Cloudy and Green

Our family recently visited Portland, OR for the first time. Up to this point, I have been told by numerous people that I would love the city because there is great food, great scenery, great public transit and because it is a "green" city. I was starting to think that all the hype about Portland was only going to leave me disappointed because it had been so built up in my head. But after about a week in the city, I have to say that I really did like it. I was impressed with how beautiful it was- so many big green trees, mountains and parks everywhere. The public transit was great and the kids loved riding the trains and buses.


The food- delicious. The food carts lined up and down the downtown streets let you eat basically any kind of food you want. Could there be anything better than that?


And green indeed! I know that "green" has become hip or trendy and some even equate it with a "left wing" agenda. But I was concerned about "green" issues before we ever moved to California and have found much more support for these concerns here than I did anywhere else I have ever lived. But I have never seen a whole city committed to living a simpler and cleaner life- until I went to Portland. Evidence of this could be found in the public recycle bin next to every public trash bin throughout the city, the countless bikers and bike lanes throughout the city, the readily available composting bins, and ample vegetarian and vegan food! Oh yeah, did I mention the lack of box stores and chains? In every neighborhood, you could see something new and unique- a value that is so important to Portlanders. They pride themselves in doing it themselves whether it means growing their own food, maintaining gardens with indigenous plants and flowers, or making their own crafty things instead of buying them. I do admire this though having a black thumb I'm not sure how well I would fair;) The pace of life is slower, calmer, and definitely more natural. They grow local and buy local. They are friendly and generous, though not too fond of the wealthy Californians who keep moving up and driving up the cost of real estate. Glad we don't have to worry about that since we're so NOT wealthy! But most of all, I just felt it refreshing to be in a city, large and vibrant, that was clean and committed to changing the impact that cities have on resources and the environment.



This was a bike and beer festival on the river downtown. They actually had these "compost offices" with three bins for your trash. One was labeled 'landfill', another 'recycle" and the last 'compost'. How many cities offer that in public spaces?



This guy actually won a contest in which the prize was a brand new tricked out bike. The contest- give up your car and get a new bike. So this guy won (yes, others, many others, entered this contest) the contest by signing the title of his car over to them and in turn received a new and lighter mode of transportation!

Now I know that this was our first visit and that we don't live there with the day to day, season to season feel. And I am ok with that. For now it will remain in our heads a haven for progressive city living and all around beautiful city.