Recyclo-holics

Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed the rise of people obsessed with green living, be it as a fashion frenzy or just because they're dark green? Well I know a few leafy greens (late summer kind of green) and I have to admit turning one shade greener myself. But not to the point of recycling every scrap of paper, composting all my organic waste and growing potatoes on my balcony (I said I would, but it's so much easier to just buy them, no?). Such an attitude towards a green life is highly laudable, but not an easy feat for most people- and it's sometimes a little scary too. Compulsive recyclo-maniacs who make a point of tearing every inch of paper or carton off packaging, to pop into their 'green' bag, making sure all their shopping choices are 100% recyclable and ethical. I mean, that's great for mother earth, but have some fun chaps!
There is something highly satisfying about recycling, knowing all your waste will be re-used in some way or another. It kind of justifies your actions as a consumer. The consumer re-consumes instead of consuming itself. hmmm?
Well, my green bag is getting bigger every week (how much do I consume??) and I have found myself tearing off Onken yogurts carton packaging: it started out of curiosity -and boredom, having finished a whole pot in front of friday night tv- but now I take it off religiously and conscientiously place it in my recycle bin. I also take the bottom card round off! Christ! Am I turning leafy green? Well, I can assure you that I'm not one of those people who recycles post-its.... yet....

Urban gardening

http://www.hippyshopper.com/2007/06/nodig_potatoes.html

Ok, not quite... But I've just read about a cool new way of growing your own veg on your balcony... Providing you have a square metre or two, why not plant a few potatoes? Welcome to a new breed of 'urban potatoes'. I've already got a few herb pots and I've tried growing some salads and green veg last year (urban ants ate them), but now potatoes sound ideal - they come in 40litre re-useable bags and for under £15, I can have three sacks of organic pots on my balcony. Very exciting. Perhaps I can even have my own balcony allotment soon. Anyone doing 'no dig' carrots too?

Fixie mania - part 2

why are they all so obsessed with fixies? The growing numbers of bicycles in London and the onset of the warm summer weather seems to have just pushed the fixie fetish one step further. Fixed wheel bikes are now the number one cool mode of transport in east london. I've also heard them being called 'hoxton fixies' - which means they're just a new breed of fetishised fashion accessories for hip young Londoners. Not only do they need to have the right, shiny fixed wheel bike, the matching bike messenger looking outfit -bag, trousers, shoes, even the hairdo !?- they tend to hangout in the same 'authentic' places as the rough lot. What a bunch of posers. Yet, they're pretty cool looking posers. A bit like posh kids going for the trashy torn jeans greasy hair look, or art students going all political and squatting (as opposed to those who have little choice but to live in derelict houses). But then, what's all the elitism all about? Shouldn't it be somewhat heartwarming to see so many people adopt your style? Maybe not the lifestyle but at least the physical outlook. It shows they look up to you. It's a mark of admiration and aspiration (and respect?) that so many bikers are copying the whole bike messenger approach to cycling. And besides, how could anyone mistake a biker copycat with a real guy who spends the whole day on the streets? It's unmistakable - the radio, road worn bike, dirty clothes sweaty look etc. So why the whole debate around 'fakengers' and 'hoxton fixies'? Stop being elitist and precious and just be pleased that people just think you look so good.

http://www.movingtargetzine.com/article/fakenger

Rising early ... again

Although I'm really not an eary bird or morning person, I can only confirm the article I read a few weeks back on the great reasons to get up early. After a couple of early wake up calls - yoga self practice sessions, a 5 am train to paris - I've felt , or rather been reminded, that getting up so early is a blessing and a fantastic way to start the day. Body felt refreshed, mind clear, free of built up stresses (these came later in the day) and an empty stomach brought a feeling of lightness. Bliss. Summer and early mornings are such a good combination: the light breaks at 5am, the air feels fresh and if it wasn't for the many late nights, I would be up at the crack of dawn every day. It's definitely the best time of the day, so clear, quiet and pure - maybe I'll try to switch my routine this summer.

net-aholics anonymous

stranded... with no internet.
Oh my god, I am officially addicted to internet. What do we call it - 'net-aholic'? web-aholic? God knows, but I feel completely powerless, useless, lonely and terribly frustrated. Why? An old, unpaid bill, forgotten in a pile of mail... After a few warnings, no internet, phone or tv, a lovely 're-connection' fee and a 24 hour wait to get back online! Do they not understand that I am completely reliant upon the silly
thing. What do I do for a whole morning without access to email, firefox or online news? And more importantly, what did I do before, a few years back, when I didn't have 24hrs web access? Was I Iess distracted, more focused or perhaps even smarter, wiser? Let's hope not. Come to think of it, I did read more, sleep more and go out more. However, I now read on my laptop (yes, reading articles online is just as valid as reading books or newspapers), I write more, work more (maybe not such a good thing when I find myself checking work emails on my days off) and play more with programs like photoshop, FCP and the like.Not a bad thing, but my interests and hobbies seem to have changed a lot on the past few years, or should I say evolved, or progressed with time. What worries me however, is that the lack of computer or internet suddenly creates a huge gap, lull, sense of insecurity with my abilities. What am I without my computer as an extension of my abilities? What am I able to do? What do I want to do? In this particular instance I discovered that a morning of 'unconnected' peace was very soothing in many ways. Frustrating at first, but as hours went by, I found the extra time useful - besides an extended yoga self practice, I deep cleaned the flat, gave my balcony a mini makeover, repotted and watered my plants, started a new book and even found time to play with kitty. Pleasant time to spend a morning, but perhaps not my ideal way of living either. I'm a net-aholic and shamelessly admit it.