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| Friday, June 12, 2009 |
| Cities Are Going Greener |
Last week I went for a short trip to Montréal. Compared to my trip last year where the main focus was on food, this year was mostly about family and culture. Don’t get me wrong, I had some good food this trip too, but what still amazes me is the difference in portion sizes compared to what I get in Florida. I’m always so happy to see a normal size plate with just a scoop of potatoes or pasta rather than a mound of it.
What really caught my attention this trip was the “green consciousness”. A lot of stores are actually charging customers five cents for each plastic bag if the customer didn’t bring their own shopping bags. Customers have had progressive training with this concept. For years customers have been encouraged to bring their own bags, but now they are really going for it. I went to a nice spice and gourmet food store where they had a sign saying they were not offering bags anymore. No bags, not even paper bags. Good thing I always travel with a large handbag!
Shortly after visiting the gourmet food store we went to a museum. I was looking for a trash can to dispose of my empty plastic water bottle and a museum attendant directed me to what looked like a recycling bin. The trash can was actually divided into three recycling compartments; paper, bottles and cans and regular trash. I thought this was great and later I saw larger similar containers on the side walks in the city.
The last thing that got me excited was the new “Public Bike Program”. Like many large European cities, Montréal started this program where you can find bikes to rent throughout the city. People can rent by the year, month, week or day; or by 30 minute increments and the first 30 minutes is free. I saw many of the bike racks totally empty throughout the weekend. Some cities accept bike and monetary donations to support their programs and others post advertisements for revenue. As of now, Montréal is not accepting any of those, which may impact location cost.
I was aware of these programs mostly in Europe and I’ve seen the yellow bikes all over Milan, but after a quick Google search I realized there are numerous American cities offering similar programs. This is a great and cheap way to get around when traveling. Have you ever used these programs? Or maybe you would like this in your city? Check this website for more info.
Here’s just another reason why I enjoy traveling so much, I never know the impact a trip might have. And since I have the opportunity to write here on the blog, I’m always wondering what I can share with you when I get back. So yes, I had great spicy lobster in Chinatown, but the “green awaking” was much more important and I would really like see more of this in Florida.
- Josée
Labels: Go Green, healthy living, Healthy Planet, Josee, Travel
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posted by My Sensei @ Friday, June 12, 2009   |
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| 7 Comments: |
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Interesting, I would have guessed Vancouver was our (Canada's) 'greenest' city but it looks like Montreal might have us beat!
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Yet another reason to love Montreal. I would love to go back there again!
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What a cool post! Amazing what other countries & places are doing to help the planet! I hate bike riding so I just rather walk but such a cool program! This should be more places AND the bag program too!
Thx for the info!
PS: Years & years ago, I went to Vancouver, Whistler & Victoria. It was such an awesome trip!
Southern CA does have nice weather (except lately) BUT it is so dang crowded & pollution!
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wow, I wish all the other parts of the world would also take such actions! Imagine how different the earth will be...
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I've always wanted to go to Montreal. I've heard it's beautiful and very European.
The bike program sounds really neat. I wish I lived in an area where it was easier to get around by bike. One of the downsides of the suburbs.
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Just came by to congrat you on winning PB2 from Cammy. I'm so glad I came over. You have a great site and this is a very interesting post. I actually bought some of those bags but always forget to take them with me. I must be more mindful. Thanks for the reminder.
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I was there once when I was little. I remember it being nice...glad you are back.
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Interesting, I would have guessed Vancouver was our (Canada's) 'greenest' city but it looks like Montreal might have us beat!