Boston | Pixxlz [Eco-Blog]

October 6th, 2009

Now that I’m a city resident, my means of transportation have changed. My car isn’t always readily available, and while Boston is a small city, it’s not always possible to walk. So after a month of paying way too much for cabs, taking the T in the wrong direction (what the heck does inbound/outbound mean?), and being late to work after sweating it out on a 2 ½ mile trek along the waterfront, I decided to finally take my own advice and get a bike.

During a trip to Amsterdam this summer, I really fell in love with biking. From the Van Gogh Museum and Rembrandt Square to the Heineken Brewery and Anne Frank’s House, there is so much to see in this amazing city. Amsterdam’s public transportation is enviable, but the true way to experience the city is by bike. Plus, there was something about seeing a businessman in a suit riding a bike to work that made me really want to hop on and pedal around. So after renting a bike for the day and seeing the entire city, I decided I was going to bring the biking spirit back home with me.

Not only do I enjoy biking now, but I’ve realized that biking is a great way to go green. Bikes don’t use gas, so the only thing you’re burning are calories. They are also much smaller than cars and take up less space, which is a great thing in crowded urban settings. It’s a really leisurely way to see the sights without contributing to city pollution with car traffic or the structured schedule of a tour bus. Plus, who doesn’t remember when they first learned to ride without training wheels? A day on a bike will bring you back, and what’s more fun than that?

Biking around Boston? Mayor Menino is a supporter. As an avid biker, the mayor supports local business initiatives aimed at promoting biking for customers and employees alike. Click here for a link to the 2009 Bike Friendly Award Winners for the annual Boston Green Awards.

Ecotourism: Have a Fun and Responsible Summer Vacation

September 10th, 2009

Don’t have the time or money for a vacation this fall? Think about a staycation. Also known as ecotourism, this new form of vacationing is bettering the environment through reduced travel while also helping your local economy. Both budget conscience and environmentally conscience people have converted their annual vacations into a relaxing time at home, enjoying the perks of their own local towns or cities. It’s a fabulous way to reduce your carbon footprint while still enjoying your time away from work or school. Sure the grass always seems greener on the beaches of Mexico, but there are plenty of great things to do in town or even in your own backyard. As a new resident of Boston, I have a ton of new things to experience right in my own backyard. So I came up with a list of five activities to do here in Boston on a weekend staycation that are sure to encourage you to use your next vacation days to stick around town.

5 Staycation Ideas for Bostonians

1. Visit the New England Aquarium - It’s a great place to bring your kids or to revisit if you haven’t since you were a kid yourself. Look into their LiveBlue initiative, a plan to help our oceans’ areas in need.

2. Walk the Freedom Trail - I’m not biased just because it happens to pass by my front door. Boston is a city full of history and this is a great way to see it.

3. Go on a picnic - Pack up a great meal at home and head to Christopher Columbus Waterfront Park overlooking the harbor.

4. Head to the South End and visit the SOWA Open Market - Local artisans and a great location make this a fun weekend activity.

5. Bike around - Boston is a great walking city, but rent a bike and experience the city in a different way. Boston Bike Tours is located right on the Boston Common, a perfect place for your tour to start! Or check out Hub On Wheels, a citywide ride and festival on September 27th!

Pixxlz [Eco-Blog] We Print Green

Go Green - Get on a Bike!

Ecotourism: Have a Fun and Responsible Summer Vacation

5 Staycation Ideas for Bostonians