Wednesday, May 29, 2013

My Big Fat Greek Commute

Almost every morning my daughter and I prepare for our day. We eat breakfast, get dressed and brush our teeth (which seems banal, but YOU try instilling good dental hygiene in a squirming 2 year old who would rather be tickling Elmo).

Once we're out the door, most days she climbs into her bike trailer with her backpack and I load up my panniers with lap top, lunch bag, and yoga mat. This requires a Big bike with rather fat pouches on the sides. Helmets on for both of us, and we're off!

The other Big thing about our commute is the hill I ride towing my 32 lb daughter and all our gear. "I think I can, I think I can," runs through my head as the Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge whistle echos over the town, my daughter "choo-chooing" from her trailer, and our vantage increasing as we climb up Cemetery Road hill...

I improve my health every time we ride, staving off weight gain (the Fat part of the commute). There are even employee tax incentives available to those who commute by bike for employers to encourage health in the workplace!

Stay with me now, because here is the Greek part of this commute:

Greeks invented the gear, screws, and chain drive that make it possible for modern engineers to create great bicycles. They also invented the concept of paved streets with gutters and alarm clocks- vital parts of my Big Fat Greek Commute.

Aeschylus, a Greek playwrite, first used the word "philanthropy" to describe his character Prometheus as "loving humanity". The most conventional modern definition of philanthropy is "private initiatives, for public good, focusing on quality of life". I can't imagine a better way to focus on quality of life for my daughter and I then riding our bike to school/work (except maybe donating to 4CORE). Each day we ride, we prevent air pollution from my car, which is something I think about more and more now that we've reached 400 parts per million of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a scary concentration milestone not seen on the earth for millions of years.

4CORE wants to hear about YOUR commute too! Is it more of a small, skinny, German variety? Leave us a comment below!

About the Author
Teresa Shishim, Program Manager at 4CORE, is a Colorado native who is dedicated to improving where we live through collaboration (and commuting by bike!). She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science at Western Washington University and has significant experience managing and coordinating projects and programs, including marketing campaigns, volunteer programs, and events. Teresa, her husband and daughter enjoy the "bike culture" of Durango and hope to make it to Greece someday.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Pediatric Associates of Durango, Animas Museum, and Earthen Vessel Gallery achieve greater efficiency in the workplace

The Resource Smart Business Program (RSBP) is pleased to announce that Pediatric Associates of Durango, Animas Museum, and Earthen Vessel Gallery are now Resource Smart Certified. Animas Museum and Earthen Vessel Gallery are ‘Ramping Up’, while Pediatric Associates of Durango has achieved the ‘Making a Difference’ certification. The RSBP process is helping them to make positive changes in our community by reducing energy consumption, increasing worksite wellness and promoting sustainable business practices in the workplace. These businesses have made upgrades that will ultimately save them money on their bottom line.

“We’re excited to be a part of this program! Though we have been dedicated to 'greening our business', the RSBP allowed us to take the next step towards sustainability,” commented Dr. Pakhi Chaudhuri of Pediatric Associates. “I’ve recruited others in our building to participate in the RSBP because I believe in the benefits of this valuable program.”

Pediatric Associates is ‘Making a Difference,’ as they installed insulated window coverings to prevent heat loss at night and insulated their water heater tank and pipes. They also acquired a single-stream recycling bin for their whole building to use, purchased green cleaning products for the janitor to use, post weekly environmental tips on their Facebook page, and dedicated a newsletter to sustainability topics. Pediatric Associates’ estimated annual energy savings translates to $367 per year.

Animas Museum and Earthen Vessel are ‘Ramping Up’ by implementing one energy-saving measure each. Animas Museum insulated the steam heating pipes running through all four floors of their building. Their estimated annual savings is $195 and it is now anticipated that heat will be evenly distributed to all four floors of the museum.

“Our steam pipe insulation was installed by a group of wonderful volunteers, which allowed folks a first-hand experience with the program,” said Carolyn Bower, Executive Director of the Animas Museum. “Next, we’re working on getting a vintage bike rack set up for our visitors and staff to use.”

Earthen Vessel Gallery upgraded their lighting to LEDs. Their new lights will save them 15,063 kWh and $1,431 in utility bills each year.

Pediatric Associates is located at 1199 Main Avenue, Suite #205 on the 2nd floor of the Bank of Colorado in Durango or at www.paofdurango.com. Animas Museum is located at 3065 West 2nd Avenue in Durango or at www.animasmuseum.org/. Earthen Vessel Gallery is located at 115 W 9th St in downtown Durango on online at www.earthenvessel.com. Stop by their shops to support Resource Smart Certified businesses.

La Plata County businesses are invited to participate in the RSBP by applying online at resourcesmartbusiness.com. A total of 30 businesses are expected to become ‘Resource Smart Certified’ by the end of 2013.

For more information or to apply for RSBP certification, please visit the website or contact Amanda Saunders with 4CORE at (970) 259-1916.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Rare Real Estate Agent and Appraiser Training Opportunity!


4CORE announces an educational session for real estate agents, appraisers, mortgage lenders and interested community members with guest speakers, John Beldock, Founder and CEO of EcoBroker International, Greg Mantell-Hecathorn and Hunter Mantell-Hecathorn of Mantell-Hecathorn Builders Inc.

The session, “Intro to Your Green MLS and the Benefits of a High Performance Home", will take place on Tuesday, May 21st from 8:30am- 11:30am at the 1st National Bank of Durango, downstairs in the meeting room.

Licensed real estate agents will earn two continuing education credits.

To register or for more details visit www.fourcore.org. Early bird registration is $15 through May 13th or $20 regular rate and includes breakfast. You may also contact Cori Andreatta at 259-1916 ext 111 or email cori@fourcore.org.

This session is sponsored by the Colorado Energy Office, Mantell-Hecathorn Builders Inc and First National Bank of Durango.