The arrival of autumn means cooler temperatures, darker evenings — and a last chance to get your home ready for winter. Here are twelve ways to get started!

If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you’ve probably already noticed the first hints of autumn: a blush of color in the leaves; earlier sunsets; and cooler evenings. The winter constellations are slowly creeping higher in the night sky, and it won’t be long before we’re all involved in the downhill rush toward the holidays.

Spring and autumn are the “fix-up” seasons, as we make ready for big changes in the weather. What you do over the next few weeks can make a tremendous difference to the size of your environmental footprint through the winter. So we’ve put together a few autumn to-do items to get you started. Sharpen your pencil — and start checking a few off your list!

In the home

Checking wall insulation

• Check your weather stripping. You should do this twice a year. Look for cracks and deterioration, and verify that door seals are tight.
• Review attic insulation, particularly if your home is over 20 years old. This is the area in which you can make the most dramatic savings in annual heating bills. Take a ruler into the attic. If you have less than a foot of insulation, you probably need more.
• Seal window air conditioners. Once you’re past warm weather, unplug and seal your window units. If it’s practical, store them. This will also allow you to seal your windows with energy-efficient plastic film.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with CFL or LED lighting. Shorter days and cooler temperatures means more time spent indoors. If you’ve not already re-lamped with energy efficient bulbs, now is the time.
• Install a programmable thermostat. Smart temperature control can easily save 10% of your annual heating and cooling bills — a significant reduction in your household’s carbon footprint. Basic programmable thermostats can be purchased for less than $30, so you’ll recover you investment very quickly.

In the yard

• Start a compost pile. Compost heaps need both green and brown matter to get cooking — but there’s no shortage of carbon-rich leaves in the fall. Grab then while you can.
• Consider planting trees. Some varieties do well in the gap between summer’s heat and the real onset of winter. Consult your local nursery or agricultural agent for advice on what sort of trees might be appropriate for autumn planting.
• Bring your summer herbs indoors. There’s no reason not to enjoy fresh basil, mint, and rosemary through the winter months — and having some green indoors will remind you of spring. It takes a few weeks to transition herbs to indoor living, so start before the weather turns.In your car

In your car

• Most automobile owner’s manuals recommend a switch of engine oil weights between seasons. If you did this last summer, switch to your car’s recommended winter weight as soon as the weather cools.
• There’s really no such thing as a “safe” antifreeze, but if you’re getting your radiator flushed before winter, ask for a propylene glycol (PG) formula. It’s less toxic to children, pets, and wildlife than ethylene glycol (EG) coolants.
• Do you have a roof rack for carrying summer recreational equipment? Remove it until next year. Roof racks decrease your vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency and hurts fuel mileage — particularly at highway speeds. While you’re at it, check you car for any unnecessary summer items, such as coolers or picnic gear. No need to burn fuel by carrying unnecessary weight.
• Evaluate your tires. Worn tread and improper tire pressure aren’t just bad for fuel economy — they’re not safe, particularly if you live in an area where highway icing is likely. Inspect, rotate, and balance. Whip out your tire pressure gauge at least once a month and check all four corners.

We’ll make this list a baker’s dozen: If you’re shopping for sweaters, jackets, and winter wear, start at your local secondhand store. It’s not just price — though shopping the thrift shop and rummage sale circuit can save your hundreds of dollars — it’s putting perfectly good clothing back to use, rather than consuming fresh resources. You may also be supporting a worthy local charity or civic group with your purchase.

So there’s a start. Once you get into autumn “green-up” mode, you’ll probably think of other small projects. Get to them before Jack Frost beats you to it. And here’s wishing you a rich, warm, and Earth-friendly autumn.

Do you have some autumn tips to share with the Lighter Footstep community? Please add your best practices in our Comments section!

How would you like to cut this year’s back-to-school budget in half?

Backpacks, pens and pencils, notebooks — it all adds up. But in terms of both cost and environmental impact, the biggest line item is clothing. So that’s the most productive place to make getting your kids back to class a leaner and greener experience.

Want to save? Buy used

Yes: used. With new clothes, no matter how organic the fabric or local the production (and most school clothing is neither), nothing beats the eco-efficiency of secondhand. Every time you repurpose a piece of clothing, you’re saving hundreds of gallons of water; all the pesticide that would have been used to produce its natural fibers or the petroleum from which synthetics are made; and the energy and resources to bring the finished garment to market.

Used clothing is actually a huge industry in most of the developed world. But almost all secondhand clothes end up overseas. In many peoples’ minds, there’s a stigma to used cloth. Maybe that’s because at one time, the places you’d be most likely to find used clothing were run by charitable organizations. Perhaps our resistance to used clothing goes deeper — to the consumerist notion that if we’re not buying the newest and most expensive things for our children, we’re failing as parents.

In either case, there are plenty of great ways to find deals on great-looking, perfectly serviceable secondhand clothing. Let’s go shopping!

10 sources for used kids’ clothing

Family and friends: The old standby. Who do you know who with kids a little older than yours? A quick note on a church or office bulletin board can get the ball rolling on a group exchange. Don’t be shy about making a few calls: People are usually happy to empty their closets of unneeded items.

Consignment stores: Commissioned resellers always seem to have the freshest fashion and most immaculate goods. You’ll pay a bit more for the convenience, but consignment stores — with their marked and sorted goods — can be real time savers. Most offer some sort of return policy, too.

Church and multifamily rummage sales: The advantage of these larger events is convenience. More stuff in one place means you’ll be doing less driving around. Some of the church sales can be large scale, semi-annual events. It pays to connect with groups staging these. Volunteers sometimes get first pick or a discount, so what get out of the deal can be in direct proportion to what you put in. Once you’ve located a quality event, ask if they have a mailing list so you can be informed of future sales.

Craigslist: The 24/7 online rummage sale. You’re probably in luck if your area has a local Craigslist, and it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. Preparing this article, we did random searches for “clothing” in two or three smaller cities. Our first hit was a 105-piece boy’s assortment in what appeared to be excellent shape for $100. There was easily a thousand dollars worth of clothing in the set. Read through Craigslist’s online guide to buyer safety and use common sense before arranging any in-person transactions.

eBay: Online auctions are great places to pick up specific items you might need to fill in your child’s wardrobe. You’ll be hard pressed to think of something not covered by eBay’s listings. Merchandise is generally of high quality — much of it is new — and you’re protected, to an extent, by eBay’s built-in reputation and dispute resolution systems.

Flea markets: You never really know from week to week what will be on the tables at your local flea market, and that’s part of the fun. You’re as likely to find new clothing as used, along with things like book bags, bikes, and serviceable lunch boxes. Prices are usually higher than rummage sales and secondhand stores, but you can cover a lot of ground in an hour. Tell the sellers what you’re looking for — chances are, they have a hook-up.

Freecycle: A genuine online community, Freecycle can deliver the best deals in town because everything is free. The downside is that most people on the list are making space at home, and you may have to agree to take more than you really need. Fair enough.Visit the main site to locate a Freecycle group near you. As with Craigslist, use caution when pickups with strangers. Freecycle etiquette dictates that if you agree to pick up an item, you should do so promptly. And be sure to give back when it’s your turn to lighten your load.

Salvage stores: Like flea markets, you never know from week to week what you’ll find at a salvage store. These outlets purchase salable merchandise from insurance companies at pennies on the dollar. You’ll have to be on the lookout for damaged goods (most salvage stock comes from businesses destroyed by flood or fire), but a good cleaning is a small price to pay for otherwise new, name-brand merchandise. Increasingly, salvage stores or coming into possession of bankruptcy liquidations — so there are lots of unexpected deals to be found.

Saturday morning rummage sales: For a lot of people, weekend rummaging is a hobby and a way of life. It’s possible you’ll find the very best deals on someone’s driveway on a Saturday morning — but you’ll need to make a plan if you expect to compete with the the rummage sale veterans. Start here and pick up some tips from the pros.

Secondhand and thrift stores: You already know the names: places like Goodwill and the Salvation Army. You probably have at least one locally run, independent secondhand store in your community, as well. Nonprofits and charities have used thrift stores to finance their operations for decades, so buying from one is a way of supporting their work. You can find good deals in these large=scale secondhand stores — but come prepared to dig through a lot of junk, too.

Have fun!

There are ten reliable sources of used children’s clothing to get you started — and thinking resourcefully. Have any brilliant back-to-school bargain-hunting ideas to add to the bunch? Please share them in our Comments section!

“First Day of School” image by Flickr user Terren in Virginia / CC BY 2.0.  Abstract yard sale image by Robert Couse-Baker / CC BY 2.0.

The purpose of compost is to rot — to decompose and become part of the soil from which it came. Feel free to start humming the Lion King’s Circle of Life. That’s what it’s all about.

A compost pile undergoes a pretty amazing series of transformations on its way to become next season’s topsoil. What happens to the steaming heap of old coffee grounds, discarded vegetable peels, soggy cardboard, and yard clippings is either beautiful or disgusting, depending on your perspective. As always, art is in the eye of the beholder. Even when it’s compost.

Vancouver’s Granville Island is famous for its public market. Flickr user sporkist stuck his head into a compost dumpster to photograph this amazing symphony of orange. While not all these items are appropriate for home composting, they’re as beautiful as garbage can be.

You can compost pretty much anything — even memories (though watch out for this stuff). The Division of Light and Shadows captures a still life of roses and baby’s breath.

Autumn is the best time to collect carbon-rich “brown” compost. But this bulging compost pile, captured by Flickr user Gavin Anderson, show that brown sometimes comes in crimson.

Compost attracts many admirers. This happy toad has settled in on damp heap, probably waiting for dinner to crawl past. Flickr Creative Commons image by John Leach.

Light, lettuce, and last week’s kitchen trash: Compost photography evoking Vermeer by Flickr contributor net_efekt.

Wet, dark, and slimy: If you’re a worm, this is what a day at the beach looks like. Vermiculture is a subset of backyard composting. Worm compost enthusiasts say red worms do the best job, and can process up to their body weight each day. Chika posted this worm bin picture on Flickr.

When is an orange green? When it’s compost. Image by Soon Van (read him at Random Echo).

Americans waste about 14 percent of the food they purchase. Nationally, food waste and spoilage amounts to losses in excess if $75 billion. In some sectors of agricultural production, waste can be as high as 40 percent. These autumnal fruits and vegetables — photographed being readied for compost by Flickr user swanksalot —   will get another shot at the table next season.

The finished product! Mature compost, the foundation of a healthy garden. With proper care, another successful crop of vegetables will spring from this earth. And then the cycle starts all over again. Photo by Flickr user normanack.

Top compost heap image by Flickr user upturnedface / CC BY-SA 2.0. A special thanks to all the photographers and artists who make their work available on Flickr through the Creative Commons.

In a reversal of its current policies, papermaking giant Kimberly-Clark has announced sweeping initiatives that will eventually end its reliance on non-sustainable timber, including trees sourced in Canada’s boreal forests. Kimberly-Clark is the manufacturer of many top paper product brands, including Kleenex, Scott, and Cottonelle.

The company has been under pressure from Greenpeace and other environmental groups for sourcing timber from sensitive, biodiverse forests. In 2004, Greenpeace launched an advocacy campaign called Kleercut in an effort to get Kimberly-Clark to embrace more sustainable ways of obtaining fiber for its products.

Five years later, that seems to have been accomplished. By 2011, 40 percent of Kimberly-Clark’s North American fiber will be either recycled or certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. This will also be the absolute deadline for the company to cease using any timber from boreal stands which are not FSC-certified. Kimberly-Clark’s eventual goal is to source all of its paper products from sustainable, environmentally responsible sources.

While boreal forests were the focus of Greenpeace’s campaign, Kimberly-Clark says its efforts will extend to the protection of sensitive woodlands worldwide. Old and native growth forests provide precious habitat for thousands of threatened species — and storage for nearly 200 billion tons of carbon.

So Kimberly-Clark goes from environmental villain to industry sustainability leader virtually overnight. Now it’s on the company’s market competitors — Georgia Pacific and Procter & Gamble — to play catch-up.

Greenpeace press release: New Kimberly-Clark policy is a victory for Ancient Forests
Kimberly-Clark statement: Kimberly-Clark Sets the Bar Higher for Tissue Products with Stronger Global Forest Policy

Boreal forest hiking image by Flickr user wlscience (Ben + Sam) / CC BY-SA 2.0

Fuel-efficient vehicles are great. Driving less is even better.

We’re big bicycle fans here at Lighter Footstep. Bikes are tough to beat in terms of urban transportation: they’re reliable, emissions-free, take up very little parking space, and cost almost nothing to operate. Depending on your commute or the length of your errand, it’s possible that a bicycle will get you where you’re going faster than an automobile. And they’re great for your health.

For many people, a bicycle could replace a car (or a second vehicle). Even if putting your auto out to pasture isn’t a realistic option, having a bicycle on hand can substantially lower your monthly transportation costs and environmental footprint.

What is an urban bike, anyway?

You can commute, get some fresh air, or fetch groceries on pretty much any bike that rolls. But urban bicycles are a developing class of bike which falls between skinny tired, racing-style bicycles and their burly offroad cousins, the mountain bike. They’re know by a lot of trade names: city bikes, commuters, town bicycles, and hybrids. Generally speaking, urban bikes are optimized for reliable city travel.

Features vary from bike to bike and manufacturer to manufacturer. Most urban bikes are built with a comfortable, upright riding position for better visibility in traffic. They may be equipped with one or more of the following: cargo racks; fenders and mudflaps; a light set; chain guard; wider, puncture-resistant tires; and a kickstand. Almost all urban bikes are multispeed, and many feature low-maintenance internal gearing.

About the bikes we’ve selected

We’ve chosen a dozen examples of purpose-built urban bicycles that would make worthy, full-time transportation. The cheapest retails for just over $500, and most are in the $1000 class. Some cost more.

Why such expensive bicycles? Our philosophy in picking this bunch is that we’re looking for automobile replacements. Even the most expensive of our choices is a bargain compared to a scooter, motorcycle, or used car. You’ll be getting quality components and a great frameset, which is the heart of a bicycle. Most models come with accessories which would cost more, if purchased separately. With reasonable care, any of these bikes could last a decade or longer — even under heavy use.

We’ve also stuck to bicycles from manufacturers with strong reputations. Most of these models should be available wherever you live, or can be purchased online. We’ll list our choices alphabetically. Let’s ride!

Breezer Uptown 8

Joe Breeze was an early pioneer in the development of what are now called mountain bikes. In the late 1990s, his attention turned to the idea of bicycles as urban transportation. Under the banner “transportation for a healthy planet,” Breeze began designing bicycles specifically for the comfort and convenience of riders who would primarily use them for riding to work and running errands.

The Breezer Uptown 8 is an excellent example of a purpose-built urban bike. The unisex U-frame model, pictured here, can be ridden by anyone (a men’s frameset is available). Here are all the classic city bike features: a built-in generator set and LED lights, a chainguard — the newest models are fully enclosed to keep cyclists clean — fenders, cargo rack, and an internally geared 8-speed hub.

Breezer Uptown 8 from Breezer Bicycles. Approximate retail price $1159.00.

Cannondale Street 1

Cannondale’s aim with this model is clearly to put some style into urban commuting. The Street 1 is a great looking package, with an aggressive-looking compact frame design and sexy paint. Strong points include disc brakes and a mild front suspension that can be locked out for maximum efficiency when roads are smooth. On the downside, the Street 1 is going to require considerable additions to make it ready for anything more than light commuting. Racks, fenders, and lights will add to the Street 1’s none-to-cheap purchase price.

2009 Street 1 from Cannondale Bicycles. Suggested retail price : $1179.00.

Fuji Cambridge

Here’s a  gorgeous bike clearly designed to evoke the glory days of Raleigh 3-speeds and vintage grocery bicycles. The Fuji Cambridge oozes retro styling, but with modern components and materials. The Cambridge’s most obvious feature is its lugged steel frame. Steel has fallen out of fashion as a frame material, replaced with lighter (and easy to fabricate) aluminum. But while it’s a bit heavier, steel can give a much more forgiving ride than its aluminum equivalent — particularly when carrying cargo.

There are some nice details on the Cambridge, such as the sprung Brooks look-alike saddle, fenders, and an unusual mustache handlebar set. The 700c wheels are heavy duty, and paired with wider 38c tires for durability. Gearing is internal, through a Shimano 8-speed rear hub. Add headlights, and the Cambridge should serve for many years as a bombproof commuter with timeless lines.

Fuji Cambridge by Fuji Bikes. Suggested retail price: $1250.00.

Gary Fisher Simple City 8

Technically, this is the Simple City 8W (women’s frame). The men’s version is the Simple City 8M, and comes in any color you like, so long as it’s Gloss Sand.

Gary Fisher is actually a Trek company these days, but the parent company has shown enough common sense to let Fisher express its own design sense. That’s the case with the Simple City 8, a satisfyingly complete urban bike for under $1000.

Both the men’s and women’s version of the Simple City 8 feature a distinctive front basket. In our experience, most bike errands are small runs with loads of 20 pounds or less. A lot of people find carrying cargo up front to be comforting. Your stuff is where you can see it — just throw a few bags in the basket and go. This particular basket, which is painted to match the bike, has a 5-point mount and a spring system to keep in in place while loading. Add a Shimano Nexus 8-speed rear hub, and the Simple City is a well-balanced, convenient city cruiser at a reasonable price point.

Simple City 8 from Gary Fisher Bicycles. Suggested retail price: $969.99.

Giant Transend EX

Giant started life stamping out bikes for other brands. These days, they’ve found their own voice, and are making some well-priced offerings in the commuter market.

The Transend EX is another remarkably complete city bicycle in the $1000 class. Highlights include powerful disk brakes, a semi-enclosed chain, full fenders, and a rear rack that comes with built-in straps (no fumbling with bungee cords!). Add lights, and you won’t need a car for much.

Transend EX from Giant Bicycles. Suggested retail price: $920.00.

Novara Fusion

The Fusion is a great-looking urban bike that comes equipped with virtually everything: a headlight with built-in generator, disk brakes, cargo rack, and full fenders. Best of all, it retails for $900.

There are downsides to the Fusion. It’s only available through REI, the online outdoor merchant, so you probably won’t be riding one before purchase. There only three frame sizes. But neither of these things are disqualifying, and the Fusion is an excellent, all-inclusive deal.

Novara Fusion by REI. Suggested retail price: $899.00.

Raleigh Sojourn

Raleigh actually makes a commuter bike called the Detour, fully equipped with racks, fenders, and a built-in light set. Despite this, we’ve chosen the company’s Sojourn, which is marketed as a touring bicycle. The main reason? A steel frameset.

Most touring bikes make good candidates for grocery-getters. Their frames are generally beefier than recreational bicycles, with relaxed frame angles and long wheelbases, which improve stability and comfort when carrying heavy loads. That’s the case with the Sojourn, which is built like a tank from Reynolds 520 chrome-moly steel. It’s also full of touring touches which translate well to hardcore commuter use: Avid disk brakes, full fenders, beefy Vittoria Randonneur tires, a heavy duty rear rack, and a full complement of braze-on frame eyelets for future expansion. It’s also one of the few bikes we’ve seen that comes with a pump. Also worth noting: As of this article’s publication, the Sojourn is substantially discounted over at REI.

Raleigh Sojourn from Raleigh Bicycles. Suggested retail price: $1199.00.

Schwinn World GS

We’ve includes the World GS for two reasons: First, we wanted to show what’s available in the $500 class if you shop around; and because we’re glad to see Schwinn back in the saddle again.

For those of us who grew up riding a Varsity, Paramount, or Stingray, Schwinn was — at one time — the all-American bike company. But a series of missteps dragged the company into bankruptcy and ownership turnover before settling with its current corporate parent Montreal-based Dorel Industries,

Dorel knows how to price. The World GS sports a mild suspension fork and seatpost, fenders, a semi-enclosed chain, and a rack suitable for light cargo. With a decent aluminum frame and alloy components throughout, there’s not much this bike can’t do — on a budget.

World GS by Schwinn Bicycles. Suggested retail price: $499.00.

Specialized Vienna Deluxe

There’s no denying the sexiness of the Vienna Deluxe’s lines, which seem influenced by those of the now-classic Bianchi Milano cruiser. In any case, Specialized’s top-end commuter looks hot enough to make you feel good about parking your car forever. And it’s well-equipped, with a cargo rack, hub dynamo-powered headlamp, fenders, and a chainguard styled to match the Vienna’s fluid design.

At this price level, disk brakes would be nice. But it’s an awfully appealing package.

Specialized Vienna Deluxe by Specialized Bicycle Company. Suggested retail price: $1100.00

Torker Cargo T

Got a heavy load to carry? This is your bike. Torker’s Cargo T is clearly pattered after a Dutch delivery bicycle — the kind of hard working bike you’d see on the streets of Amsterdam, hauling unreasonable loads in all weather. That’s what the Cargo T is designed to do.

The Cargo T’s comes with massive front and rear racks for better load balance. The frame is steel, and the U shape is intended to allow an easy step-through when the racks are piled high. There’s a fully enclosed chainguard, an unusual (and sturdy) double-sided kickstand, generator mounts, and a front steering lock for simple loading.

This bike has a couple of shortcomings: 3-speed gearing really limits the Cargo T to shorter trips or Holland-like flat terrain, and the rear coaster/front drum brake leaves a little to be desired. But the drive train is nearly maintenance-free, and for a specialty bike, it’s a bargain.

Cargo T by Torker Bicycles. Suggested retail price: $640.00.

Trek Soho

Behold the most technically innovative bike of our select bunch: the Trek Soho. If the Breezer Uptown or Fuji Cambridge are the Classic Rock of our dozen choices, the Soho is its Trance.

We’re fond of the Soho here at Lighter Footstep, where what passes for our company car is last season’s conventionally geared Soho 3, mated with Xtracycle’s Free Radical hitchless trailer. But 2009’s Soho is essentially a new bicycle. Designed as a fast, stylish commuter, the Soho’s most obvious new feature is its Gates carbon belt drive system. The lightweight, essentially noiseless belt requires no grease, which makes for a cleaner bicycle. It’s partially enclosed by a new guard, also new for this year.

Gearing is through an internal Alfine 8-speed hub. Brakes are Shimano’s new IM50 rollers, which are also internally mounted in both hubs. The Soho is finished in very modern high-gloss grey, with matching fenders. As in previous years, it comes with a pair of nice little urbanesque touches: dual rubber strips across the top bar — which make for scratchless parking — and a natty thermal coffee mug. You’ll need to add lights and a rack to round out this package.

Trek Soho by Trek Bikes. Suggested retail: $989.99.

Xtracycle Radish

Just as the Trek Soho is the most technologically advanced of our urban bike selection, the Xtracycle Radish represents the biggest departure from what most people consider normal bicycle geometry.

The Radish is a longbike, specifically designed to haul pretty much anything: a full cart of groceries; a surfboard or kayak; bricks; puppies; a passenger — you name it. This bicycle is basically a steel cruiser frameset permanently mated to Xtracycle’s popular Free Radical hitchless trailer. The advantage of having the two as a single assembly is strength and rigidity. You’ll purchase the panniers and associated gear separately — an extra $250 to $350 dollars. But you might also have to purchase panniers to fully appreciate the capacity of any bike listed in our bunch, and the Radish is arguably the most capable.

Fenders are standard, as is a partial chainguard and massive 203mm rear disk brake. There’s a V-brake up front, heavy duty alloy wheels, and 26 x 2.24 inch tires. This isn’t just a car replacement: It’s a two-wheel pickup truck.

There’s a whole car-free culture surrounding longbikes. The Radish is a ready-made entry, or you can build your own.

Xtracycle Radish by Xtracycle. Suggested retail price: $939.00 (base frameset) or about $1199 with racks, panniers, and snapdeck.

Which is best for you?

That’s a function of taste, budget, and how you live. For casual grocery runs and quick errands, the Gary Fisher Simple City 8 is a great choice. If you live in a sufficiently dense area, the Simple City could be a full time car replacement. Traditionalists will like the beautiful steel frame and retro vibe of the Fuji Cambridge. Riders with longer commutes will probably best appreciate the randonneur heritage of the Raleigh Sojourn. If you want bleeding edge urban bike technology and arresting style, Trek’s Soho is the obvious candidate.

But we’re giving an unreserved thumbs-up to the Xtracycle Radish, Lighter Footstep’s Carfree Lifestyle Bike of the Year. The Radish — combined with an appropriate longtail pannier kit — simply takes bicycle utility to the next level. If you’re serious about living without a car, the Radish is an unbeatable combination of price, community, and capability.

So there are a dozen smart urban bike choices. If you ride one of these bicycles and want to share your experience (or if you’d like to bring another bicycle to our attention), leave a note in our Comments section below or email us using our Contact page.

Want to learn more about the green and healthy benefits of a bicycle lifestyle? Check out Twelve Reasons to Start Using a Bicycle for Transportation, How to Pick a Great Used Bicycle, or How to Bike to Work (Or Anywhere Else).

We’ve always said that the best way to appreciate the environment is to get out into nature.

Christoph Rehage’s birthday present to himself in November, 2007, was to go for a long walk. The plan was to walk from Beijing, China — where Rehage was a student — to his home in Bad Nenndorf, Germany. An amazing proposition, when you consider the vastness of China.

Along the way, he photographed himself. We’ve all seen those “picture a day” time lapse videos. But the five minute version of Rehage’s epic walkabout, eventually covering over 4,000 kilometers, is in a league of its own.

We see a young, clean shaven man being changed by his adventure. There’s obvious physical hardship: snow and the blazing sands of the Gobi desert, long, empty highways, and the pain of endless plodding. His hair and beard grow wild. People come and go; places spin behind him. Rehage finds love — and maybe heartbreak, too. With such a whirl of images and Rehage’s website currently mute, the narrative is a little mysterious. It’s also quite moving.

After a year, Rehage decided to stop walking and return to school. There are additional images of his journey on Trendhunter, and we’ve located some video outtakes for you at YouTube:

Spray painting graffiti at Xinjiang
The routine of waking and preparing to walk for the day
Riding a steam-powered train
Victory dances at 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 kilometers

Finally, there’s Christoph Rehage’s page at Vimeo.

How bottled water impacts the environment: This week, Lighter Footstep did an interview with the Gainesville Times about bottled water. Save money and the environment by bottling your own for just pennies a day.

Rinse Your Produce Like a Pro for Water Conservation: Eating more veggies is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Here’s how to scrub ‘em clean without wasting gallons of water.

A one-year walk around China — and an amazing time lapse video: This is really a treasure. In November of 2007, Christoph Rehage set out to walk from Beijing to Germany. He hasn’t completed his trek yet, but you can share his adventure with this moving 5 1/2 minute video. The best way to appreciate the environment is to experience it.

Nike and Timberland Stop Buying Leather from Deforested Amazon: Weeks after a Greenpeace report demonstrated the destruction caused by Amazon cattle ranchers, two shoe companies say they will stop buying leather from unsustainable ranches in the region (The Daily Green).

Vegetarian egg rolls on a budget: We love BrokeAss Gourmet and their tasty — but surprisingly quick and affordable — recipes. Here’s one for crispy, fresh vegetarian egg rolls made from local ingredients and stuff you probably already have in the pantry. From prep to table in less than 30 minutes.

Green MBA Programs Grow Up: The idea of a Green MBA degree seemed pretty far-fetched a few years ago. Now there are dozens. Green Living Ideas suggests six programs designed to turn your interest in Sustainability into a fulltime career.

Meet Belcha –- Europe’s biggest carbon polluter (and it’s about to get even bigger): The EU’s biggest, nastiest coal-fired power plant has the unfortunate name Elektrownia Belchatow. It already belches 30,862,792 tons of CO2 a year. By 2010, the Polish facility will have grown by another 20 percent.

Catholics, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs Rally to Fight Global Warming: We’re all in this together. Twilight Earth highlights a 14-year-old initiative by the Alliance of Religions and Conservation, a UK-based program which applies ancient beliefs to a modern dilemma.

What’s behind the rise in bicycle mutilation? It’s difficult to understand why, but bike vandalism seems to be on the rise. The Guardian’s Barry Neild puzzles the site of slashed and trashed two-wheelers.

10 Green Things You Can Do with Your iPhone: You can do lots of stuff with your iPhone, including making the planet a nicer place. EcoSalon runs down some green ways to utilize all that nifty iPhone technology.

We share dozens of found articles each week, keep you up to date on the latest from Lighter Footstep, and answer questions about greener living on Twitter. Still not hip to what Twitter is all about? Read this introduction. Grab a free account and follow us by clicking here, then select the Follow button below our avatar.

If you’ve never heard of urban homesteading, you’re probably not alone. In fact, just a couple of years ago, Everett Sizemore — now one of Denver’s many proponents of the movement — was pretty uninformed about what growing food and maintaining animals on one-eighth of an acre entailed.

But he was compelled to start somewhere. “I walked out to my backyard one day and realized I didn’t know what 90 percent of the plants and insects were called. I didn’t know chickweed from pigweed, chokecherry from gooseberry, or earwig from lacewing,” says Sizemore. “It made me think about how far we’ve moved away from nature in the last two generations, and how we’re in deep trouble if there ever comes a time when such knowledge becomes necessary again. I wanted to relearn what was not passed on from my grandparents to my parents — or to me.”

From ignorant to igniting a local tipping point

Sizemore, along with his wife Melissa Blakeslee, was inspired to start living with more self-reliance. First they explored their suburb’s zoning laws, which are quite flexible compared to other counties. Then they read. Books, magazines, Web sites. And they networked with other eco-conscious urbanites.

Searching for a like-minded community, Sizemore started the Greater Denver Homesteading Group simply because nothing like it existed. Today the co-op boasts nearly 375 members who share a passion for urban farming online and at weekly “meetups” around town.

When they’re not hanging out with fellow members, Sizemore and Blakeslee raise chard, chives, cucumbers — and everything in between — on their suburban plot. Sizemore spends an hour each evening in this little partial acre of the world and dedicates one 8- to 10-hour day every weekend cultivating his homestead.

It’s not just about food

“After a long commute, I decompress in my backyard by pulling weeds and watching bees,” he says. “I’ve gone from being on the verge of assault [in traffic] to feeling calm and serene.”

In this contemplative oasis, the couple’s shady north-side fence doubles as a grapevine trellis, and herbs thrive in a xeriscaped, edible front-yard garden fertilized with mulch they make in homemade composting bins. Surprisingly, raspberries have grown the best in Denver’s arid climate; blueberries have fared worst.

Oh, then there’s the chickens, Laverne and Shirley, who keep the couple in eggs. These urban farmers also share space with a pair of dogs, cats and happy fertilizers, the rabbits. A colony of wild bees is the latest addition to the menagerie.

How does one establish a nest of bees in urban Denver? Just ask around, says Sizemore, who turned to his homesteading group to locate a swarm ripe for the snatching. “You can also call the pest control people,” says Sizemore. “They always know the angry homeowners with swarms.”

Apparently, in the spring, the old queen bee leaves with half of her helpers and a new queen takes over. During this short period of “homelessness,” the displaced bees huddle in a swarm, at which time one can “knock them into a box and step away for 20 minutes or so,” according to Sizemore.

Why is urban homesteading spreading like wildfire?

Besides the fact that the average human could catch, transport and reestablish a colony of wild bees in a Denver backyard, the most surprising thing about urban homesteading has been the interesting mix of people attracted to the practice, says Sizemore. “You have your liberals, but we also have close ties with far-right Libertarians, who are interested in gun ownership and how to butcher meat.”

Sizemore thinks the growing interest in urban homesteading comes from a number of merging factors. “The economic situation was a catalyst,” he says. “But there are also underlying issues coming to light because of food recalls, the rising cost of food and a renewed interest in eating food grown close to home.”

Do try this at home

If you, like an increasing number of Americans, are interested in starting to homestead (urban or otherwise), Sizemore offers up some tips from a guy who two years ago was just as uninitiated as you:

• Start with a garden. Learn to grow food first. You’ll get frustrated and burned out if you try everything at once.
• Then grow enough so that you have to learn how to preserve it with canning, drying, freezing, etc.
• When you’re ready for animals, get a few chickens or a beehive. If that doesn’t scratch the itch, try a dwarf dairy goat.
• Learn about and try what interests you most. Sizemore started making his own cheese and yogurt. Blakeslee found a passion for knitting and sewing her own clothes.

Everett Sizemore and Melissa Blakeslee in their garden

And, perhaps most importantly: Don’t do it just to save money. “If you think you’re going to get started with urban homesteading and save a bunch of money in the first couple of years, you are in for a rude awakening,” laughs Sizemore, whose garden offsets about a tenth of his annual grocery bill.

“I do this because I want to learn homesteading skills and be closer to my food,” he explains. “There are other benefits as well — a healthier diet, good exercise, a beautiful garden, being part of a movement in my community — but saving money isn’t a primary goal at this point.”

This article originally appeared in Gaiam Life, and is reprinted by permission.

Welcome to the 190th edition of the Carnival of the Green, which is coordinated by Kara DiCamillo and our friends at Treehugger. Last week’s Carnival paid a visit to Victoria Klein’s brand-new site. Next Monday, it will move on to the Humane Connection (if you’d like to participate, see the bottom of this article).

The Carnival of the Green is a roundup of articles by some of the web’s sharpest and most active green bloggers. So grab a cup of coffee, relax, and browse. Here are this week’s contributions:

In the African village of Hamakuya, we learned about life with limited resources: Sally Kneidel and husband just did a homestay in a second African village living on the edge of subsistence, and learned about life with limited resources. Read about their adventure, see lots of pics, and check out lots of links at Veggie Revolution.

Is the Payback Period on Energy Efficient Bulbs Too Long? Lee Penzo spends his days doing money management, so it’s no surprise he’s put a calculator to the money saving claims made by CFL manufacturers. Ever wonder if compact florescents are really a good deal? You’ll know for sure after you read this.

5 Ways To Green Your Coffee Beans: Oh, how we love our coffee. If you’re looking to green your morning pick-me-up, Bargaineering will get you started with a straighforward explanation of Fair trade, organic beans, and why you should take your own cup to that cozy coffeehouse.

Doing the Organic thing on a Budget: You’re probably read that organic food markets are feeling the pinch of tighter household budgets. But a down economy doesn’t necessarily mean you have to downscale your menu. Janay at Guffly has some times for keeping it organic without breaking the piggy bank.

Cancer-Stricken Social Security Claimant Makes YouTube Plea To Obama: Concerned about health care? The Disability Information & Resources blog has a moving YouTube appeal to President Obama by Gayle DeVilbiss, a 54 year-old cancer patient in Arizona.

Dump Your Dryer and Rack Up the Savings: Once upon a time, people managed to get by without a power-hungry gas or electric dryer. But relearning the gentle art of line drying could save your family up to $500 a year. Tyler at Frugally Green shows you how.

Reduce Your Hot Water Bill with this One Simple Tip! Want to run your hot tub without taking a bath? Benjamin at Trees Full of Money has a clever idea that could save you hundreds each year.

“Super” Centers: How super are those big box stores, really? Not so super, if you’re talking about how they integrate into their local communities. Personal observation from Vihar Sheth of green | rising.

Stop Global Warming: Tax Toilet Paper: That’s the plan, according to the pending “Water Protection and Reinvestment Act,” H.R.3202, introduced last week by Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore). In a political opinion piece, News for Freedom Daily takes on tariffs designed to upgrade municipal waste treatment and water systems — in the name of climate change.

Organic Chemical Free Gardening: The Folks at Free Organic News know organic is the way to go in your garden. Depending on where you live, there may still be time to get started this season. Here are some helpful tips on plant selection and keeping your dirt in top condition.

And that’s this week’s Carnival. Are you a green blogger? Want to participate in the next Carnival of the Green at the Humane Connection? You’ll find everything you need to know at Treehugger’s Carnival of the Green homepage.

The start of another El Niño event may be welcome news to coastal areas vulnerable to Atlantic basin hurricanes. But it has scientists worried about fragile coral ecosystems.

NOAA’s July Oceans Report confirmed what most climatologists expected: that a new El Niño event is underway, and will likely build through the summer months. El Niño is a weather pattern resulting in the rise of surface temperatures in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, but its effects are felt worldwide. One of El Niño’s most damaging consequences is coral bleaching.

When ancient reefs die

Partially bleached coral

Coral bleaching is the sudden expulsion of tiny, single-cell algae by living coral. This happens under stressful conditions, such as when reef water becomes too warm. It’s algae which gives coral its dark color, so bleached sections appear white. The coral also depends on algae for energy and assistance with calcification.

If the stress ends quickly, new colonies of algae may be able to reestablish themselves in time to save the host coral. If that’s not the case, the coral dies. This is disastrous for a reef, which might experience less than one inch of growth per year.

During the intense El Niño of 1998, up to 16 percent of the world’s reef systems was destroyed by above average sea temperatures.

Most at risk: the Caribbean

The outlook is grim for reefs in the Caribbean and Lesser Antilles, according to new estimates from NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch Program. Scientists expect the current El Niño to persist through through October, threatening a repeat of severe coral bleaching that occurred four years ago. The 2005 El Niño stands as the worst on record, when 90 percent of Eastern Caribbean reefs suffered bleaching. About half the bleached coral died.

Image credit: NOAA

So far, NOAA’s estimates are proving accurate. Measurements released last week by the National Climatic Data Center show that June sea surface temperatures were the warmest ever measured, surpassing even those from 2005. Observation records go back to 1880.

While nothing can be done to lower short-term sea temperatures, Reef Watch officials hope raising the alarm will allow local marine managers to take preventative action limiting other sources of coral stress, such as scuba diving, fishing, and boating. Cruise ships have been blamed for coral damage — thanks to collision, anchor dragging, pollution discharge, and stirring of sediment.

The Cayman Islands was among the first nations to ban cruise liners near sensitive reef areas. With 2009 shaping up as a destructive season for coral, expect to see similar measures taken to protect reef systems across the Caribbean.

Photo credits: Healthy coral (top) by Flickr user moonjazz / CC BY-SA 2.0. Bleached coral image (inset) by Flick user cybersam / CC BY 2.0