Inspiration and Source from the New American Dream blog
For the past six months, I have been working from home. There are days when I pinch myself to make sure that I am awake and not dreaming. I can say that I have a green job. Most days I have no reason to use my car. On top of that, my job is to help motivate consumers to pay their bills electronically instead of using paper checks, stamps and envelopes. Less paper means cutting less trees, means less carbon released in the air. So in the past six month, I considerably reduced my carbon footprint, the mileage on my car, my stress level, etc…
I now use my bicycle much more often and…. I walk.
Here is an experiment suggested by the New American Dream blog that will help cut your expenses, keep you physically fit, reduce global warming and help build community, all at the same time.
It’s called “One-Mile-Radius Living.” No worry, it’s not a form of house arrest!
Here’s how it works:
First, make a list of all the different types of places you drive to on a regular basis – stores, businesses, parks, restaurants, and so forth. Then, use an online search and mapping tool such as Walk Score or Google Maps to find out how many are available within a mile of your home address. Finally, whenever you go to one of these places, instead of hopping into your car, just walk there.
I tried the experiment for myself and here is what I found within one mile from my residence:
- 7 Grocery Stores
- 9 Restaurants (at least)
- 3 Coffee Shops
- 2 Bars
- 5 Schools
- 1 park
- 2 Libraries
- 1 Video Store
- 1 Bookstore
- 4 Gyms/Exercise Studios
- 3 Clothing/Shoes Stores
- 1 Hardware – Home Store
Google maps is great if you are looking for one single type of store in your neighborhood – say: all the Pharmacies. You would Google: “Pharmacy near ..256 Elm Street….” <– your address. Cool!
Since I do not have the patience to search for every type of stores in my neighborhood, I simply used Walk Score. Here what I observed:
- On the one hand, Walk Score missed a few places such as the new Environmental Home Store around the corner, the new Indian restaurant and ignored a piece of the regional park which is right down the street.
- On the other hand I discovered a couple of fitness centers that I did not know existed within a mile from my house.
What comes to my mind is the conclusion that the French Philosopher Voltaire gave 250 years ago to his book: “Candide or The Optimist”. The book closes with: “We must cultivate our own backyard”. Yes, it is time that we cultivate our own garden.
October 17, 2008 at 12:55 am |
This is your across the street neighbor, Jesse. So proud that you are doing this! The wonder of the internet it can help you find commonalities even with those already close to you. I had the same reaction to Walk Score, Mt. Airy shoudl be higher. I don’t have a car, and I have a babe in sling, and we still get almost everything we need (for Killian’s we Philly Car Share.)
May 25, 2009 at 2:33 pm |
[...] Jesse at Philly Eco City was luckier, finding 9+ restaurants, 4 gyms, and even a hardware-home center within a mile radius. Jesse shares a handy Google hack to help you with your own One-Mile-Radius Living: Google maps is great if you are looking for one single type of store in your neighborhood – say: all the Pharmacies. You would Google: “Pharmacy near ..256 Elm Street….” [...]
June 23, 2009 at 5:56 am |
Thank you for your post. I will bookmark your site. What is your recommend shop for the home equpment.