“Waiter, can I have the bill…how much is it? What? I decide?” No, it’s not the start of a comedy sketch – it’s a real, and surprisingly successful, business model for a “So All May Eat” restaurant in Denver. You’d think it would literally turn into a free-for-all…but the cynics have been proven wrong, because the business makes a profit. Read the full story at Razoo.
President Obama has hit a few hurdles with his cabinet recently, even admitting that he “screwed up” with one appointment – but Kathleen Merrigan is one choice he’s unlikely to regret. She’s part of Food Democracy Now‘s “sustainable dozen” – and Grist reckons she’s the real deal.
Hate the feeling of guilt as you wave goodbye to your beloved pooch as you head out to work? Hang in there – change is coming. Dog-friendly work policies are gathering strength, reports USA Today. There need to be a line, of course – “excuse me, but it’s difficult to give an effective presentation when your dog is trying to hump my leg” – but with the right rules and pet-training in place, wouldn’t it make for a happier workforce?
Yet another thing you didn’t know about bees – they’re sculptors. With a little encouragement, that is.
And while we’re on the subject of species that refuse to be pigeonholed – take the fascinating case of the “Sea Gypsies” of the Adaman Sea (which is here). Primarily a marine culture, they understand the sea so well that they knew about the 2004 tsunami in advance.
Live in LA? Take a wander to the West Hollywood area and to Plummer Park, where local arts foundation Greenmeme appears to have buried giant Matryoshka dolls in the landscape. Laure Joliet raises an eyebrow at Dwell.
Lint isn’t just an annoyance – it’s your clothes. Every time your duds tumble around a drier or washing machine, they disintegrate into lint just a little bit further…and Jeff Yeager at The Daily Green reckons that over your lifetime, that lint is costing you $70,000. (Here’s half the solution).
And to think – there are people who spent enormous amounts of money getting their crockery to match, when the alternative is this much fun.
The oil sands of Alberta represent a crossroads for America – will it embrace alternative energy, or will it start processing this oil-saturated resource to the severe detriment of the local environment? Scientists have already identified that processing this resource releases triple the amount of carbon dioxide of existing oil-mining operations…and environmentalist fear it could give a green light to even dirtier fossil fuel operations. One to watch, albeit nervously. (Thanks to National Geographic).
The electricity grid needs to be smarter, believes Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid – and this week, he’s trying to get a bill passed that would expand the grid’s ability to move power around from where it’s abundant to where it’s needed. (State regulators remain twitchy).
In these difficult times, auto-makers need to respect the bottom line- which is miles per gallon. That’s where people want to see progress being made. As with the new Lexus SUV, seen here? Yes, really. It’s bigger and heavier – but it’s cleaner and more efficient. Impressive – for a massive, luxurious SUV. Um. Oh for the old days, when it was obvious what eco-category a car fell into.
And talking of gas-guzzling, how about the Obama Administration’s leaning towards the setting of California-style fuel efficiency standards? John Guerrerio assesses the situation at Energy Examiner.
I’d never label an electric blanket as green – but this article at Apartment Therapy has got me thinking. (I’m still unconvinced – but I’m thinking).
Recession = cutbacks and the return of cheap ‘n cheerful thinking? Not so, argues Steve Mouzon at The Original Green. It’s the right time for people to look further into the future, and invest in things that will last (and therefore save money). Shopping for today? Let’s make it a thing of the past.
Lastly, America, let us celebrate the true embodiment of truthy journalism – a crusader, a man willing to celebrate the traditions that have made this country strong and proud, such as logging, the oil industry and the Hummer. A man who isn’t afraid to pick a fight with a styrofoam cup that’s as big as he is. Stephen Colbert – the world needs you.
Image: oxyboricua