daisukii's Blog

Reduce and Reuse before you recycle

daisukii — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 16:11:40 -0700

Reduce, Reuse... Then Recycle. A friend of mine reminded me this week that there are two other R's other than Recycle. Often times, the majority of us can pat ourselves on the back on how much we recycle our containers and cans, but why not take it a step further? Reduce is something that few people think about. Whether it's those to go coffee cups or takeout lunches during the workweek or the pre-packaged everything that we buy at the store, we go through a lot of waste. I know that I try to reduce but with the garbage strike, it's become apparent what kind of work I still have to do. The minuscule amount of planning it takes to bring your own containers or if going out to a restaurant, eating in rather than taking out... The little things count.

Finally, reuse. There's a lot of stuff we take for granted and end up throwing out, even though there are uses for them. Old containers as storage organizers, leftover food for garden compost, old waterbottles that just go to waste or get recycled when really there's nothing stopping you from bringing your own water (yes, I've realized how wasteful and bizarre the water bottling industry is in a first world country)... There's many uses for old things and if you can't use it more than once, then doesn't it make sense to choose other options?

Reduce Reuse Recycle.... There's a reason these terms are presented in the order that they are...

Eating local smacks of gourmet

daisukii — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 04:26:55 -0700

Riding my bike home has allowed me to conquer one other goal of mine. On my way, I drop in on my community markets, picking up fresh fish, kale, tomatoes, asparagus, chives and whatever I'm in the mood for. I recently cooked up some tiger prawns in garlic butter and mackerel fried with chives and pepper. I plan to have a bbq this weekend with steaks from the local butcher. Who says being active can't be appetizing?

Conquering hills ain't so bad

daisukii — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 04:19:45 -0700

Surprisingly, those hills aren't that bad. With the weather being gorgeous, how could I note be on my lil' red cruiser scooting around? I've conquered the bikepath that leads from my place to work, even the hills near Commercial on the way home. I find that I sweat less riding the one speed cruiser than I do on my old gear shifting bike. I'd like to attribute that to getting in shape, but perhaps there's some magical qualities of the cruiser that I wasn't aware of. I guess it goes to show that anything is possible

more..

On becoming an ambassador...

daisukii — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 16:24:41 -0700

With an empty stomach and great expectations, I found my way down to the B.E.S.T. Pancake Breakfast at Granville Square to find a massive assembly of happy smiling people waiting patiently for their fluffy pancake breakfast and organic coffee.... (more)I found the friendly VanCity camp near the back and signed in to get my bright new shiny red cruiser, complete with matching bike lock and helmet. Though apprehensive about the thought of riding up a hill in one of these babies, I figure the 75 other people entrusted with the bikes are in the same boat as me =) I think of the most notable things I've been getting used to is how much attention you get riding one of these things around town. Being a marketing person myself, I'm no stranger to the wonderful world of PR and my first impressions of the program definitely left me with some mixed emotions about being a spokesperson and riding a logo-emblazoned bike... Still, there was a moment yesterday, when riding along Commercial drive and seeing those bikes parked along the street, that I felt a sense of solidarity and remembered what we are all really in this for. To be a part of a project that might help introduce the concept of biking as an alternative means of transportation and as a valuable aspect of Vancouver's social and cultural landscape. When I think about this idea, I'm happy to smile and say "Yea, this is one of those VanCity bikes! Cool eh?" I gotta say, besides getting used to the backpedal brake and no-gears, the VanCity bikes are definitely fun to ride! I've already taken it for a tour through Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park, the Coal Harbour Waterfront and back to my home near Commercial Drive. I stopped off for a refreshing salad at Hyrise Produce on the way back to the office, just barely avoiding a lil' rainshower that popped up during the afternoon. Alas, I didn't have my camera, so I'll revisit those spots so pics will have to wait.Once the weather gets a bit better, I'm looking forward to recruiting a posse of 'Red Riders' for a tour around the beautiful beachfronts of our fair city!More to come!!

Giving up plastic for good

daisukii — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:20:55 -0700

I've started to phase out plastic utensils and plastic wrapping out of my everyday lifestyle. I am working on opting out of using single use plastic wrap and any wasteful products in exchange for fresher foods, sitting down for meals, environmentally friendly alternatives and a plastic free life...

It's not as hard as you think

Newly converted bike junkie left without a means! Bike stolen from work! Help me get back on the road!

daisukii — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:12:30 -0700

I'm a recently converted bike junkie who committed to Bike to Work week and now does it everyday!! I even decided to forego my bus pass in exchange for the benefits I get from biking regularly! Then the worst thing happened: My bike got stolen from my workplace and as a renter, I haven't got the insurance to cover it. So here I am, ever as enthusiastic and dedicated to the cause, without the means to bike! I'm hoping that discovering this bike share program proves to be serendipitious. Help a sistah out!