bicycling

The good life on less energy--even in the US

Posted July 10, 2008 - 04:18 by Philip Brewer

Green Living, Real Estate and Housing, Cars and Transportation

Bicycle on rural road

Whenever I write a post about energy, I point out that we know it's possible to have a high standard of living while using less energy--people in European countries do, so it must be possible. That always draws comments from people who say that things are different here. When it comes to opportunities for saving energy, that's simply not true.

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Less corn planted, despite ethanol

Posted March 31, 2008 - 16:26 by Philip Brewer

Food and Drink, Consumer Affairs

Illinois Barn

Prompted by high prices (driven by demand from ethanol production), farmers planted more acres of corn last year than any year since 1944.  This year, though, planned acres for corn are down 8%, and soybeans are back up to normal.

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Better cars are not the answer

Posted October 15, 2007 - 05:53 by Philip Brewer

Green Living, Cars and Transportation

Cars in apartment lot

Wise Bread is an optimistic place. There are some people who can't see the congruence between optimism and frugality. I'm talking about the people who point to our progress from 360 square foot houses to 2400 square foot houses and say that, if your vision of the future doesn't have us all in 16,000 square foot houses pretty soon now, it's a pessimistic one. This article, though, isn't about houses. It's about cars.

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What's your frugal obsession?

Posted October 8, 2007 - 06:45 by Andrea Dickson

Frugal Living

Even the biggest spendthrifts have a frugal obsession or two. Wise Bread readers must have their own obsessions or habits that save money, and more importantly, offer a sense of satisfaction? Share you stories with us for the chance to win a $25 gift certificate from Amazon.com.

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The two-mile challenge

Posted October 4, 2007 - 11:58 by Philip Brewer

Extra Commentary

A bicycle next to a bike path, with sunbeams shining through tree branches

Bicycling for transportation is something that's important to me, so I was immediately attracted to the 2-mile challenge. Check out their site and see what's within 2 miles of your address.

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Frugal Transport--bicycling

Posted July 13, 2007 - 16:10 by Philip Brewer

Green Living, Cars and Transportation

biking it

Three years ago I started bicycling to work. It was a gradual thing. It took extra planning to ride--there were issues with clothing, issues with carrying stuff on the bike.

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