Ohmtastic

Ridiculous

2008-03-14T10:07:00.001-07:00

But who's surprised?

"The Environmental Protection Agency weakened one part of its new limits on smog-forming ozone after an unusual last-minute intervention by President Bush, according to documents released by the EPA."

Read the rest of the article in today's Washington Post.

the intricacies of eco-accounting

2008-02-25T10:46:00.000-08:00

oh, my poor neglected blog...life's been keeping me way too busy...

but i came across this article today and had to post. it's good to be aware of how much pollution we are causing and try to reign it in, right? but when the calculations are parsed ad infinitum (i had to look that up) it becomes discouraging and counterproductive. witness today's new york times:

"If you walk 1.5 miles, Mr. Goodall calculates, and replace those calories by drinking about a cup of milk, the greenhouse emissions connected with that milk (like methane from the dairy farm and carbon dioxide from the delivery truck) are just about equal to the emissions from a typical car making the same trip. And if there were two of you making the trip, then the car would definitely be the more planet-friendly way to go.

These results would vary, of course, depending on exactly what kind of car you’re using and what kind of food you eat (or, if you’re going by pedicab, what kind of food your cabbie eats)."

analyzing every potentially pollution-causing decision i have to make in a day like this would cause my head to explode. i'm sticking with the imperfect but livable strategy of prioritizing where i can have the most impact, conserving when possible, using common sense, and not sweating the small stuff.

Time on Yoga

2007-10-05T13:48:00.000-07:00

Time has a short online article today on the risks of Yoga.

"Over the past three years, 13,000 Americans were treated in an emergency room or a doctor's office for yoga-related injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission."

This begs the question, how does this statistic compare to other popular workouts? Yes there are risks, as with any type of exercise, and yoga practitioners are (or at least should be!) taught not to push their bodies beyond their limits.

Yes, yoga may not burn as many calories as calisthenics, and it is not a weight-loss method - it is certainly not for everybody. But the increased flexibility, balance and strength (yes, strength - try a plank or down-dog pose series if you don't believe me) that can be gained from regular yoga practice are a big factor in its popularity. I find it too bad that this article fails to present a balanced view of both risks and benefits alike - I would expect better from a mainstream publication such as Time.

Bright idea

2007-09-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

I, for one (and I seem to be the only one) cannot stand the lookalike granite countertops that have sprung up in every kitchen built or remodeled in the past ten years. Now here is a solution that is beautiful, functional, and makes a good use of wasted resources - countertops out of recycled glass. Check out the Vetrazzo site for more info. (via Luxist)

rome is burning, play on

2007-08-31T11:52:00.000-07:00

The decline of our society may one day be pinpointed to this moment:

Artist Damien Hurst decorated a human skull with platinum and diamonds (8,601 of them to be exact) and sold it to an investment group (of which he is part) for $100 million dollars. (cue Dr. Evil: "one hundred MILLION dollars! mwa-ha-ha")

Excuse me while I pick up my non-jewel-encrusted jaw off the floor.

Visualize your electric bill

2007-08-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

A couple of interesting ways to better understand electricity costs and usage...

A New Zealand energy co. has developed an online game for kids which involves building a virtual city and managing its energy resources. (via Treehugger)...

A stateside company produces a visual energy price/usage monitor which plugs into the wall...

And a crafty power station manager has hacked a glowing paperweight to create a visual display of energy prices can sit right on your desk. (via Inhabitat)...

Can you shop your way to carbon neutrality?

2007-08-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Yes indeed, there is a credit card which will offset carbon for every dollar you spend. I'm still ambivalent about carbon credits, and this looks to me more about feeling good than doing good...but I'd take this over the alumni credit card offer I received recently (support your alma mater! whose tuition you are still paying off!) anyday.

New Resource Bank

2007-07-24T13:28:00.000-07:00

1) Vacation in Greece was pretty cool. No, I didn't buy carbon credits to offset the jet fumes.

2) I was just reading about New Resource Bank, which started up last year in San Francisco. This is pretty cool, a community bank with an entrepreneurial & solar energy bent. Check them out here.

That's all I got for now.

A Good Block Party

2007-06-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

Cuz nothing says "summertime" like a block party!

From GOOD Magazine:
Sunday, July 15, 12noon to 8pm
111 Minna Gallery
San Francisco, CA

"Our San Francisco Block Party is coming on July 15 with Diplo, A-Trak, Kid Sister, Bedtime for Toys, The Deadly Syndrome, and others -- Save the date. GOOD is looking for volunteers to help out with the block party; if you are interested, please email goodevents@goodmagazine.com, with the subject heading: "SF Volunteer" and send your full name and phone number."

Home Sweet Home

2007-05-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

so, i have been looking for a new place to live the last few weeks and oh boy the liars people are about apartments (i am not going to think about how much worse it is with real estate)

luxury apartments = has a garbage disposal

convenient location = so close to the freeway/main street each passing car sounds like it is going to drive into your living room

newly remodeled = painted over the holes the last folks left in the wall

hot tub = lukewarm at best

oh, and then there are the scary for rent ads that read like alternative lifestyle personals:

"We are four single guys in our mid to late twenties looking for a fifth roommate. We have a five bedroom, three bath house in the hills of [city]...We're four very mellow guys who live with aloha. We're looking for a female between the ages of 21 and 28 who is outgoing and mellow and attractive..."

"RENTER NEEDED: We are currently searching for a kiteboarder, snowboarder, or action-sport enthusiast ..."

"Looking for another masculine, health concious, respectful, considerate, clean, man to share house in [city]."

and the people who want someone else to figure it out for them:

"I posted an ad yesterday...I have a stable job and would just like a decent living arrangement. I have stated that it should be for only 6 months, only due to the fact, that if my landlord does not like me..or vice versa..we should not be stuck with each other. I do want a cottage with privacy and I only ask that there be a bath or shower. If you have a kitchen in the cottage that is functional and room for a futon or hide a bed, I can provide all the rest that I need to be a comfy, compatible tenant. I pay ahead and on time. I have no problems with doing that, to prevent confusion. I do not want to be responsible for yard work. I have no tools for that..THANK YOU in advance and please do not message if you are someone in the personal market for a maid. I have referrences, so if you ASK, please be more specific. I also do not want to live in [neighborhood] or [neighborhood], it is too busy."

"The most I am able to pay is $225.00 per month. I am clean and stay to my self, with no criminal record...I like Washing cars+ Organic Gardening + Good Cooking including BBQ...I'm Funny + 41 I like good Artwork + Sports + fishing. I'm wishing to make a one year commitment, please contact me at the number listed below or the email address provided...Post Scpript I love Jesus the Christ + I like animals + music, class C CA. perfect driving record, i could upgrade to class A + if needed."

that's just a sampling of today's rental ads. glad the ordeal is over with - now on to the actual moving!

Living Room Yoga Special Events

2007-05-06T20:51:00.000-07:00

Corinne at Living Room Yoga of St. Petersburg FLA wrote in with some of the studio's upcoming events. If you are in the area, check them out:

Yoga Workshops and Specialty Classes

Psychic Development Course, by Dwarka Prasad, disciple of Yogi Gupta. 4 consecutive Sundays beginning June 3, 10am - noon.. $350 by May 27; $380 afterwards. Learn the Yogic techniques handed down by word of mouth for thousands of years for the creation of psychic phenomena to help you materialize the things you need in your life and fulfill your dreams; learn the theoretical aspects of psychic phenomena as well as the practical exercises of mantras, pranayama, mental exercises and guided visualizations. For a full description and to register, go to http://www.livingroomyoga.biz/id15.html.

May Tues Yoga for Stress/Anxiety Series, five Tuesdays, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 7:30 to 9:00pm. Yoga classes to calm body, mind, and emotions, using yoga postures, breath, and meditation; final meditation will prepare you for sleep. $85.

May Yoga for Scoliosis, Friday May 4 and Friday May 11, 6:30-8:30. Geared toward persons with a lateral or S curve in their spine, Stacy teaches you proper stretching, stengthening, and breathing for your curve to slow the progression and manage pain, principles you can apply in any alignment-based yoga class. Participants have shown great improvement in alignment, pain reduction, and reduced emergency visits to their chiropractors.

Private Yoga with Dorota Grochala Special, $50/hr or 10 sessions/$450. Call today for your first appointment.

REIKI Classes
Register directly for Reiki events with Karuna Reiki Master Ellen Schulman at 727-385-3939 or racewalk51@aol.com. Each class includes a written manual & is payable by cash or check before start of class.

Aromatherapy & Stress Management. Sun, May 6th -1-4PM; $40 early; $50 at door. Learn stress types& use of essential oils for each; combine with sound & energy work for relaxed environment at home, work, exercise.

Reiki II Workshop. Sun, May 13-12:30PM to 5PM. $125 early; $150 at door. Learn to do healing on a mental & emotional level; Learn & use Reiki II symbols for present and distance healing; Reiki I required.

Meditation Types: Which Is For You? Sun, May 20; 1-4PM; $40 early; $50 at door. Learn about different meditation types and experience 3! Use meditation when you need it and know potential physical, mental, & emotional effects with regular use!

Social Networking for Greenies

2007-04-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

Someone sent around a press release yesterday about Riverwired, a social networking site for the eco-friendly community, knowing that I would likely write about it the next day. =)

It sounded to me like someone said, "hmm, what are the two hottest business trends right now? ooh ooh, i know! you tube meets treehugger meets myspace!" I was expecting not to like the site but came away neutral. The first page has a blog mash-up which is kind of nice. I couldn't tell you the difference between this and Urth.tv and all the rest - the greenie demographic will be the judge and jury on how useful these all are.

Yoga Retreat in Sedona

2007-04-02T14:54:00.000-07:00

For those interested in some yoga-centric relaxation, Stacy Renz of Living Room Yoga sent over the following info about a September retreat:

Healing Yoga in Sedona Retreat
Wednesday evening, September 26 through Saturday evening September 29, 2007.

Savor dry warm days and cool nights as you bask in the inspiring beauty of Sedona, Arizona. Hike and practice yoga among the beautiful red rocks with seasoned trail guide and author Dennis Andres and yoga therapist, teacher, and Living Room Yoga studio owner, Stacy Renz. Feel the stress of modern life drop away as Dennis and Stacy lead you on a guided healing adventure in one of most beautiful and healthy places on earth. Begin each day with a silent hike to a vortex site, yoga and meditation at the site, and a picnic lunch. In the afternoon, explore Sedona on your own or with the group, ending the day with restorative yoga and a breathtaking sunset.

More details here.

Ohmtastic March Newsletter is up

2007-03-14T01:32:00.000-07:00

This edition is all about the movies - Convenient Truths at Treehugger - Black Gold and the Fair Trade Debate - The Electric Car: Not Quite Dead Yet - 20% off at Ohmtastic.com

Black Gold

2007-03-08T07:35:00.000-08:00

I had the good fortune to be invited to a free screening of the coffee trade documentary Black Gold last night. Very powerful - once you see it you'll never want to buy coffee that isn't fair trade again.

I have to say though, I found it a bit disconcerting that a number of people in the audience saw fit to tsk tsk at every scene of poverty, and snicker at every scene of western coffee consumption. I will make the generous assumption that these people *never* go to starbucks and *always* buy fair trade coffee. Is that enough to transmute a sense of responsibility into a sense of righteousness? It's easy to buy coffee that costs a bit more and call it a day. Before we tsk or snicker we should also give of ourselves - our time and talent as well as our money - to improve the situations we abhor.

By the way, tying real-world coffee bean pricing to commodity trading is an artificial construct. When enough consumers vote with their dollars for fair trade coffee, that construct will collapse. If you can't find it in your local store, you can buy fair trade coffee online.

And also, Yirgacheffe is the bomb!!!

Most Polluted Cities at BWeek

2007-02-14T11:36:00.000-08:00

The BusinessWeek website has a slideshow of the world's most polluted cities. I was surprised by the results - according to their list New Orleans has become the most polluted American city as a result of Hurricane Katrina.

Ad Council Tells Young Adults: Save Your Money!

2007-02-13T00:23:00.000-08:00

I've spotted several billboards around town urging me to put more away in my piggy bank. The "Feed the Pig" ad campaign is brought to us by our country's concerned CPAs in collaboration with the Ad Council. I agree we should all save more of our money but I find the campaign off the mark. Is it funny? ironic? tragic? to see this in a country whose economy turns on the wheels of consumer spending? And nice touch rubbing in the high cost of higher education - I'm sure most of us repaying massive student loans would have preferred to go to school for free!

A Volt of Electricity

2007-02-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

Sustainablog has an interesting post on Chevy's concept plug-in hybrid car...here's to hoping it makes it into production!

"'Green vehicles' aren't always particularly sexy, so Chevy wanted to bring some of the emotional attachment of the Corvette and Camaro to a greener vehicle."

not bad, eh?

sustainablog: Chicago Auto Show: A Closer Look at the Chevy Volt
image via AVEM

Suave

2007-01-25T12:57:00.000-08:00

Overheard in Oakland:

"Excuse me miss, can I have a quarter?....How about your phone number?"

Conscious Consuming goes to the source

2007-01-24T14:03:00.000-08:00

Conscious Consuming had a great post recently that talks about where our food comes from.

"Coffee, bananas, and pineapples are back-breaking crops. Coffee berries don't ripen all at once, so each berry has to be picked by hand when it's ready. Since bananas and pineapples are so easily bruised, each fruit has to be carefully grown, picked, and packaged by hand. This labor-intensive work means lots of jobs, but jobs where the worker is bent over, in the sun, for twelve hours each day."

Thinking about the high cost of *making* a living in other parts of the world is always enough to make my own problems in life look like a cakewalk.

Read more here: Conscious Consuming: Where does your food come from?

Adbusters says: Whoa, There!

2007-01-11T20:05:00.000-08:00

In an effort to promote more mindful living, Adbusters is touting Jan. 14-20th as Slow Down week. Recommendations for taking full advantage of the Slow Down effect include:

"For one week, instead of running to catch the bus or zipping in and out
of traffic, try walking to work. Instead of grabbing take-out on the
way home, cook a meal with your family. Leave the TV and computer off,
and play an old-fashioned board game, or just sit and catch up with
family and friends. If possible, take a day off work — and then while it
away with a long walk and an afternoon nap."

I know all of those ideas aren't feasible for everyone, but it's nice a nice reminder. There is a cute cartoon up on the Adbusters site promoting the big Slow.

Puff Daddy = Cruella de Vil?

2006-12-23T17:30:00.000-08:00

Am I the only one who thinks "fake fur" should mean "material NOT derived from living creatures"?

"P Diddy, the king of bling and a fashion inspiration to millions of hip hop fans, has been heavily criticised for selling designer coats made with fur from dogs. The animals, from China, are killed using barbaric methods.

Multi-millionaire Diddy - real name Sean Combs - has been selling the coats under his designer label Sean John. A £122 hooded snorkel jacket was being sold through the Macy's department store's website with an 'imitation rabbit fur collar'.

But when customers took delivery they found that the jacket carried the wording 'genuine raccoon fur'. Tests conducted by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), America's largest animal charity, found that the fur actually came from raccoon dogs, which are found across Asia but raised in huge numbers in China specifically for their pelts."

Macy's pulled the garment from stores, Combs pleaded ignorance and duly admonished his licensees.

Get the whole story at The Independent

The Economist Poo-Poos Conscious Consumption

2006-12-20T22:40:00.000-08:00

More or less....here's the argument in a nutshell:

"The standard economic argument against Fairtrade goes like this: the low price of commodities such as coffee is due to overproduction, and ought to be a signal to producers to switch to growing other crops. Paying a guaranteed Fairtrade premium—in effect, a subsidy—both prevents this signal from getting through and, by raising the average price paid for coffee, encourages more producers to enter the market. This then drives down the price of non-Fairtrade coffee even further, making non-Fairtrade farmers poorer."

I will agree that subsidies interfere with the mechanics of a free market, but I'd rather see them go to farmers than to defense contractors.

Read the entire article here.

Via Conscious Consuming.

Vegetarianism linked to higher IQ

2006-12-15T13:09:00.000-08:00

Yes, folks, really.

According to a study that compared IQ scores of 8000+ 10-year-olds in 1970 to their lifestyles today.

"A Southampton University team found those who were vegetarian by 30 had
recorded five IQ points more on average at the age of 10.
Researchers
said it could explain why people with higher IQ were healthier as a vegetarian
diet was linked to lower heart disease and obesity rates."

The full article is available here if you want to learn more or try to poke holes in the results.

(In the interest of full disclosure: I'm not a vegetarian. My sister was one for many years but has recently given up the veggie lifestyle. She's still pretty clever, though. :P )

Sustainable gift-giving

2006-12-11T12:47:00.000-08:00

This month's EarthEasy newsletter included some great tips on earth-friendly gifts for the holidays, such as giving services or experiences instead of objects. Read more of EE's suggestions here...

Happy holidays!