Gardenburger®, which last year announced it
has taken eggs out of all its products except for one private-sourced item.

Take action today by submitting your comments online! It is important that
Morningstar be contacted by THIS FRIDAY!

Please also call Kellogg®’s customer feedback hotline:
1-800-962-1413.

Hours (Eastern Standard Time):

* Mon. - Thurs.: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
* Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

1. Say: “Representative.”
2. Press 2 for product information
3. Press 1 for general inquiries

It is crucial that Morningstar Farms® hear from consumers like you—please
forward this message widely! Thank you for helping make a difference for
egg-laying hens.

Learn more about this campaign and other ways you can help at
Morningstar-Egg-Facts.com.

Connections

2007-03-15T09:47:00.000-04:00

I joined the world of blogging. Well, I've actually done some blogging but since I haven't done much by way of setting aside time to update much, I never felt the need for the blogspot world. But since I'm always wanting to respond to Gwadzilla's posts and he recently restricted comments to bloggers. So the only way to comment is to have my own blogspot. So stop on by every few months or so. I don't know how often I'll be updating but who knows...