jnelblack’s Recent Comments

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  I think this video might have another intention...

  ...to promote affordable housing as a positive addition to neighborhoods. I didn't hear much about actual green construction either, but I did hear a lot about how wonderful affordable projects are: sounds like Ed is attempting to improve the image of affordable housing with video and website by showing clean homes and happy families. Affordable housing projects can be subjected to bitter public opposition during the approval process due to neighborhood NIMBYism, sometimes even when the projects are actually "workforce" housing, intended for purchase or rent by working families supported by public service or other low-paying positions (such as teachers, police officers, etc.). On Ed Norton on greening affordable housing posted 1 year, 4 months ago 2 Responses

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  Why walk or drive...

  ...when you can bike? A 30-minute bicycle ride will get you approximately 6-8 miles (or more), depending on your strength and the terrain. Add a set of good lights for visibility at night, fenders and rain gear for inclement weather, and you are set! Check out the League of American Bicyclists' website for helpful tips:
  http://www.bikeleague.org/ (main website)
  http://www.bikeleague.org/programs/education/ (courses on commuting and riding safely in traffic)On Tips on being a green driver posted 2 years, 9 months ago 7 Responses

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  Traveling hopefully...

  I like that very much. I love traveling slowly, by bicycle if possible: the experience of the journey is so worth it. You really know where you are if you see all the places in between there and here.

  Right now I travel locally (within ~75 miles) by bike, foot, and bus, but fly at least once a year to see family and friends on the other side of the US. I like to think that I've built up a bit of karma along with my leg muscles by not owning a car, and justify my flights that way...but I do love the idea of traveling across the country by train. Which, as a matter of fact, can be comparable to plane fare if you pick the "off" dates (non-weekend/holiday)and elect to sleep in your reserved coach seat. I checked the Amtrak site. So what's the problem? Vacation time. If I spend 4-6 days in travel, I'll have precious few left to spend once I get where I'm going. So I'm now traveling in hopes of more vacation time, or maybe a bit more pay so that I can take more unpaid vacation (which works out to same thing in the end). Or maybe I'll find a country with better labor practices, and move there by ship...
   On When is it necessary, and what are the alternatives? posted 2 years, 9 months ago 39 Responses

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  bicycling and public transit

  You can also go to bikewinter.org for advice and inspiration on winter biking in the Chicago area.

  People like to blame their local governments for lack of public transportation, particularly in rural and suburban areas, but the real reason for lack in these areas probably has much more to do with land use patterns than government willingness to provide transit services. There is a certain density necessary for good public transit: for bus service every 30 minutes to be feasible, a density of at least 6 units per acre is needed. When you choose to live somewhere, you are also choosing what kind of transportation will be feasible for you. If you want good public transportation, pick a place to live that's dense enough to support that service.

  The first question to resolve should be regarding where you live, not what you drive. If you choose to live in a low density suburban or rural area, do it with the understanding that you are limiting your transportation options.On On eco-friendly transport for the not-so-rich posted 2 years, 9 months ago 23 Responses