Going Green for Earth Day

Google has a post up about Helping others go green, including news that Google Transit is continuing its expansion.

If any Googlers are reading this, I’d like three green additions to Google Maps:

1. Lines connecting Metro stations.
2. Bike lanes. In Montreal, they’re faster than the metro.
3. Travel-time maps.

In the last couple weeks, I’ve finished reading Monbiot’s Heat and subscribed to organic food delivery by Le Jardin Des Anges. Today I asked Natasha for help with a vermicomposter, since I know I’ll have plenty of organic food scraps.

Still, it all feels inadequate given the enormity of the challenge. While scientists and the environmental movement have finally made us realize climate change is real and deadly, we have not yet seen a very compelling vision that could galvanize political change.

Talks of restraint, rationing and cuts aren’t sexy. And changing light bulbs to compact fluorescents or LEDs, eating less meat and offsetting air travel emissions - while necessary and good - just won’t cut it. In the coming months, I’ll be spending some time thinking about a ’sexy’ vision of the (bright green) future. If you have ideas to share, you can do so in comments. If you live in my neighbourhood, let’s meet up face to face.