Updates

Infographic: What if Everyone Rode Bikes?

September 25, 2014

As bicycles become a bigger and bigger part of life in American cities, questions about cyclist and pedestrian safety – even the way we design our roads – are getting asked more and more frequently. One question that isn’t often asked, however, is a much more theoretical one: what would happen if EVERYONE rode bikes? That’s the question British money experts at Pounds to Pocket tried to find out, and they came up with some staggering numbers. For starters, if…

Cycling in Amsterdam – Stories on Video

September 23, 2014

When it comes to bicycle culture and cycling safety, Europe is way ahead of the US (although we’re catching up!). That’s especially true in Amsterdam, where it’s less about bikes co-existing with cars, and more and more about Amsterdammers rejecting automobiles altogether for a system that works better for everyone. That’s the kind of cycling culture that this video- titled “Bicycle Anecdotes from Amsterdam” and originally posted at our sister site, Bikocity- is trying to capture and convey. You can…

Supreme Court Hobby Lobby Birth Control Insanity

July 7, 2014

Is the US devolving into an intolerant Christian Caliphate nation? The Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby birth control decision ignores the rights of all women, and really makes me want to puke.

Zero Packaging Grocery Stores are Increasingly Popular

June 10, 2014

As our landfills overflow and the Great Pacific Garbage Patch grows, some good news is that zero packaging grocery stores are spreading across the globe; from Germany to Colorado, more people can buy locally grown food in bulk without wasteful packaging.

We Love Green Festival Grows Sustainable Infrastructure

June 6, 2014

The successful Parisian We Love Green music event strives to create a more sustainable festival model by radically reshaping how huge public events are now organized.

Fighting for Equality: Female Sports and Saudi Arabia

May 16, 2014

Some countries consider woman to be “eternal minors in need of a male guardianship”, and prevent females from equally partaking in society, as well as in sports; though a handful of brave girls are now fighting back to challenge this discrimination.

Olympia’s Procession of the Species Celebrates Biodiversity

April 29, 2014

Olympia just held its 20th annual Procession of the Species parade, which is a uniquely DIY local community based noncommercial arts event that celebrates all life and creatures.

Need for Immigration Reform Being Underlined in Blood

April 23, 2014

Two months ago 15 people drowned trying to cross the border, after the Spanish military police shot rubber bullets at the frightened and exhausted, people. As untold numbers perish trying to flee to safety, the desperate need for immigration reform continues to be written in the blood of these dead refugees.

SF Celebrates Car Free Sunday Streets at Embarcadero

March 10, 2014

Thousands of people converged upon San Francisco’s waterfront last weekend to partake in another festive Sunday Streets public event, biking, skating, walking and dancing, while safely enjoying miles of car-free roadways.

Message in a Bottle: the Method Method

February 28, 2014

Method Soap and Sustainable Coastlines have teamed up to bring some much needed mainstream attention to the problem of plastic pollution. In 2012, the two did a pioneering, eyebrow raising project to gather plastic trash from Hawaii’s beaches, and turn them into new bottles that Method then used for new soap products. Method, which was founded in 2001, is one of the companies we love here at the Important Media Network. They not only make a very healthy set of…

Ukraine Mirror Protest Reflects Our Shared Humanity

January 2, 2014

Ukrainian activists have adopted a number of clever methods for political action, including nudity and humor; now for their non-violent demonstrations they are utilizing an even more powerful tool, a simple mirror.

How You Can Make Bikes vs Cars Documentary a Reality

September 23, 2013

The planned documentary Bikes vs Cars is more than a film, it is part of a global movement to fundamentally change how we get around. Although the simple bicycle is an affordable, sustainable, healthy and fun method of transportation, in many cultures the polluting inefficient automobile still continues to prevail. This powerful film analyzes the politics and consequences of subsidizing the car, and also highlights individuals from around the world who are fighting to improve bike access and infrastructure.

Thai Video Shows Why Caring about Each Other Matters

September 21, 2013

This week’s moment of inspiration comes in the form of a three-minute video entitled “Giving”, which beautifully chronicles the story of a humble shop keeper who is suddenly repaid for some of the selfless and caring deeds that he performed over the course of his life.

Graffiti, Public Art and Images that Make You Think

September 14, 2013

Sometimes the simplest graffiti can offer wise insight into very dense and complicated issues, while at other times art installations may just strive to celebrate life’s ordinary moments. Here are a few examples of some recent thought-provoking public murals, knitter tagging and clever graffiti.