Understanding Sustainability

Bill Gates investor in Vinod Khosla green-tech fund

After leaving Microsoft to work full time on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2008, the software pioneer had been relatively quiet on the topic of energy and climate. His publicly disclosed investments in energy are algae fuel company Sapphire Energy and Pacific Ethanol, which he divested from. With former Microsoft chief technology officer Nathan Myhrvold, Gates is also backing TerraPower, which is seeking a breakthrough in nuclear power plant design.

via news.cnet.com

This is an interesting article simply because it brings to light another green tech company that I was unaware of, one that seems to have been vetted by an experienced philanthropist (and tech guy).

Agro-Imperialism

An interesting article by Andrew Rice on the potential for agro-imperialism. Here is the permalink: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/22/magazine/22land-t.html

This idea of buying land for a type of guaranteed production is, of course, not sustainable. Currently, farmland occupies the equivalent of South America and uses upwards of 70% of available fresh water resources. As populations continue to grow so will demands on and for crop, lands and water.

Knowing, as we do, that traditional farming has to be changed to meet demands, what we are seeing in these land-grabbing attempts is, perhaps, a realization that the old ways of thinking need to be put aside. Where agriculture is concerned, it is a time for big ideas.

Amazon's Frustration-Free Packaging

via www.amazon.com

Seriously, this is good news and one of the more important hits-you-where-you-live changes that I've seen corporate America advance in recent years.

They call it frustration-free, and it is, but when we allow ourselves to think of all of the environmental benefits of this decision, I think we can all be happy about it.

Now it is still Amazon. It is still a larger-than-life company with unreal influence, some of which should have us up in arms, but this shows how that influence can be turned used to bring real change.

Mt. Kilimanjaro Ice Cap Continues Rapid Retreat, Study Says - NYTimes.com

Stephen Morrison/European Pressphoto Agency In this June 2009 photo of Mount Kilimanjaro, the absence of large glaciers is clearly evident. Climate change and forest depletion near the mountain are both blamed for the melt-off.

via www.nytimes.com

New to Portland?

Parks & Recreation

Portland is host to a multitude of lush, natural parks and gardens. Ranging in size from just over 3 square feet, to nearly 8 square miles, each is a testament to our community’s on-going commitment to preserving and providing access to green spaces within the city.

Portland Parks & Recreation

Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

Oregon Zoo

Portland Japanese Garden

Portland Classical Chinese Garden

Leach Botanical Garden

Washington Park

Forest Park

Gov. Tom McCall Waterfront Park

Mt. Tabor Park

Portland Bicycling

The Rose City has become renowned for its bicycle-friendly culture and residents. Pedal power reigns supreme on our streets, as we are continually named among the best cycling cities in North America and boast the highest percentage of bicycle commuters of any city in the US.

Also, legend has it that the mountain biking in and around Portland isn't half bad either.

Bike Portland

Portland Cycling

Oregon Mountain Bike Alliance

Portland United Mountain Pedalers

Portland Bike Maps

Mt. Hood and the Coast

With both situated less than a 90-minute drive from the downtown area, Mt. Hood and the Oregon Coast provide residents with that rare, year-round surf-to-snow accessibility that very few metropolitan areas are lucky enough to be afforded.

Mt. Hood Information Center

Explore Mt. Hood & the Gorge

Mt. Hood Guide

Oregon Coast Visitors Association

Explore Oregon's Coast

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Oregon Surfrider Foundation 

Portland Arts

Portland’s residents have considerable access to world-class arts and entertainment. An array of historic venues — coupled with strong local ensembles and a vibrant contemporary scene — all help provide Rose City residents with a diverse media of artistic expression.

Platform International Animation Festival

Portland Art Museum

Portland Center Stage

Portland Jazz Festival

Portland Children’s Museum

PORT – Portland Art

Portland Institute for Contemporary Art

Oregon Symphony

Oregon Historical Society

Oregon Ballet Theatre 

Microbreweries

Since the beginning of Portland's craft brewing movement 15 years ago, the city has been known as the epicenter of America's microbrewing renaissance. Some 28 microbreweries thrive in Portland today; here are a few of the regional favorites.

BridgePort Brewing Company

Widmer Brothers Brewing Company

Roots Organic Brewing Company

Laurelwood Brewing Company

Lucky Labrador Brewing Company 

Dining & Cafes

Portland has become increasingly well known for its wealth of quality restaurants that offer outstanding dishes across a broad range of cuisines. Here we have provided a listing of perennial favorites, as well as a sample from among the top editorial picks of 2007.

Top Restaurants

Paley's Place

Pok Pok/Whiskey Soda Lounge

Lovely Hula Hands

Park Kitchen

Le Pigeon

Castagna

3 Doors Down Cafe