Hybrid-loving Cities

Once again our little Chicotown makes the grade when it comes to citywide eco-consciousness. Cars.com just came out with its 2009 ranking of "cities most interested in hybrid vehicles." Not surprisingly, three of the top ten cities were in Oregon (Portland and Eugene--another cool college town--being #1 and 2, Medford/Klamath Falls being #7). Also not surprisingly, 4 of the ten cities were in California, Chico being #8. (Click here to view the article and complete list.)

Pictured is the Dodge Zeo, which boasts the ability to travel almost 250 miles on a single charge!

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day, Mother Earth! I'm sure anyone driving (or better yet, walking or biking) down the Esplanade here in Chico has noticed the "Earth Day" flags these past few weeks. The Earth Day flag was designed in 1970 by Earth Day founder John McConnell, inspired by the first photos taken during America's Apollo 10 space missions in 1969.

The "Earth Flags of Chico" project was passed unanimously by the City Council in March of 2007 in support of "green initiatives and ecological responsibility." I think they are a good reminder to us all to do whatever we can to take care of this amazing planet we call home.

(Click here for a list of Earth Day activities occurring this month.)

Chico Cozy

"Chico Cozy" vs. "ChicoLaura Cozy"!

Popping into a local java shop the other day before hitting the road, I noticed a display on the counter featuring a new local product: The "Chico Cozy." It's an "eco-friendly alternative to the cardboard sleeve." Another clever, innovative idea by a fellow Chicoan! The Chico Cozy web site says their product is "named for the town in which it is made...A vibrant city with small-town appeal, Chico possesses a great sense of community and an appreciation for the environment."

So what do you think about my "ChicoLaura Cozy"? It's a little something I knitted up with leftover yarn a year or so ago after my daughter-in-law, Eva, made several (much nicer than mine) versions from a pattern she found.

If you want the "Chico Cozy," go to their web site to order. (It would make a great gift for your environmentally-aware-caffeine-loving friends.) If you want the "ChicoLaura Cozy," email me to make an appointment to meet at the yarn shop!