Thursday, October 31, 2002

Method notes #1

The method seems to work. I find it interesting that I "see" things as well as pick up impressions. The method also acts as a teacher.... Like it told me to relax and have fun and enjoy my visits as well as telling me to frame my questions, which reminds me I must do that for my next visit.
Verification notes: walking everywhere.

Not a bad idea that. If we walked to work instead of sitting in cars or on public transport we'd be a whole lot healthier. And walking is a good fat burner. I saw a calculation that you could burn ten kilos in one year by walking three half hours a week.

People in medieval times would walk long distances every day to fields or local markets.

But how do you plan towns and cities around walking?
Verification notes: Rape-seed oil fuel

I did one of those tests on your personal eco-profile. I was doing great, not using the car to travel to work, living in a relatively small flat etc. Then, they asked me how much I traveled by plane. My profile shot up way above average.

So it is true, that in terms of Carbon Dioxide emissions, for your personal eco- impact you should reduce air travel. Or use fuel from renewable sources.

Then late last week a motoring journal on TV showed a group of people who took used cooking oil, put in an additive, and off they went in a diesel Volvo.

So organic fuel sounds feasible. But it still does not solve the problem of reducing Carbon Dioxide emissions.

Monday, October 07, 2002

Journey 1 part 3
I wander off from the greenhouse with the feeling that somewhere close by is a cafe. I'm troubled by the lack of electronics here. I mean, if they have big planes they must have technology.
I recognise that tree, it's a Hazel tree. Hazel nut trees! So it's not just a park, it's a park, water treatment plant, a place to grow food and aesthetically pleasing and no bicycles, people just walk here. It is the simplicity that surprises me.
And here's the cafe and a sundial. And a big pillar where people post messages - and they do like to post messages it seems to be part of the culture here. There's one for me - I read it.

It's OK - enjoy yourself - it's fun.

Someone knows my hang-ups and what I need to hear, yes on this visit I need to relax and enjoy myself. I am stressed because my job has no future, I'm trying to find an alternative living, and even doing this creativity exercise I'm unrelaxed. I'm too good at being uptight, I know.

So, I'm starting to get into the local culture. And it's a a wandering around in Wellington boots type of culture. Asphalting is forbidden. The whole area forms part of natural water cycle.

That's why bikes aren't allowed. A special kind of cleanliness is mandatory in this area. It's completely clean and unpolluted. Gravel is the the key to natural water treatment and there's also the efficient use of land. Wait a minute how do they run the cafe with machines where not a drop of oil is allowed? I see the answer ...only vegetable based oils an natural rubbers.


I must say it's been a pleasant place to visit. I could get into this kind of calmness.

It's funny, but although I haven't seen anything to spark off the thoughts, I sense two things. One, this culture has a focus on seeds and growing things. Two, they view the animal side of the human being in a special way. They call it "the organism".

Don't ask me how I came up with this!

I go back to the door. I put my shoes on, stand on the grill and again they get the sucking treatment. This is to remove environmental poisons. I go up the steps and cast a thought to the kiosk - what do they sell there? I get the feeling they are encouraging people to grow food. There's a sign saying'Today Tomatoes'. They are selling some kind of tray thing that they are grown in.

The lady seems to know a lot about my project and says
"Draw your conclusions and raise your questions before coming back."
" Yes I will do that", I reply.
Feeling tired, and feeling I can't take in anymore. I thank for my visit, get into the bulbous enamelled lift , push "GO" and down I come. I come out into a busy thoroughfare. Let's call it a day.
end of tapescript Journey 1 part 3

Sunday, October 06, 2002

Journey 1 part 2

Journey 1 part 2

I seem to be approaching a greenhouse. I take a look inside - they're growing tomatoes. A man is in the greenhouse, he appears to be working here. That's clever – there's even another activity in the area. Where you grow is where you walk is where you treat water and recycle sewage. And, they are taking every opportunity to grow food. That's a nice expression and a nice principle.
I am eager to explore this method...
I could try to ask the man a few questions.
"Excuse me what's going on here?"
"It's just a greenhouse."
"Do you work here?" "Yes I do."
"How do you distribute the food?"
"People come and pick it when they want to".
"What about payment?" I ask, used to everything costing - I feel I've said something really stupid and that he knows something I have no idea about because he just laughs and smiles. Interesting. There seem to be many secrets here.
"What about the covers I saw outside the lift?"
"we don't use them on tomatoes."
How do you get around the city?"
"We walk, that's the way to do it."

End of tapecript Journey 1 part 2
Sustainable technology encountered during Journey 1 part 1
Separation of internal environments in buildings from the outside ... I have no idea why they do this. Why do they want this area so clean? At the same same it is an area where water is treated, so maybe it is a requirement if an area is used for both recreation and water treatment.
Rape seed oil based jet fuel ... I'm no chemist so I won't pursue that, but it sounds plausible.
Biogas production from sewage treatment ... already being done, so I won't pursue that.
The covers used for growing ... that sort of covering is already available but it is not bio-degradeable as far as I know... on list for further investigation.
 
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