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By Matt Cunningham
| Thursday, May 15, 2008, 03:48 PM
Tomorrow is Bike to Work Day. For those of you in the Cincinnati and Dayton areas, there are events in both cities for folks who take the healthier route to work. See here and here for details.
Even if you’re car-bound by your commute length or job requirements, I’ve heard there will be lots of info available at both cities’ events, which could give you ideas for getting more quality time with your bike during the work week.
Continue reading "Get your bike on!"...
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car-free commuting
By Matt Cunningham
| Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 02:48 PM
I had this post planned Monday. While gazing out a jet window on a scenic flight back from Florida, I mentally composed a wonderful post about the eco-conscious steps I saw implemented during my stay at a resort on Longboat Key.
I was going to talk about the recycle bins stationed at beachside, the soy-based plastic cups used for cabana-side Daiquiris and the beautifully dark beach, thanks to a ban on lights that might mislead sea turtle hatchlings.
I was going to then talk about the wildlife I saw in the Gulf, the pod of dolphins and good-sized shark that cruised by our beach and gave me hope that apex predators (and consequently the rest of the Gulf ecosystem) might be in reasonable shape.
But no. I have a different story to share; read on.
Continue reading "Pure genius - a cautionary tale"...
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General green living
By Matt Cunningham
| Tuesday, May 13, 2008, 12:48 PM
Here’s one more fuel for discussion: oil from coal.
From what I’ve read, proponents tout claims oil could be extracted from coal for much less than what gas is going for now. Opponents cite the fact that coal isn’t exactly emmission-free, and oil is oil - with the same environmental impact - regardless of where it’s from.
Read this, and share your thoughts on the “coal from oil” idea.
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environment and politics
By Matt Cunningham
| Monday, May 12, 2008, 12:44 PM
After yesterday’s post, here’s a related topic. Hydrogen.
Fuel cells, the wonder devices predicted to make electric cars a practical reality, run on hydrogen.
Read this and this, then tall me: is hydrogen a possible answer to our energy woes, or is it nothing more than hot air?
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environment and politics
By Matt Cunningham
| Sunday, May 11, 2008, 03:28 PM
After last week’s exploration of unorthodox, unique and just plain different alternatives to the conventional automobile, I thought it might be appropriate to talk about fuel.
Specifically, biofuel.
The Renewable Fuel Standard mandate included in the government’s 2007 energy bill called for the production of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2022.
All fine and dandy, until one considers the source of those fuels, especially the amount of space and energy needed to produce them.
Read this and this, then tell me:
Do you think biofuels are a way out of oil dependence, or are their proponents barking up the wrong tree (or cornstalk, for that matter)?
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By Matt Cunningham
| Saturday, May 10, 2008, 12:41 PM
To wrap up this week’s exploration of unique transportation alternatives, I had to go back to the old standby: pedal power.
If I still haven’t converted you to the bike-commuting crowd, take a look at this blog post. The post is from 2007 so I expect the numbers, given today’s gas prices, would be even more favorable for the cyclist.
I also found this blog, which appears, on first glance, to have a good grasp on the bike-commuter scene across the U.S.
If you check these two out, leave a comment and tell ‘em I sent you.
Continue reading "Velomobiles and the old standby"...
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General green living
By Matt Cunningham
| Friday, May 9, 2008, 01:56 PM
Today’s entry in this week’s list of unique ways to get around is actually a look back, rather than forward.
I found a number of pages dedicated to the California Commuter. Mini-car, enclosed motorcycle, homage to George Jetson - whatever you want to call the tadpole shaped little machine, inventor Doug Malewicki got it into the Guinness Book of World Records for averaging 157+ mpg in real-world driving conditions.
I read on a connected site that Malewicki was, as of 2002, working on a 2-seater version of the car that is designed to cross the county on one 26-gallon tank of gas.
I’ll see if I can find out more about where that project stands.
On a side note, Malewicki designed Evel Knievel’s rocket cycle that “jumped” the Snake River Canyon. The link here makes for some interesting reading.
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