Happy World Water Day

TOIstudio scours the news everyday to find interesting tidbits regarding architecture and environmentalism that may have slipped by the mainstream media, however I am not one for completely disdaining our larger broadcasting brethren and was actually caught by surprise when I saw this major news network story about World Water Day.

All joking aside without conservation or some minor technological breakthroughs potable water is poised to become the next major conflict instigator, most likely surpassing the volatility of oil in coming decades.

Perhaps it is the growing pains of our civilization that let us forgo the importance of drinking water in such a way that we continued to poison and waste it in such a manner that may become threatening for us as a species if we do not start taking some sort of responsibility. I am not advocating that we all only sponge bath once a month, instead I advocate that we realize that every decision we make has an impact upon another entity. You don't have to over-water your lawn to keep it green, you could plant lawns of non invasive species that have a deeper root structure so they will not suffer the 'burn of summer' as readily.

You could take your own bags to the grocery store instead of relying on being provided bags that take precious resources to make only to be thrown away at the end of their extremely short lifespan.

You could use low flow fixtures in your house and fix drips and leaks.

There are hundreds of water conservation techniques that could be easily employed without making any impact on our lifestyles and in the end would be better for all of us.

Some resources:
Water Conservation Web Portal
Water Conservation Techniques from Canada
2008 Water Conservation Showcase
Natural Resource Conservation Services for lawncare
Earth 911 water conservation

City Fresh Monday - Adaptive Re-Use of Old Urban Buildings for Local Food

***The monthly City Fresh Monday meeting has been moved from the 17th to the 24th to accomidate St. Patrick's day***

City Fresh Mondays - Adaptive Re-Use of Old Urban Buildings for Local Food
Monday March 24th, 2008
Great Lakes Brewing Company Beer Cellar
6pm - 8pm

Sometimes I think the New Agrarian Center has something planted in my head. Everytime I see one of their topics I immediately think "Wow, what a freakin' great idea!". I appreciate the subtle undertone of turning some of Cleveland's liability (underused land) into an assest (community garden and space) and doing it in a way that strengthens communal bonds as well as nurtures our connection to the natural environment. An attempt to accentuate the connection between the natural urban environment in a manner that doesn't alienate inhabitants or create formalized sterile parks that seem too unnatural to physically enjoy.

City Fresh Monday is a monthly gathering of folks who want to learn, dialogue and collaborate on issues of food, health, community development and the environment. Presented by the New Agrarian Center (NAC), the FREE and OPEN City Fresh Monday forum is hosted in the Great Lakes Brewing Company Beer Cellar the third Monday of every month from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. RSVPs are not required, but attendance will likely maximize at 60-70 people.

Topic:
Adaptive Re-Use of Old Urban Buildings for Local Food - featuring presentations from students of Cleveland State University's Levin School of Urban Affairs who are looking at plans for adapting potential buildings in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood.

Please note: the Beer Cellar is not wheelchair-accessible.