Category Archives: Bicycles

Watch This Video When You Need Inspiration

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Alden Wicker

I keep the greeting card version of the words in the video up at work at my desk. It inspired me when I left advertising to pursue something more meaningful, and I continue to believe in it. Beyond that, I admire Holstee for its commitment to beautiful, modern and sustainable design. Finally, I must add that one of the founders is hot. (Hi Dave!)

Watch and enjoy:

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Grab a Bike for Your Next Date

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Alden Wicker

Now that I’m single again, I’ve been out on a few dates. There are the usual venues: bars, restaurants, etc. But one date sticks out in my mind, because a) It was at six am, and b) It was on a bike.

I know, you are more than entitled to call me insane. Who goes on a date at six in the morning? On a bike?

Here’s the story: I reconnected with a guy who had asked me to go cycling with him before, and when he said he usually goes out on the weekends or six am, I decided to go bold and opt for an early-morning workout.

The next day.

Hey! Don’t judge. I’m really excited to be on the market again. No playing hard-to-get here.

So at six in the morning last Tuesday, I hoisted my turquoise Bianchi city bike on my shoulders and climbed down three flights of stairs from my new studio to the street. I wanted to impress without being over the top, so I wore an orange Stella McCartney Adidas top from Goodwill, an old pair of bike shorts, and a pair of Chucks from Salvation Army. (I had all this thrifty clothing because I participated in a challenge for Grist a couple weeks ago.) I had debated wearing a helmet, and then decided against it. Safety vs. Cuteness: Cuteness wins.

My date finally showed up (sans helmet also) and after a quick hug, he shoved off down the street with me following behind. We started up Third Avenue, but traffic was already crazy, so he led me over to First Avenue instead. We wove in and out of the bike lane, avoiding cones and trucks making deliveries. The sun rising over the East River was beautiful, burnt orange through the smog.

We talked some, but it was a bit awkward because we would often have to repeat ourselves over the roar of a bus or just the sound of the wind in our ears. He also found plenty of opportunities to make fun of me and my naive bike ways, as I cut him off and nearly caused him to crash. Oops!

We cut across town and entered Central Park, making a half loop. I dragged behind my date, since he was on a speedy racing bike. My bike only has three gears, so it will only go so fast. “It’s a recreational bike!” I told him. “What the heck is a recreational bike?” he said. I just shrugged and pedaled harder.

By the time we finished our loop, I was sweating and panting, and could hardly talk. But I felt awesome. This was why I had chosen a six am cycling date. I wanted to feel productive, healthy and adventurous. The guy was secondary.

I’m not tipping my hand on my thoughts on the guy (who knows if he’s reading this?). But I will update you if and when there’s a second date!

The Pros and Cons of a Bike Date

I enjoyed my bike date, with some caveats. Here’s what to know:

  • Pro: You’re date will respect you for not being a diva.
  • Con: You are not allowed to wear a lot of makeup. It will melt.
  • Pro: Show off your butt in a pair of tight shorts.
  • Con: Helmet head if you don’t feel safe without your helmet.
  • Pro: Exercise!
  • Con: Sweat.
  • Pro: Novelty.
  • Con: Not everyone has a bike in New York City. (Though they are available for rent.)
  • Pro: No pressure for eye contact. Potential for awkward moments minimized.
  • Con: Shouting to be heard, not much chance for meaningful conversation.
  • Pro: If done early in the day, no expectation of a “nightcap.”
  • Con: Involve alcohol at your peril.
  • Pro: Avoid that moment when you’re date tries to hail a cab and you have to explain that cabs are kind of un-environmentally friendly, and would he like to take the subway or walk for a half hour to your destination?
  • Con: Limits your choices later at night, since you have to either ride your bike home late or take the chance of locking it up out on the street.

 How to Do a Bike Date Well

My bike date was a little (or a lot) extreme. You don’t need to set your alarm for the crack of dawn to take your bike out for some romance. Here’s some tips for a romantic day on a bike around the city (Are you listening, boys? You’re the ones planning this!):

1. Plan it for a lazy Sunday or Saturday. This should be obvious, but I had to say it.

2. You don’t need to own a bike. There are places all over the city to rent bikes, from the Bike ‘n Roll in the Upper West Side stretch of Riverside Park, so the various bike shops dotting Brooklyn and Manhattan that keep a fleet.

3. Dress accordingly. For ladies: a pair of jean shorts that are on the long side (no booty shorts!) a fitted tee, and a pair of TOM shoes will keep you comfy and cute all day long. Or try a pretty sundress that is long-ish, and strappy flat sandals that will stay on your feet. Avoid white pants, as you might get grease on them. For men, I personally love the look of a button down (linen is the best) with the sleeves rolled up or a not-grungy tee, and cuffed pants with casual shoes. (See Downtown from Behind for reference.)

3. Plan your itinerary:

If you live anywhere on the West Side, take advantage of a beautiful and protected bike path, which stretches from 125th Street in Riverside Park, all the way down to the southern tip of Manhattan.  You can lock your bikes up and have a drink at the Boat Basin at 79th street or the Frying Pan at 26th Street; lean them against your table for some street eats and beer at the Lot on Tap underneath the northern tip of The Highline, or even have them valet parked for you at the New Amsterdam Market.

Make a couple loops around Central or Prospect Park (read more about the best parks in NYC). Pack a picnic in your pannier and throw your bikes down on Sheep’s Meadow. Pour some wine in your thermos to make it super romantic. Or, if you don’t have a big bike basket to carry stuff in, order a picnic from one of the restaurants or hotels that deliver to the park.

You have to take your bike across the Brooklyn Bridge at least once, if not every single weekend. Stop in the center and take lots of pictures like a pair of tourists. Then have lunch at O’Crepes, a few blocks over, or if it’s time for dinner, head south into Brooklyn Heights and sample one of the many delicious restaurants there.

If your date is in shape and is game, take your bikes all the way out to Coney Island. Spend the day wasting money on cheesy carnival games and rides, have a local Coney Island beer at one of the charmingly decrepit dive bars on the strip, and take photos together in one of the photo booths.

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Green NYC Getaways All Summer Long

Posted on June 10, 2011 by Alden Wicker

There really is nothing going on this weekend, at least that I can find. Sure, there are tons of samples sales, barbecues, etc. But nothing that really sings to my heart as sustainable.

So, let’s switch it up! Now is a great time for me to tell you all the amazing places you can go this summer that aren’t one-time-only.

Click on the pictures below for your six fresh, green, summer getaways right in the city.

Posted in Bicycles, Brooklyn, Events, Food, New York, Places to go | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Green NYC Events, Weekend of June 3rd

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Alden Wicker

Bike-In Theater Dinner With Caddyshack

Saturday, June 4, at 7pm
Forget sticky theater seats and Diet Coke – wouldn’t you rather be sipping an Arnold Palmer out in the cool night air?  Forking Tasty has got you covered.
Why? Because you can pay homage to both a movie favorite and your favorite mode of transportation.
Donation: $60
For reservations and more info, including location, click here.


Fight Big Coal by Sitting on Your Butt

Friday, Saturday and Sunday
You could picket and shout…or just see The Last Mountain, the story of mountaintop removal mining through the lens of Coal River Valley in West Virginia, where activists are trying to stop Massey Energy and other big coal companies from continuing to destroy their communities. Filmmaker Bill Haney will appear with Environmentalist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Friday, June 3rd for a Q&A after the 7:00pm show.
Why? If enough New Yorkers go to see the film in the first few days, it might open in more theaters and get more show times.
Sunshine Cinema, 143 East Houston Street on the Lower East Side
To learn more about the movie and see show times, click here.

Urban Foraging With Leda Meredith

Saturday, June 4, from 9:45am to 12:30pm
Green Edge NYC and wild edible and medicinal plant expert Leda Meredith invite you to sign up for an morning of urban foraging in Prospect Park. At the end of the foraging walk, participants will have a chance to sample the treats including wild edible ingredients and conduct a Q&A with Leda.
Why? It’s local food at its local-est.
Prospect Park, at Grand Army Plaza Entrance, Brooklyn
$20, sign up here.

Free Bike Fridays On Governors Island

Every Friday through September
After your free ferry ride to the island, you can grab a bike for free and take it on a tour around this small oasis every Friday. (FYI: you could do a leisurely three loops in that time, and probably stop for ice cream too.)
Why? Duh. It’s free. And mercifully far away from car traffic.
Find out more here.

Free Fruit Friday Truck

Fridays at 11am
Free Fruit Friday truck is hitting the streets, giving away delicious fruits, vegetables, smoothies and snacks.
Why? Do I have to say it again? FREE.
Check Twitter for each week’s location.
via Vital Juice

Organic And Local Cooking Classes

Find out what to do with all that Farmers Market bounty by taking one of Home Cooking New York’s cooking classes. Try their spring produce and summer produce classes which are open now. And at the end of each class, you can enjoy your sit down meal as a group. (Just be sure to bring a bottle of wine with you!)
Why? Because I’ve tried it and loved it. Read more.
Each 2.5 hour class is $95
Register on their website, or contact Jennifer at 917-803-6857 or at jennifer@homecookingny.com

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Green NYC Events, Weekend of May 27th

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Alden Wicker


Roberta’s Farm Aid Event

Saturday, May 28th, 2 to 5pm
Roberta’s, a destination in Brooklyn for farm-to-table food, Roberta’s Pizza hosts a benefit for Farm Aid. Tickets include a personal pizza along with beer from area brewers made especially for the event. You can also sign up for raffle prizes from Grazin’ Angus Acres and The Divine Brine.

Why? Because the kind of the farms that provide delicious ingredients to Roberta’s need support!

$35; click here to purchase tickets.

Roberta’s, 261 Moore St. (at Bogart St.), Brooklyn

via Tasting Table

Brewers’ Pic-NYC

Sunday, May 29 and Monday, May 30; noon to 5pm; VIP entry at 11am
If you haven’t yet been to Governor’s Island, now would be the time. On a normal day you can grab a couple of bikes and toodle around this oasis from cars and city life, maybe stopping for a Blue Marble ice cream (local and grass-fed of course). If you are looking to save some bucks, Governors Island also has Free Bike Fridays.
But I suggest you kick things up a notch this weekend at the two-day Brewers’ Pic-NYC extravaganza. Delicious local food staples include Gorilla Cheese, Luke’s Lobster, Rick’s Picks, Joyride and Mexicue. Take a breather between eats to entertain yourself with free mini golf and music.

Why? Because I’ll be there, along with what seems like every other person I know.

$15-85; click here to purchase tickets.

Free ferries depart for Governors Island from the Battery Maritime Building, 10 South Sreet. (between Whitehall and Broad streets.); Free ferries from Brooklyn leave from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, located at the foot of Atlantic Avenue (corner of Columbia Street). brewerspicnyc.com

via Tasting Table

Bicycle Fetish Day

Sat, May 18th, noon – 10pm

Cycle over to City Reliquary for the seventh annual Bike Fetish Day featuring prizes for you and your two-wheeler (categories include best mutant bike, vintage bike and shiny bike). Artist collective Swimming Cities will set up a pimp-your-bicycle photo booth, or you can take a swing at a bike pinata. Stick around for the after party, which starts at 6pm, with marching band Rude Mechanical Orchestra and DJs Stacher and Tinseltown.

Why? Because you may not have a bike fetish, but you still want to show your love.

City Reliquary Museum, 370 Metropolitan Ave (at Havemeyer St)

bikemonthnyc.org

via Time Out NY

Murray’s Cheese Class

Monday, May, 6:30 to 8pm
Any person remotely interested in cheese knows of the famous shop, Murray’s Cheese. So use your day off to learn from the experts in their Cheese 101 class. A cheese professional will guide you through a tasting while discussing cheese-making and cheese-pairing fundamentals.

$50; click here to purchase tickets

Murray’s Cheese, 254 Bleecker St. (between 6th and 7th Ave.); murrayscheese.com

via Tasting Table

Small Batch Brewery Tours

Monday, May 30th, 5pm

Make a reservation for a 45-minute tour of Brooklyn Brewery’s new digs; you’ll taste four beers before going behind the scenes, including one seasonal pour and a rare Brewmaster’s Reserve. When you’re done, stick around and hoist full pints ($4 each, six for $20) in the tasting room until 7pm.

Why? Because local beer is just as delicious as local food.

$8

Brooklyn Brewery Tasting Room, 79 North 11th St (between Berry St and Wythe Ave)

brooklynbrewery.com

via Time Out NY

Azalea Garden

All weekend, 10am-6pm

Wander through the massive fields of flowers in this newly landscaped 11-acre garden at the New York Botanical Garden. More than 3,000 azalea and rhododendron plants—in vibrant shades of red, purple and pink—have been added to the space.

Why? Because you haven’t seen flowers outside of a vase in way too long.

$20, seniors and students $18, children 2–12, children under 2 free

Bronx River Pkwy (at Fordham Rd)

nybg.org

via Time Out NY

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Green NYC Events, Weekend of May 13th

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Alden Wicker

Beautiful Future Pop-Up Shop

Through Sunday the 15th, 11am-7pm

Get first dibs on Afia, a new collection of bright, traditional West African-patterned shorts, crop tops, skirts, dresses, and fanny packs ($20-$280) made by a women’s co-op in Ghana.

Why? Because fair trade in this case equals fashionable (a rare combo).

Guilded, 208 Bowery, at Rivington St., 2nd flr.

Info at 952-913-2859.

Goodwill Greenwich Village Boutique

Hopefully forever and ever

When downtown does Goodwill, you know they do it right. Expect everything you love about Goodwill, minus the depression and large ladies elbowing you out of the way.

Why? Because recycled clothing plus altruism equals the ultimate in fashion karma

44 W. 8th St., b/t Sixth Ave. & MacDougal St.

Find more information at Goodwill’s website.

Posh Sale Benefiting Lighthouse International

Through Saturday, May 14th, 9am-6pm and Sunday, May 15th, 11am-5pm

Gently worn vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories from the likes of Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Hermès, Lanvin, Prada, Oscar de la Renta, YSL, and more.

Why? Because my sister used to work for Lighthouse, though I don’t remember it ever being this glamorous.

The Plaza Hotel, 1 W. 58th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves.

Find out more information here.

Yoga Journal Conference

Through Monday, May 16th, 8am-7pm

The Yoga Journal conference apparently still has spaces open for one-off classes and the Michael Pollan keynote. Yes, the Michael Pollan, who has revolutionized the way we look at food, still has seats available for his talk. Then, the next two to three days, sweat your way through mind-altering yoga classes by the greats.

Why? Because if I wasn’t in a relationship I would probably go try to be a Pollan groupie.

Hilton New York, 1335 Avenue of the Americas, (6th Avenue between W. 53rd and W. 54th), Manhattan

To register and see the schedule, visit  yjevents.com/ny

Trees of the Lower East Side Bike Tour

Sunday, May 15th, 1pm-3pm

Dust off your bike and take a leisurely bike tour of the neighborhoods’ notable and ecologically beneficial street trees.

Why? Because bikes and trees are fun. (OK, so I’m a little less enthusiastic about this one.)

St. Mark’s Church, 2nd Avenue and East 10th Street, Manhattan

For more information visit Registration & Information

LES Ecology Center E-Waste Event

Saturday, May 14, 10am - 4pm

So far the the center has collected 85 tons of unwanted electronics in April, and is gunning for 110 tons. To that end, all recyclers can sign up for a raffle to win a new MacBook Air and will also receive a coupon good for $25 off a new Mac or iPod (except iPod shuffle) from Tekserve.

A list of acceptable materials can be found here.

Why? Just in case you missed their last, oh, bajillion events, you still have a chance to drop off your defunct laptop and score a new one.

Penn South, West 26th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues, Manhattan

For more information visit The Ecology Center Website.

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THIS WEEKEND: Festival of Ideas Brings On The Sustainability

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Alden Wicker

The Festival of Ideas is coming up, and the organizers were savvy enough to recognize that “sustainability” is an integral part of any progressive city. They have a smorgasbord of sustainably focused talks, projects, and awesomeness.

Check it:

Keynote Address: Antanas Mockus

May 6th, 5-6pm

The Sustainable City

If you haven’t heard of Bogotá, now is the time. This South American city has become the shining pinnacle of what a smart, sustainable, livable city can be, and the influence behind the Times Square Plaza and new Express buses. Bagotá underwent this transformation under Antanas Mockus, who served two terms as the Mayor. During his tenure, water usage dropped 40 percent; 7,000 community security groups were formed; the homicide rate fell 70 percent; and traffic fatalities dropped by over 50 percent.

This is Ted Talk-quality stuff, but incredibly, tickets are only $10. You can get them here, or purchase them in person at the New Museum.

The Great Hall at Cooper Union, 7 E. 7th St. (between 3rd and 4th Aves.)

Mayoral Panel

May 6th, 7-8:30pm

The Sustainable City

A group of leading Mayors — with impressive resumes preparing their cities for the future with clean and green initiative — discuss their ideas and work.

Introduction by David Byrne
Musician, artist, producer, activist, and columnist are among the many hats worn by David Byrne. He is well known for his work with the band Talking Heads, and his collaborations with such diverse artists as Brian Eno and 
Celia Cruz. He is the author of Bicycle Diaries and is a passionate spokesman for the increased use of bicycles for transport.

Sergio Fajardo
As mayor of Medillin, Sergio Fajardo transformed his city from the murder capital of the world into a tourist destination and one of the safest cities in Colombia. His instruments of change were urban and architectural renewal, as well as a transformed transportation system.

John Fetterman
As two-time mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, John Fetterman has drawn national attention for his efforts to transform a dying rust-belt city into a center for the arts and a beacon for economic revitalization and community renewal.

Greg Nickels
While mayor of Seattle (2002–10), Greg Nickels reduced the city’s greenhouse gas emissions “to meet or beat” the levels stipulated in the Kyoto protocols. His agenda included innovation in transportation, public safety, green jobs, and climate production. He spearheaded the US Mayors Climate Protection Agreement (2005).

Michael Nutter
In early 2009 Mayor Nutter launched Greenworks Philadelphia, a 15-point plan to make Philadelphia the greenest city in the United States, with initiatives in areas including green jobs, local food, recycling and energy conservation. In 2010, Philadelphia won the 2010 Sustainable Community Award from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Moderator: Kurt Andersen
Host of Peabody Award-winning Studio 360, a co-production of Public Radio International and WNYC, Kurt Andersen is also co-founder and editor of Spy magazine. He is the author of two novels, Heyday and Turn of the Century.

Tickets – $10
Purchase ticket here here or buy in person at the New Museum

The Great Hall at Cooper Union, 7 E. 7th St. (between 3rd and 4th Aves.)


Our Other Location

May 7, 6:00pm & 9:00pm
Fine dining takes to the streets: pick up a 3-course tiffin dinner prepared by Vandaag Chef Phillip Kirschen-Clark, a portable table, tableware, and camping utensils, and set off to build your portable restaurant wherever you choose–carry your table out into the wild city, or stay close and set it up in the courtyard at the Old School.
Tickets: $80 (drinks included) at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/173099

New City Cellar

Cafeteria at Old School, 32 Prince St (after 6:00pm, enter at 233 Mott St, btwn Prince & Spring Sts)

http://www.ourotherlocation.com/


The Educational Alliance: Reimagining the Lower East Side for Everyone

May 7th and 8th, 8am – 11 pm

Artists Barbara Lubliner and Bernard Klevickas lead theUpcycle workshop on making art from plastic waste. Young artists show work at the Clinton St. electronics store Cultural Mix, and “Celebrating Older Americans” features work by members of The Educational Alliance’s Whittaker Center, Sirovich Center, and the NORC centers.

1:00-3 pm Recycle and Upcycle Workshop, $10, pre-registration required, 646-395-4235.
1:00-3 pm Free sketching workshop in Seward Park by Christopher Wright.

197 East Broadway, between Jefferson & Clinton

http://www.edalliance.org/

 

Freitag Compost-Canteen

May 7th, and 8th , 12 pm – 6 pm

Waste Equals Food: Brothers and creators of fashionable Freitag messenger bags host a Canteen to produce compost on site. Come eat with us, grab a limited compost handbag, and bring your compost to grow a special plant.

Swiss Institute at Salon 94 Freemans

1 Freeman Alley, at Bowery & Rivington Street

http://www.swissinstitute.net/

 

Josh Hadar Presents “The Evolution of Steel”

May 7TH, 12 – 9pm

May 8TH, 10am – 6pm

Emerging designer Josh Hadar presents “The Evolution of Steel” to showcase his environmentally conscious sculptural art installations, including spectacular one-of-a-kind custom bikes, all hand crafted from steel in his neighborhood workshop. Exhibition 5/6-5/23.

John Hadar Metal Design

285 Lafayette St, between Houston & Prince Sts

http://hadarmetaldesign.com/

 

Rooftop Urban Farming Project

May 7th, and 8TH 12 pm – 10 pm

A rooftop vegetable garden provides not only fresh food for meals prepared by the Bowery Mission’s kitchen but a peaceful space for residents to connect with nature and their means of sustenance. In collaboration with Whole Foods Market Tribeca.

The Bowery Mission

Rooftop of 227 Bowery, between Prince & Rivington Sts

http://www.bowery.org/


Edible / Sustainable City Garden

May 7th 5 pm – 7 pm

Ingredients to use in a food or beverage are produced in collaboration with the public M’Finda Kalunga Garden in Sara D. Roosevelt Park, highlighting the importance of the park, and sustainable gardening in NYC.

Eleven Rivington

11 Rivington Street, between Bowery & Chrystie

http://www.elevenrivington.com/


The Sustainable Gallery

May 7th, 6pm

Aicon Gallery was designed to have the lightest environmental footprint feasible, recycling, bringing daylight in and heating and cooling in sync with nature. Also exhibiting “Palimpsest,” featuring work of Talha Rathore, among others, layering NY experiences upon subway maps. The gallery will be open May 7th, 6 pm-10:30pm.

Aicon Gallery

35 Great Jones Street, between Lafayette & Bowery

http://www.aicongallery.com/


Sheila Gallagher: That Which Remains

May 7th, 12-8pm,

May 8th, 12 – 6 pm

The history of trash and how it relates to artist Sheila Gallagher’s Sappho-inspired exhibition “That Which Remains” is the subject for a talk with Sheila Gallagher and Robin Nagle, of the NYC Department of Sanitation. The gallery will be open May 7th, 12 pm-8 pm.

Dodge Gallery

15 Rivington Street, between Bowery and Chrystie Streets

http://dodge-gallery.com/


Marc Breslin: Refuse

May 7th, 7 pm

Marc Breslin debuts his video Refuse—which examines the daily movements of the Sanitation Department in Brooklyn—accompanied by a performed sound piece excavating William S. Burroughs’s Dead City Radio.The gallery will be open from 7 pm to midnight. Exhibition through 6/5.

SCARAMOUCHE

52 Orchard Street, between Grand and Hester

http://www.scaramoucheart.com/


Birds and Bees: Flight of Fantasy

May 7th, 7 pm – 7:30pm

Yuliya Lanina, during her exhibition, collaborates with C. Eule Dance Company to create “Flight of Fantasy,” a performance envisioning a sustainable balance between urban development and colonies of butterflies. The gallery will be open from 12:00-6 pm.

NY Studio Gallery

154 Stanton Street, between Suffolk & Clinton Sts

http://www.nystudiogallery.com/


It’s on the Green Map! New City Walking Tour

May 8th, 12pm – 3pm

Explore local sites with Wendy Brawer, founder of the global sustainability mapmaking movement. Meet neighborhood eco-leaders including Paul Castrucci, architect of ABC No Rio, designed to Passive House (exceptionally energy efficient) standards.

Starts at the New Museum, 235 Bowery, between Stanton & Rivington Streets

http://www.greenmap.org/


Bowery Arts & Science Presents Bowery Beehive

May 8th, 3pm

Discover the hives that urban bee man Sam Comfort helped establish to pollinate the City. Honey will be for sale to benefit Bowery Arts & Science, the nonprofit that programs the Bowery Poetry Club.

Bowery Poetry Club, 308 Bowery, between Bleecker & Houston Sts

http://www.bowerypoetry.com/


NYC The Future Metropolis Volume 3: Water in New York

May 8th, 5 pm – 7 pm

“Water in New York” considers water in relation to NYC: how it’s used, its cultural significance, and that which surrounds it. The initiative is part of NYC The Future Metropolis, an ongoing series of events focused on making the city a more sustainable place to live, work, and do business.

Solar One

Speyer Hall, University Settlement, 184 Eldridge Street

http://solar1.org/


Street Fest

Saturday, May 7th, 11am – 7pm

The street fest will take over two blocks on the Lower East Side on Saturday. I’ve highlighted a few of what looks like the most interesting projects. Of course, being a festival, I suggest you just arrive and soak it all in.

While you’re expanding your intellectual and creative horizons, munch on food from Brooklyn Flea, plus other delicious food vendors like Brooklyn soda works, FINE & RAW chocolate, Kombucha Brooklyn,  Mother-in-Law’s Kimchi, SCRATCHbread, and Sweetery NYC.

Article22 & Project peaceBOMB

Project peaceBOMB

StreetFest

Project peaceBOMB supports artisans that make bracelets from American bombs dropped during the Secret War in Laos, 1964-73. Each purchase funds artisans, village development, and clearance of bombs from farmland.

http://www.shoparticle22.com

 

Food Karma Projects

Playing With Your Food

Food Karma Projects & friends preview local sustainable food events of the summer. Showcasing Jimmy’s No.43, Hungry Filmmakers, Pig Island, Cook Out NYC, & Brewers Picnic on Governors Island.

http://www.pigisland.com/foodkarmaprojects/

 

Brooklyn Grange Farm, Windowfarms, and Goldie’s Soap

Made in NYC

Brooklyn Grange Farm, Windowfarms and Goldie’s Soap offer a sustainable selection of seedlings, DIY home gardening kits, and all-natural skincare products.

http://brooklyngrangefarm.com

 

The Brotherhood/Sister Sol

Gaia Renaissance Projects feat. GLT Edible Wall & Open Road PD Process

Learn about how The Brotherhood/Sister Sol creates youth leaders by using environmental sustainability systems like GLT Edible Walls technology and Open Road of NY’s Participatory Design Process.

http://www.brotherhood-sistersol.org

 

Bus Roots

Bus Roots is a living garden on the roofs of city buses.

http://www.busroots.org

 

Eagle Street Rooftop Farm with Growing Chefs

Grow the City You Want to See(d)

The imaginations and green thumbs from Eagle Street Rooftop Farm help you sew (and then sow!) seeds for a greener city with seed-saving bags perfect for seed bombing.

http://www.RooftopFarms.org
http://www.GrowingChefs.org

 

Green Depot

Upcycling Plastic Bottles into Self-Watering Planters

Green Depot, your one-stop-shop for green building supplies and environmental living, is partnering with Groundworks Inc to demonstrate upcycling and planting ideas for container gardening.

http://www.greendepot.com
http://www.groundworksgardens.com/

 

Green Map System

Green Map: New Directions to a Sustainable Future

Providing unique perspectives on our city’s progress towards sustainability, explore Green Map System’s latest efforts to promote participation and the “Green Apple” throughout NYC, and beyond.

http://www.GreenMap.org

 

Green Spaces

Sustainable Coworking

Green Spaces brings the synergy of the coworking space to the street, and invites the public to participate.

http://www.greenspaceshome.com

 

GreenHomeNYC

GreenHomeNYC Green Street Fair Guidelines

GreenHomeNYC has developed a set of how-to guidelines to green New York City’s street fairs. They will be showcasing their recommendations and taking surveys.

http://www.greenhomenyc.org

 

The Greenhorns

Big Top Bicycle Sew-In

Greenhorns “Seed Circus” launches in NYC as we sew the fashion city’s fabric reserves into a community-sized tent fit for the future of agrarian celebration.

http://www.thegreenhorns.net

 

GrowNYC / Greenmarket

Jeo-Party and Market Cooking Demos

Greenmarket, a program of GrowNYC, will educate fairgoers about locally grown food with their Jeo-Party game and a market cooking demonstration.

http://www.grownyc.org/greenmarket

 

Hudson Valley Seed Library

SEED LIBRARY gARTen

Wander through the Seed Library’s gARTen of artist-designed heirloom seed packs and buy New York-grown seeds for your garden. Create your own seedy art including plantable seed bombs and seed-paper origami sculptures.

http://www.seedlibrary.org

 

La Finca del Sur: Starting Now: Community Action for Health and Environmental Justice

Participants and facilitators share their visions of healthy communities, and brainstorm actions that organized groups can take to create more environmentally just neighborhoods.

http://www.bronxfarmers.blogspot.com

 

Lower East Side Ecology Center: E-waste Collection Event

Electronic waste contributes 70 percent of the toxins found in landfills. Bring your old computers, printers, TVs, VCRs/DVDs, and phones to be recycled responsibly.

http://www.lesecologycenter.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=72&Itemid=78

 

Lower East Side/ Chinatown Bicycling Coalition

Community-led Bike Tours

The Coalition will lead a new kind of bike tour led by local youth highlighting the resilience and struggle of the longtime community through tours of historic sites and fights. Bicycles for tours provided by Recycle-A-Bicycle.

http://www.goles.org

 

The MoS Collective: Initiating the succession of healthy water, air and soil: Indulge in Abundance

The MoS Collective makes personalized maps connecting you to neighbors who provide healthy self-care, local goods and services, and environmental stewardship plus leading related D.I.Y. workshops.

http://www.moscollective.net

 

NYC Department of Buildings: NYC ˚CoolRoofs & urbancanvas

NYC °CoolRoofs encourages buildings to cool rooftops with reflective white coating that reduces energy use, cooling costs & carbon emissions.  urbancanvas transforms construction sites with artwork.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dob/html/home/home.shtml

 

Safari 7 Base Camp

Safari 7 is a self-guided tour of urban wildlife along the 7 line. Downloadable podcasts, maps, and walking tours celebrate our shared urban zoo.

http://www.safari7.org

 

Seeding the City – DIY Green Roof Modules

Play dirty! Build a D.I.Y. green roof module to take home and join a network of green roofs across the city.

http://www.seedingthecity.org

 

SoBi Bike Share Demonstration

SoBi demos its new GPS-enabled bike share system. Attendees can create an account, download the mobile applications, unlock the bikes, and ride!

http://www.socialbicycles.com

 

Solar One with Build It Green and Desire Lee

Zero-Waste Garbage Center

Solar One with Build It Green and architect Desire Lee construct a full-service garbage center to handle various kinds of Festival waste and educate attendees about proper waste disposal.

http://www.solar1.org

 

Truck Farm / Wicked Delicate Films

Called “the coolest urban agriculture project around” by the Huffington Post, Truck Farm is a traveling, edible exhibit—a 1986 Dodge with a mini-farm growing in the truck bed.

http://www.truck-farm.com

 

Posted in Activism, Bicycles, Bring it to NYC, Events, Food, Lifestyle, New York, Sustainability | Tagged | Leave a comment

Hundreds Turn Out To Support Park Slope’s Bike Lane

Posted on April 13, 2011 by Alden Wicker

This weekend hundreds gathered to show their support for Park Slope’s disputed bike lane. The hoards of toddlers, kids, teenagers, and adults filled the bike lane to show how important it is to them. When I watched the video, all I could think was, “Oh man, those people suing over the bike lane are so f’d.”

Watch the video:

Prospect Park West Family Bike Ride/We Ride the Lanes from Streetfilms on Vimeo.

Posted in Activism, Bicycles, Brooklyn, New York | Tagged , | Leave a comment

NYC Transportation Commissioner Defends Her Bike Lanes

Posted on March 10, 2011 by Alden Wicker

Construction of the Park Slope Bike Lane last year

You might have heard about some of the furor over the new Park Slope bike lane, which runs along Prospect Park West. It’s done a lot of good things, including:

  • Dropping the number of cars who speed from 74% to 20%
  • Making it safer for pedestrians
  • Making it safer for cyclists
  • Reducing accidents by 16%
  • Reducing injuries by 63%
  • Satisfying of the majority of Park Slope residents

Well some people are pissed about it, mostly because they can’t speed through that street anymore, and they can’t find a place to park their cars. And they have hired a very expensive lawyer to buy back their parking spaces. If you would like a clear view of the whole debacle, as usual, you can rely on our friends from across the pond to tell the story right.

Seriously? If you want to own a car and drive it everywhere, you should move to Long Island.

Transportation Commissioner Janet Sadik-Kahn isn’t letting the minority of car owners in NYC run her over, even if they do have some very moneyed interests on their side. She defended the bike lane on Wednesday morning to a crown of bike enthusiasts, saying, “You may have heard about it; it has done extraordinarily, I guess, controversial things, like dramatically reduced speeding.”

What do you think about the bike lane? Is it elitists plot by food co-op members to take over the city? Or is it a rational answer to car accidents, air pollution, and the a-holes that sit outside my apartment and honk all day long?

Posted in Activism, Bicycles, Brooklyn, New York, News | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How My Neighbors Saved Me From Frostbite or Worse

Posted on March 8, 2011 by Alden Wicker

About 45 minutes ago, thinking of my to-do list today, I swiped my keys off of the foyer table, and let myself out of the apartment to go downstairs to the lobby and grab my newspaper.

Newspaper secured, I walked back up the stairs and stood in front of my door, looked at the keys in my hand, looked at the lock, looked at the keys in my hand, looked at the lock, and realized with horror that I had locked myself out. The keys in my hand did not include the key needed to let myself back in the automatically locking door.

“Oh my God, isn’t this just like me,” I said aloud to no one, looking up and down the hallway for inspiration. Mike is at work, having started just last week, or else I could have just rung the bell. And unlike my old apartment, there is no kindly doorman to lend me an extra key.

In short….Crap.

I heard the sound of someone speaking inside their apartment down the hall, so I knocked on their door. A guy opened the door. He was fully dressed in a coat and hat, and peered at me with curiosity.

“Hi! Uh, I locked myself out,” I told him. “May I borrow your cell phone?” He handed me his flip phone and ushered his little girl out the door in front of him while I dialed, locking the door. This must be the guy I hear go past every morning, talking to his little girl. He was obviously leaving. I thanked the universe that I had decided last week to memorize Mike’s number, and dialed it. The little girl, Sasha, stared at me from under her knit flowered hat. The called dropped out after two rings.

“Tell you what,” the guy said. “Come down to the lobby, the service is better.”

So I walked down with them, and while I dialed he told me he was going to go get the car and pull it around. I dialed Mike’s number again, getting his voicemail.

“Hi Honey! I’m locked out! I’m wearing nothing but a pair of yoga spandex and a tank top, and I don’t know what to dooooooooo! Call me back!”

I hung up and dialed again. This time Mike answered, “Mike speaking.”

“HI! It’s me! I’m locked out! Help!”

Mike started chuckling.

“Yeah, so funny. What do I do?”

“You’ll have to get them from Brooklyn Hearth [the apartment broker],” he said. “They are the only ones who have them. Do you want their number?”

“Sure! Yeah!”

I heard him fiddling with the phone to get the contact, but by that time my neighbor was back, and in a hurry. “Honey, I have to go,” I said. “Honey. Honey, babe, I have to go, I…yeah, I’m talking to you. I have to go.” I hung up the phone and handed it to the guy.

So now I was standing in the lobby, knowing it was about 35 degrees outside, and that my only option was to walk the mile to Brooklyn Hearth and back, wearing nothing but yoga pants, a tank top, and flip flops. I stood there, brainstorming, but could find no way out of this.

I mean, it’s not like I’ll die, I thought to myself.

And then, a neighbor let herself in the vestibule door, rolling a bike by her side. I opened the second door for her, and when she and her bike were through, said, “Uh, can I ask you a really weird favor?’

“Yeah, sure!” she said. She seemed pretty amenable. She was a little bit taller than me, with a cute brown bob.

“Sooooo I locked myself out of my apartment, and I have to go to Brooklyn Hearth to get the keys.”

“Oh my gosh, do you want my jacket?”

“I mean, could I? That would be SO awesome of you.”

“Yeah, yeah! In fact, take my bike! It’s like a twenty minute walk there.”

“Really??? Oh my gosh, that would be so cool. I mean, only if you’re sure.”

“No, really, here.” She took her bike lock key off of her key chain and gave it to me, and then divested herself of her puffy coat, which happened to be the same rusty orange color as her designer bike, which had a leather seat and leather handles. I declined her offer of a hat and mittens as well, got her apartment number and name, and then rolled myself out the front door. Well, that makes it sound graceful. Have you ever tried maneuvering a bike through two heavy swing doors that are less than a bike length apart?

Anyhoo, I biked down to Cortelyou Road where Brooklyn Hearth is, and explained my situation to the lone girl working a desk. She was nice enough to believe my story, after verifying that I knew Mike’s number, and gave me the extra keys. So I’m back in the apartment. My toes are cold, and my pride is hurt, but I made it through ok.

Moral of the story? Memorize people’s numbers, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Posted in Bicycles, Brooklyn, Moments of Hilarity | 1 Comment