TREES: Transportation, Energy, Environment, Sustainability

TRANSPORTATION for Peak Oil
change regional plans to anticipate Peak Oil
maintain road networks, don't expand them
upgrade Amtrak and inter-city buses
convert RV factories to make buses
local manufacture of electric cars, bicycles
no “mileage tax” to track all motorists 24/7
Hybrids should not subsidize Hummers

ENVIRONMENT Protection and Restoration
ecoforestry: selective logging to restore tree farms to forests, no clearcuts or biocides, value added products
green business, non-toxic industry, myco and bioremediation,
zero discharge, ban toxics to protect public health, shift to carbohydrate economy away from petrochemicals
reduce garbage: waste is a terrible thing to mind
intelligent (urban) design: beauty not ugliness
(prevent more strip mauls, billboards)

ENERGY for the Year 2025, Region 2050
build solar panel and wind turbine factories
convert grass seed farms to grow biofuels
require passive solar design in building codes
relocalize production to reduce consumption (fewer delivery trucks)
retrofit buildings: conservation & renewables
initiatives for sustainable jobs after Peak Oil

SUSTAINABILITY is not efficiency, it is post-petroleum
paradigm shifts: psychological and political
beyond boom and bust: steady state economy
local food security, more community gardens, teach gardening skills at neighborhood levels, protect farm soils from "development" regional inventories of food production and processing
economic stability needs democratic decisions, Campaign Finance Reform
public health: single payer health care
support local economy: strengthen local businesses, build downtown Farmers Market, not Whole Foods predator, ban big box megastores and franchises
WETLANDS main page

THIS PAGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION

 

Transportation Manufacturing: Bicycles, Electric Cars, Convert RV Factories to mass transit vehicle production

The Eugene area is fortunate to have several types of transportation companies. At least four businesses manufacture bicycles (Center for Appropriate Transport, Burley, Bike Friday and Commotion), which are the most efficient mode of transportation ever invented - four times more efficient than walking, per calorie of exertion.

The “Gizmo” electric car is manufactured across the street from Bertelsen Nature Park. An updated “Gizmo” could be an important component for a local transportation industry.

Two decades ago, when the clearcutting of old growth trees reached their limits due to depletion, Lane County encouraged the development of a Recreational Vehicle industry. Now that oil extraction is near or at the peak of extraction, the future viability of this industry is in doubt. Increased oil costs will slow sales, and eventually drive these companies out of business – the only question is how expensive gas will get before these costs shut down RV production. It would be more sustainable to encourage these companies to use their technical skills to shift to Bus Rapid Transit vehicle production (which could be powered by locally manufactured biodiesel from Willamette Valley grass seed farms that convert to growing canola and meadowfoam).

The local bicycle, electric vehicle and RV companies could be critical parts for keeping the regional economy afloat after peak oil – a source for practical transportation and local jobs after gas reaches $5 per gallon. Nearly all money that is spent now on transportation systems is taken out of the community to be sent to distant factories.