SeeingGreen ™

I suppose it is the holiday season that has me making a list like this, but I thought I would share some things that have me seeing green.

1. Portland Aerial Tram
Sure its budget ballooned and many pundits thought it would fail, but I really enjoy this new addition to Portland’s increasingly tower-filled skyline. I also like how efficiently and quickly it moves people from one place to another (even if it’s mostly OHSU employees). As someone who endures a commute that includes the slow chug of MAX as it moves through downtown, I am comforted by the notion that mass transit can be sleek and fast. Plus, its shiny skin and streamlined shape reminds me of another favorite of mine, Airstream trailers.

2. Canoe
I love this little shop that features a nicely curated selection of modern household objects, books and personal accessories. What’s so green about modernism? To me, modern is green in the sense that objects are usually durable, classic enough to outlast trends and designed to inspire stewardship, not blind consumption. On my current want/stalk list is a lovely eyeglass case fabricated with industrial felt, a tube of Weleda Skin Food (less so now thanks to thanks Co-pilot), Heath Ceramics anything and a waterproof bag made by Seal Line.

3. The Library
I’ve already sung the praises of the library before, but I just need to do it again. I love how I can learn about a book, movie or musical group and with a few taps on the keyboard, I can put the item on hold for pickup at my local branch. I’ve made my once-weekly pilgrimage to the library part of my exercise routine and the benefits are multi-fold. Not only do I get to take a healthy walk through my neighborhood, but I also return home with more entertainment, reading materials and joy than I can usually consume in a week. If only cookies were this good for you.

4. Craigslist
In another previous post I mention my obsession with Craigslist, but unlike my other overindulgences, I am less hesitant to admit being a user. Over the years I’ve had great luck both buying and selling items using the online exchange, but a recent success warrants a brief mention. I’ll save you all the graphic details, but I recently sold 65 rolls of recycled content toilet paper that just weren’t quite working for the family. It took six days for me to get a response, but the transaction completely reinvigorated my interest in using Craigslits to score good deals on reusable items and unload those things that clog the system, if you know what I mean.

5. Portland
I was talking to a friend the other day about an old Portland club that no longer exists (Satyricon) when it hit me that I moved to Portland when I was 22 years old, now almost 14 years ago. Not to say that I feel particularly over the hill, I am just struck by how much time has passed and how much I have grown. I really think that Portland has made me who I am on many fronts (that plus good parents). And as much as I feel like I have helped make Portland, it is this beautiful, resource-rich place and the people that live here that keep me inspired, engaged and often surprised by what is possible. Thank you, Portland.

So what are some of YOUR favorite things?