Check out this simple, effective heat map that shows, while cultures may all have their own version of junk food, too many manage to dig it up when the sun goes down. Here's an excerpt from Fast Co Design: I’ve always found it easy to…
VICE News always has the best online documentaries and their latest on crude oil trains is a must-see feature. Titled Bomb Trains: The Crude Gamble of Oil by Rail, this 23-minute-long documentary investigates the explosive oil trains that regularly run from the Bakken shale to…
With the recent indecision about what to do with the downtown plaza, it's due time to get real about transit in Spokane. That's why I'm excited this antipicpated event is upon us: Futurewise and Spokane Transit Authority have teamed up to celebrate the launch of…
The Spokane Regional Transportation Council (SRTC) just upped the bike map game for us. Instead of printing hardcopy maps, they created an interactive online map, which can be taken anywhere, as long as you have a mobile device. The 2014 Spokane Regional Bike Map…
Get ready for some nature ogling. I'll let Shawn Reeder, who made this insanely gorgeous video, take it away: "Yosemite, the High Sierra, and the Eastern Sierra are some of the most beautiful places on earth. Ever since I serendipitously won a trip to Yosemite…
Lots and lots of parking lots. That has been a major issue in Spokane as historic buildings have been razed in the past - just look back to the Spokesman's "Then & Now" on the Rookery Block. We know they create economic dead zones but…
The City Of Spokane is launching an exciting new grant program called Greening Neighborhoods Grant Program, which will offer a $10,000 incentive as part of the Forest Spokane initiative. Neighborhoods that want to participate are being asked to identify locations suitable for planting trees, shrubs,…
Big news out of the Center for Justice as they have announced the hiring of the new Spokane Riverkeeper: Jerry White. White will be replacing our dear friend Bart Mihailovich, who recently accepted a position with the International Waterkeeper Alliance. Born in Corvallis, Oregon, near…
I was a big fan of the LEGO movie but Greenpeace just took it to the next level. They launched a brutal ad that calls for Lego to end its partnership with Shell by using the toys to demonstrate the dangers of an oil spill.…
Is it hot enough for ya? The City of Spokane Water Department is offering tips to citizens on how to keep a green lawn while holding down the cost of their water bills. “Citizens can maintain their lawns and landscaping without extensive watering, even…
I'm not making this up: Since 1898, Mackinac Island, located just offshore of mainland Michagan, in Lake Huron, has banned cars. When cars first began to appear on their quiet roads, they were referred to as "mechanical monsters," and the local council took action. To…
I've talked a little bit about the tiny house movement but this 204 square foot, eco-friendly house takes the cake. Check this cool tour first seen on Treehugger.
Check this inforgraphic from Sightline. It's part of their research project, "Northwest Coal Exports," about the proposed coal export terminals. Go HERE for a larger version.
Bikes, beers, and bands. What more could you really want? How about beavers? Tomorrow is the 4th Annual Brews Cruise, brought to you buy The Lands Council. The route is an accessible bike ride along the Spokane River, starting in East Central and heading through…
It sounds like the oldest crank call in the book: “Is your refrigerator running?” “Yes.” “Well, you’d better go catch it!” Click. But if you answered yes, there's a chance to recycle secondary inefficient refrigerators or freezers through Avista’s pretty cool appliance recycling program that…
Even though it's been raining this week, mark my words: Summer is upon us. So prepare to "Slow The Flow." What does that mean? With a new rate structure in effect water customers are encouraged to conserve - especially in dry months. The City of…
Bart Mihailovich - my dear friend and DTE co-founder - released a bittersweet message today. As proud as were are to have the Spokane River, I can't think of a better guardian of our watershed. It will be sad to see him go but congratulations…
That's right. I will be in France for the next week, periodically updating Down To Earth. It really depends on internet availability. So yeah, posting will be kind of light but everybody needs a vacation. Then it's off Spain and some time in NYC.…
There will be an open house for the University District Bike Ped bridge on Thursday, May 22. You can drop in any time from 4:30 - 6:30 at the WSU Spokane's South Campus Facility Room 100 N. (412 E. Spokane Falls Boulevard) to get the…
Props to Manito Tap House for being named one of the most environmentally responsible eateries in the country in the Daily Meal's “America’s Greenest Restaurants of 2014.” This is the second time Manito Tap House has made the annual list, and the third year it…
Why am I up so early? It's time to get the party started for Bike To Work Week with the traditional Breakfast Kick-Off! Head down to Riverfront Park from 7am-9am. There will be lots of pancakes, coffee, and BIKES. Image courtesy of Hank Greer from…
The Post Carbon Institute produced this illustrated guide to how we have become so reliant on fossil fuels and how we could shake off that addiction. Here's the film description: Fossil fuels have been the driving force behind the industrialisation of much of the world…
There will be an upcoming proposal that could greatly impact the vein of our regions existence. Check this announcement from the Department Of Ecology: In an effort to protect and preserve water levels in the Spokane River, the Washington Department of Ecology is proposing a…
So you want to keep goats in the City of Spokane? Under the recently passed Urban Livestock ordinance you will be able to starting May 9th ig you have taken an urban animal management class through WSU Spokane County Extension. The focus of the class…
Have you seen all that construction below the southern side of the Monroe St bridge and up to City Hall? Avista and the City of Spokane created a new public plaza that means no more hopping the gate, connecting Riverfront Park to Huntington Park. There…
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