Patrick's blog

I came across this cool new shoebox idea and thought it was worth sharing. Did you know that 80 million shoeboxes are shipped from China each year? Well, after about two years of research, a new type of shoebox has been invented that allegedly reduces cardboard by 60%. The cardboard that's used can easily fold flat, and you get a reusable tote bag to boot! 

I love the NBA. And I enjoyed it even more during NBA Green Week (April 1-9, 2010), during which the basketball league partnered with the Natural Resources Defense Council "in an effort to generate awareness and funds for protecting the environment."

I had heard that the Olympics made a push this year to go green. I saw little of it on the news or in the media. But after reading this I was surprised how much was done (or at least attempted). The IOC and the folks in Vancouver made some very valiant efforts, but there's still a ways to go. I wonder what new steps will be taken in 2012 in London?

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/02/vancouver-olympics-green-medal.php

Not only are wind turbines an earth-friendly source of energy, but their proliferation has created a new job market for rock climbers, who previously never got paid to do what they do. As the New York Times reports, an increasing number of rock climbers are getting work as "rope workers" on the increasing number of turbines, doing maintenance and making repairs.

I've been going to the Austin City Limits Music Festival for all but the first two years. Every year there is something new and different. Usually what gets noticed most are things like the rain (or usually lack thereof), heat, and the great band lineups.

Yesterday the New York Times had an interesting article on solar panels. With the arrival of new, cheaper panels from China, prices are dropping by as much as 40%. Good for consumers; not so much for U.S. producers. See the full article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/27/business/energy-environment/27solar.ht...