Archive for the ‘Environment’ Category

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don’t let ‘em say summer blue by you

Tuesday, July 13th, 2010

Friendly Tractivist folks,

There are few things more enjoyable than the magnificent little blue fruit of the genus Vaccinium.

Whether they’re topping a tart, slipped into a salad, or sucked down by the sackful, the blueberry is a mouthwatering delight.  And what is the best way to enjoy this tiny treat?  Why eating them fresh off the bush at a local blueberry farm with your friends from Traction.

WHAT: Traction blueberry picking
WHEN: Sat, July 16th at 9:30am
WHERE: Herndon Hills Farm
RSVP: blues@getTraction.org
WHY: Eat blueberries until you turn into Violet Beauregarde

Herndon Hills Farm is a small family-owned farm just on the South edge of Durham that specializes in pick-your-own berries and grapes.  You can pick until your heart’s content among rows and rows of blueberries and (if we’re lucky) blackberries all for $2.75/lb.

Family farming has a long tradition in this part of the state.  Unfortunately, sprawl has destroyed many farms and much of the rural character, especially in South Durham where malls and large subdivisions have exploded from the ground in the past decade.  By supporting these local farms, we not only reduce our dependence on imported produce that requires loads of fossil fuels to be shipped across the country only to deliver a mediocre product — we also maintain an important connection to this region’s agricultural history.

To reduce the environmental impact of eating produce from afar later, when it’s out of season, why not pick some extra blueberries right now?  Blueberries do an excellent job of keeping their flavor and character in the freezer.  Preserving them for a taste of summer in a winter dessert is as simple as washing the blueberries, putting them in a seal-able plastic bag, extracting as much air as possible, and freezing them.  They can also be dried for a nice portable snack or canned into a delicious jam.

Great news: Toxic Free NC is partnering with Traction on this event — they’ll provide information about the impact of pesticides on people and the environment, and give us ways to make a difference.  More great news: Herndon Hills Farm never sprays their crops with pesticides!

Because the picking will take place in a sun-soaked field, I strongly recommend sunscreen and a hat.  We want to be there for the blue, not the red.  To RSVP, or for more info including directions, preservation tips and carpooling information, email blues@getTraction.org.  And be on the lookout for a chance to float down a river in the near future with your best (and/or newest) Tractivist buddies.

I look forward to seeing everyone out there!

James Beidler
local fruit chomper, pun lover, Tractivist

Posted in Environment, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Make a splash this Memorial Day

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

Greetings fellow Tractivists!

After a week of rain, the clouds are starting to clear to reveal full swimming holes and the warmth of late May.  Spend time with friends this Memorial Day swimming in the quarry and enjoying a Locopop, in celebration of the start of summer and everything that servicepeople have given to this beautiful country.

WHAT: Memorial Day swimming, community, and frozen treats
WHERE: Eno Quarry and then Locopops
WHEN: Mon. May 31st, 1:00 – 3:30 pm (swimming) + 4pm (Locopops)
We will meet at the Cabe Lands parking lot off Howe St. at 1pm.  Those who wish to carpool from Traction HQ (1018 Broad St.) should be prepared to leave at 12:40 sharp.  If you would like to set up a carpool from another area or need further directions, then please e-mail outdoors@getTraction.org.  We will follow up the fun in the sun with a trip to the Durham Locopops on Hillsborough Rd.

Keep in mind:

- The walk in is about a mile and there are no bathrooms nearby.

- The parking lot is very small, so you are strongly encouraged to carpool!

- The water is deep and rocky in places.

DO BRING: Walking shoes, water to drink, kids of all ages, snacks for yourself or to share, towel, sunscreen, and fun floating stuff
DO NOT BRING: Stereos and dogs.  I love ‘em, but it isn’t a good idea with leash restrictions and the presence of many others.

While bathing in the beauty of the Eno River State Park, we should not forget the reason for our day off: personal sacrifice.  Whether the large personal sacrifices that come with serving your country or the relatively smaller ones that come in the name of everyday community-building, it is personal sacrifice that helps to move our country forward.  Between the splashes and laughs, tell a friend about a sacrifice that you plan on making this year to help a neighbor, a park, or even a whole planet.

See you on Memorial Day!!

James Beidler
outdoor bather, Durham-lover, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
Mon 5/31: Memorial Day at the Eno: swim@getTraction.org Wed 6/30: work / life / community balance workshop: balance@getTraction.org
Thurs 7/8: 538 Ways to Live, Work and Play Like a Liberal… with the awesome Drinking Liberally founder Justin Krebs
Plus a conversation group on race and privilege: race@getTraction.org, more outdoors events and more…

Posted in Environment, Events | No Comments »

Tomorrow: organic strawberry pickstravaganza! Friday, May 7, 2010 9:16 AM

Friday, May 7th, 2010

Good morning, Tractivists!

Strawberry season is a fleeting thing.  For barely four weeks, the little strawberry plants squeeze out plump, happy berries at incredible speeds. And then, before you know it, it’s all over, and all we have to eat are pale, watery berries from California. You think, “Is it over already? I totally forgot!”

Well, not this time, Tractiberries!

WHAT: Traction’s annual Strawberry Pickstravaganza
WHEN: this Sat, May 8th, 11am – 2pm
WHERE: Whitted Bowers Farm

WHO: You. And your kids. And your mom. And your neighbor. And that guy from work who always brings salads to meetings. Invite ‘em all.
PRICE: special Traction group rate of $2.50/lb.
RSVP: strawberries@getTraction.org
Non-organic strawberries are one of the infamous Dirty Dozen: the 12 most pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables, according to the Environmental Working Group, even after washing.  EWG testers found that 90% of conventional strawberries had at least one pesticide on them, and 70% had at least two.  All these pesticides aren’t very good foryou, farm workers, or the environment.
Yet picking local organic strawberries is a win-win-win situation (and a finger in the eye of the agricultural-industrial complex):

- You win because your strawberries are cheaper, fresher, tastier, and longer-lasting.
- Farm workers and the environment win because these strawberries were grown without heavy pesticide use.
- Local farmers win because your money goes directly to the farmer instead of through distributors.

Traction is excited to partner again with Rob and Cheri of Whitted Bowers Farm, a certified organic pick-your-own strawberry farm.  (More than organic, they’re also biodynamic.  ”What’s biodynamic?” you ask.  Stick around on Saturday — Rob will explain when he gets back from the Carrboro Farmers’ Market sometime after 1pm.)

So if you’re of a mind to fill a basket with sweet berry goodness before the season ends, drop an e-mail to strawberries@gettraction.org. Please include in your RSVP:
a. How many people you’ll bring (best guess)
b. Whether you’d rather carpool with us or meet at the farm.

Jake will reply to RSVPs with directions to the farm, the meeting point and carpool spots in Durham and Orange Counties; info on how to get the Traction group rate; etc.

Remember also that strawberry season marks the beginning of swimming season. On Memorial Day, Monday 5/31, Tractivists will be swimming, potlucking, and Locopopping together.  Look for more info soon, or write to swim@gettraction.org.

I look forward to plundering the berry harvest in your company.

Colin Cannell
Smuggleberry, libertine, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
Sat 5/8: Pick your own organic Strawberries!strawberries@getTraction.org
Sat 5/15: Civil Rights Walking Tour of Durham:race@getTraction.org
Mon 5/31: Memorial Day at the Eno: swim@getTraction.org
Plus a conversation group on race and privilege:race@getTraction.org, a workshop on work / life / community balance, and much more…  And anyone want to go to the National Hollerin’ Contest in Spivey’s Corner?  Holla back at holler@getTraction.org


Posted in Environment | No Comments »

Spring into Traction Outdoors with a mountain hike this weekend

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Greetings fans of the outdoors and other Traction types!

The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and spring fever is spreading like pine pollen.  Well, friends, it is time to cure that spring fever with a special hike brought to you by Traction Outdoors!

What: Hiking and Picnicking on Occoneechee Mountain
When: Sunday, April 18; picnic at 1pm, hike starts at 2pm
Where: Occoneechee Mountain Picnic Tables
Why: Take in a unique ecosystem right at our backdoor
RSVP: outdoors@getTraction.org (by Saturday please)

This Sunday join us for a strong dose of breathtaking river overlooks, deep-green rhododendron cliffs, and bright wildflowers as we hike through one of our area’s most unique ecosystems: Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area.

Get an extra dose of medicine by coming early for lunch at the picnic tables where we will chat with new and old friends and plan future Traction outdoors events.  Even if you aren’t eating, feel free to come early for conversation — we’ll have drinks for you.

The hike has some steep inclines and rocky areas over about two to three miles of moderately difficult trails (about 1.5 – 2 hours), so you will need to wear comfortable shoes.  The forecast is for a mild, sunny 75 degrees at this point, but please bring water as you will get thirsty.  You can find directions here.  We’ll meet at the park’s picnic tables in the shaded area near the parking lot.  Friendly, well-behaved dogs that love interesting smells and being on the leash are welcome.

Jutting up over the Eno River near Hillsborough, Occoneechee Mountain is the highest point in the Triangle and one of the most unique places in the state.  The park is home to a very diverse ecosystem, thanks to a topography that allows just enough changes in temperature to support flora and fauna common to both the NC Piedmont and the mountains.  Along the trails, you will come across pines, laurels, blueberries, hollies, and a wide array of hardwoods — some familiar, some seemingly straight from your last trip to Asheville.  The park is part of the Eno River State Park and is made up of former mill and quarry land.

Start getting control of your spring fever now with a hike at Occoneechee Mountain.  See you this Sunday!

James Beidler
spring lover, tree hugger, Tractivist

P.S. We would love to see you carpool with a friend or even ride your bike!  If you let me know your home area when you RSVP, I’ll connect you with other Tractivists interested in carpooling.

P.P.S. Upcoming event notes…
POSTPONED: The trip to the new civil rights museum in Greensboro.  Write gbo@getTraction.org for more info.
Sun 4/25: Return of the Potluck that Keeps on Giving (aka Freezer Party): freezer@getTraction.org
Plus strawberry-picking, a Memorial Day swim, and a conversation group on race and privilege: race@getTraction.org

Posted in Environment, Events | No Comments »

Drain. Filter. Rinse. Bank your Savings. Repeat if desired.

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Hello out there in TVland,

Earth Month starts tomorrow, and there’s been a lot of talk recently about the new eco-friendly cars — biodiesels, plug-in hybrids, hydrogen-powered Wienermobiles, you name it. And sure, those are all great things. But who can afford one these days? Not us, anyway.

Instead, Traction is proud to bring back, by popular demand, a fun-filled afternoon of ways to make your existing car gentler on both our world and your wallet. You can just come to watch and listen, or dive in and get your hands dirty. Or not. We have gloves. James Beidler and I will be the hosts, but y’all will be the stars.

What:    Green My Ride

Where:  Traction HQ (1018 Broad St., Durham)
When:   Sun, April 11th at 2pm

RSVP:   greenmyride@getTraction.org no later than 4/7 (that’s Wednesday)

We’ll be discussing and demonstrating (with real cars!):
* how to change your own oil and transmission fluid
* how to switch to motor oils that don’t need to be changed often or are NOT made from petroleum
* geeky ways to improve your gas mileage

* non-geeky (incredibly simple) ways to improve your gas mileage

* and much more

And if your car is due for an oil change anyway, why not do it yourself? Let us know ahead of time and we’ll arrange to help you change it at the workshop. We’ll provide ramps, tools, and new oil and filters, and we’ll help you every step of the way.

If you’ve been itching to get a deeper understanding of the expensive, mysterious contraption that rules your life (not your iBerry; that’s another day); if you want to reduce your environmental impact without springing for a custom plug-in Prius; or if you’re just looking to save a buck or two, then come on down to Traction HQ and join us during Earth Month.

IMPORTANT INFO:

* If you want help working on your own car at the event, let us know ASAP.   We need to make sure we have enough equipment for all and SPACES ARE LIMITED.

* If you’re not sure whether you’ll make it, RSVP as a maybe.

* If you have a specific thing you want help with, but you’re not ready to tackle it just yet, please include that info in your RSVP so we can be sure to address it.

* If you came last year and want a refresher, we’d love to have you back.

* and that address once again: greenmyride@getTraction.org

Colin Cannell
smuggler, libertine, Tractivist

P.S. Upcoming…
Sun 4/11: Learn to shrink your car’s carbon tireprint: greenmyride@getTraction.org
Sat 4/17: Trip to new civil rights museum in Greensboro: gbo@getTraction.org
Sun 4/25: Return of the Potluck that Keeps on Giving (aka Freezer Party): freezer@getTraction.org
plus a conversation group on race and privilege: race@getTraction.org
and Spring means the Traction Outdoors group is back!  Write outdoors@getTraction.org to be in the loop on hikes, swims, berry-pickings and more.

Posted in Environment, Events, Tractivists in Action, Walk the Talk | 1 Comment »

are you up to date on your (jello) shots?

Thursday, August 13th, 2009

Hey there Tractivists,

August is the hottest month, for both weather AND politics. (My god, the fanatics at recent town hall meetings need an intervention — seriously.) So next week, we’re throwing a hot-and-cool happy hour!

What: Thermo-dynamic: a hot-and-cool Happy Hour

When: Thurs Aug 20th, 5:30-7:30pm

Where: Traction HQ, 1018 Broad St. in Durham

Swimsuits: optional

RSVP: happy@getTraction.org

Next Thursday, have some fun in the sun outside where we’ll have a kiddie pool, some sprinkler action, live music from the one and only Adam Sampieri , and maybe even a slip-and-slide. Inside, we’ll cool off with jello shots, drinks, eats, newly repaired a/c (yes!) and smart, cool-as-cucumbers Tractivists who know their stuff on the two hottest issues in politics today: health care and climate change.

Come hang out with folks like Avery Book from Health Care for America Now ; Jenny Cook, sassy scholar of health policy; Chris Gianino from 1Sky NC ; and other special guests. And, we’ll celebrate progressive successes that Tractivists have helped achieve in the state legislature this year, including passage of the Racial Justice Act, Healthy Youth Act, School Violence Prevention (anti-bullying) Act and more.

Stay cool, and be sure to RSVP: happy@getTraction.org .

Lanya Shapiro

swimming hole enthusiast, pesto maker, Tractivist

Posted in Environment, Events, Health Care | No Comments »

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