Sustainability Watch blogs

Hope for the U.S.

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 18:14:53 -0700

Through all of my travels one thing became very apparent to me. The effect of artificially raising the price of energy after the OPEC oil embargo in the 70’s through the creation of a tax has had profound effects on their built environment. The majority of European cities are about 30 years ahead of us in the development of a low energy infrastructure.

5th World ASPO Conference in Italy

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 09:48:05 -0700

ASPO - The Association for the Study of Peak Oil has probably done more than any other single organization towards spreading knowledge about the impending liquid fuel crisis. Founded by geologist Collin Campbell the association has grown from a research group into an organization putting on an annual international conference which brings together: scientists, engineers, industry leaders, political figures, and concerned citizens from all over the world to learn and discuss this massive issue.

European Fuel Prices

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 08:10:48 -0700

As I have been traveling around I have been trying to keep track of fuel prices in different regions. Here are the results adjusted to be in U.S. dollars per gallon.

Center For Alternative Technology, Wales

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 07:32:53 -0700

The Center for Alternative Technology (CAT) in Wales is a great demonstration site for all different types of sustainable practices. The site offers demonstrations that give visitors hands on experience to better understand the power of wind, water and the sun.

Findhorn Ecovillage, Scotland !!

Sat, 08 Jul 2006 17:12:54 -0700

Findhorn is an amazing nondenominational spiritually focused ecovillage located in the northern part of Scotland. In the early 60’s Findhorn became nationally known because of some amazing agricultural achievements.

Bike Taxi in Prague

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 16:47:09 -0700

I have seen these bike taxis in many of the European cities I have visited but in Prague I finally decided to hire one for a ride. I picked the right cab because the driver was nice enough (or tired enough) to let me drive most of the way to my destination.

Hundertwasserhaus in Vienna, Austria

Wed, 05 Jul 2006 16:25:00 -0700

Hundertwasser was an artist turned Architect who originally lived in Austria where he designed his first buildings. This building is yet another great example of a hundred year old building pushing the envelope of green building design.

The Swiss Alps

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 09:37:07 -0700

High in the Swiss Alps you will find beautiful sights as well as self sustaining villages.

Swiss Biodiesel Station

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 09:29:58 -0700

While wandering the streets in Interlaken, Switzerland I was excited to stumble onto my first European Biodiesel station. This station sold biodiesel made from rape or canola seed.

Barcelona’s Public Transportation Network

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 20:22:30 -0700

Barcelona is a good example of a large city offering many transportation options. Here they have a Bus system, A metro, and private automobile combined with pedestrian and bike throughways.

Gaudi’s La Pedrera: Sustainable Apartments !!

Sun, 18 Jun 2006 15:49:18 -0700

Gaudi an Architect from Barcelona was one of the early innovator’s of modernism in architecture. He is known for hating straight lines and thus almost all of his buildings are curvy which he felt better represented nature. Aside from being beautiful his buildings also pushed the envelope of green design techniques especially in the field of natural day lighting.

The Alhambra: a Sustainable Palace !!

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 22:29:17 -0700

The Alhambra fortress and palace complex in Granada, Spain is an amazing site. I highly recommend it to anyone who travels in this region. Built in the 1500’s the palace truly is a sustainable building, and a mansion at that.

Motorcycles, Windmills, and The End Of The World

Thu, 15 Jun 2006 21:20:57 -0700

Well in the name of sustainability I decided that I should do a little site seeing on one of the most fuel efficient modes of transportation; the motorcycle.

Bicycle Paradise

Wed, 14 Jun 2006 12:12:47 -0700

Nestled in the northern part of the Netherlands lies Gronigen; a biker’s paradise.

Pictures

Thu, 25 May 2006 07:51:26 -0700

Here are some Pics from my trip more are coming later. Click on the thumbnail to see the full picture