Sometimes little things give hope that progress is possible, and that maybe “if we act as communities, it might just be enough, just in time,” to quote the Cheerful Disclaimer. This last week the little thing for me was the discovery of permaculture by the New York Times. Now, I’m not so naive to believe that seeing permaculture in the mainstream press is going to make a lot of difference immediately, although I wouldn’t be surprised to see a surge of interest in permie classes across the country with long-term benefits to both participants and the environment (FYI, classes are offered here in Houston by the Permaculture Guild of Houston, through Urban Harvest).
I think the important point is that awareness is growing in our country: awareness of our ecosystem impacts, awareness of the lack of sustainability in our lifestyles and economy, and also awareness of that which is missing in our lives–community, connection, purpose. Permaculture is a positive response to that growing awareness, as is the permaculture-based Transition movement.
There are a couple of opportunities to join with others in our Transition Houston community this week and next. Please avail yourself of these options to increase your awareness and find connection with a community of folks working for a resilient Houston region.
Transition Houston Hub meeting, Tuesday, August 2, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Green Film Series Presents Blue Gold: World Water Wars, Tuesday, August 9, 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Transition Houston Hub meeting, Tuesday, August 2, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
We hope to see you at Tuesday’s Transition Houston meeting, which will feature a guest speaker in addition to news from the Transition Neighborhoods and Action Groups.
We are very fortunate to have Peter Wang, League of American Bicyclists Cycling Instructor, as our guest speaker. Peter is considered a local biking expert. He’s everywhere as a go-to guy for media interviews about bikes, and has been involved in a lot of bicycle issues. He is risk-averse–exactly the kind of guy you would want to help you practice being safer!–and has taught a lot of these safety classes.
Peter will present a video screening followed by a discussion. The video is Enjoy The Ride, about essential bicycling skills. It will provide straightforward instruction for checking over your bike, bike-handling skills, and riding confidently in traffic. The video is based on principles of the BikeEd curriculum developed by the League of American Bicyclists.
TOPICS COVERED
- pre-ride checklist
- bicycle handling skills
- riding in traffic
- identifying & avoiding hazards
- riding in all conditions (night, rain, hills)
We will also have updates from our Neighborhood Initiatives and Action Groups.
As is our tradition, the business program will end at 8:30 and the time for refreshments, conversation, and community will begin.
Parking: If the Church lot is full, parking is available in the parking lot of the Rice Village Animal Hospital just across Rice Blvd. on the northwest corner of Rice and Greenbriar. Another option is the Rice University parking lot across Greenbriar from the Church ($1). Bicycle parking is in the greenspace within the church parking lot.
Transition Houston Hub Meeting
Tuesday, August 2 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Christ The King Lutheran Church
2353 Rice Blvd., Houston, TX 77005
For more information and RSVP: Ning or Facebook
Green Film Series Presents Blue Gold: World Water Wars, Tuesday, August 9, 6:30pm to 9:00pm
The Rice University Environmental Club, Houston Tomorrow, the Emerging Professionals of the Houston USGBC, and Transition Houston present the August film in our Houston Green Film Series–Blue Gold: World Water Wars.
Based on the ground-breaking book by Maude Barlow and Tony Clarke, Blue Gold: World Water Wars sheds light on the world’s rapidly approaching water crisis and suggests that wars of the future will be fought over water (as they are today over oil) as the source of all life enters the global marketplace and political arena.
Following the movie, we will highlight the local non-profit Living Water International that is working to solve global water issues.
Schedule:
6:30 Meet and Greet
7:00 Featured Film
8:00 Water Non-Profit Showcase
Refreshments will be served. A $5 donation is suggested and greatly appreciated.
Blue Gold: World Water Wars
Tuesday, August 9
6:30pm to 9:00pm
Rice University Media Center
2030 University, Houston, TX 77005
For more information and RSVP: Facebook
Looking forward to seeing you at these events!
Transition Houston 