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~ Design, inspiration and the environment insights from Associates III Interior Design.

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Monthly Archives: June 2013

Bike to Work

25 Tuesday Jun 2013

Posted by periwinkleporte in environment

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Bike to Work

May this infographic give you the incentive you need for Bike to Work Day, tomorrow June 26th (and beyond!):

bike to work

How to Bike in the City

19 Wednesday Jun 2013

Posted by periwinkleporte in environment, inspiration

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Bike to Work Day, Cycling, Denver, Grist

In honor of next week’s Bike to Work Day (June 26th in Denver, CO) here is a lovely video from Grist with basic tips on how to bike in the city:

 

Save the Bees!

12 Wednesday Jun 2013

Posted by periwinkleporte in environment

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Agriculture, Bee, Colony collapse disorder, Colorado

By now most of us have probably heard about Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) — stated simply CCD is the abrupt disappearance and death of honey bees. The reason this phenomenon is alarming stems from the fact that bees provide an essential ecosystem service by pollinating various crops, plants and flowers. According to Michigan State University bees are responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. Thus, it is imperative to keep bee populations happy and thriving in our communities. While most of us aren’t able (or may not want) to keep beehives on our properties, there are many ways we can support bees that require much less time, effort and attention.

Suburban Stone Age wrote a great blog post on exactly this topic recently. Click over to read the post or keep reading for a few key ways you can help the bees:

  • DON’T use insecticides, pesticides, herbicides — these can have harmful effects on bees. Whenever possible, use organic methods to control weeds and garden pests. If you absolutely must use any of these, don’t do so during the middle of the day when the bees are most likely to be foraging for nectar or pollen. But, really, the use of these is just not necessary.
  • Grow bee friendly plants — provide the bees with an abundant food supply that will continue blooming throughout the seasons. Know those dandelions so many people consider weeds? They’re actually one of the first things bees feed on in the spring. Other bee plants include cilantro, lavender, rosemary, borage, lamb’s ear, echinacea and so many more.
  • Let the lawn grow — this gives clover a chance to flower and provides the bees with nectar.
  • Supply clean water — particularly important in hot weather or a dry climate (ahem, Colorado). Fill a shallow water basin with pebbles or stones to provide a safe landing place for bees to get a sip of water.
  • Involve the community — talk to people about the importance of bees and why we should do the things on this list to ensure their survival.
  • Get involved — join a local beekeeping group and learn about urban beekeeping from the experts.
  • Support native and solitary bees, too — set up a bee house for these pollinators
  • Other resources — Friends of the Earth: 20 things you need to know about bees (pdf)

Most importantly, just take action! Start with any one of these to support your local bee community. Our food and plants depend on it!

bee on flower

— Amy DePierre

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As a Wick Does

04 Tuesday Jun 2013

As a wick does

Posted by periwinkleporte | Filed under inspiration

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Chalk Art Festival

03 Monday Jun 2013

Posted by periwinkleporte in inspiration

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Arts, Colorado, Denver, Denver Chalk Art Festival, Larimer Square

Denver Chalk Art

Every year, I look forward to the trip to Larimer Square for the annual Denver Chalk Art Festival. I love seeing the way the artists translate their chosen image onto the pavement as people watch over their shoulders. What amazing talent to behold! And, to think, all this work is viewable for such a short amount of time. By the time the festival ends Sunday and we arrive at our office on Monday the images are gone — living only as moments in time captured by the photographs taken over the weekend. For images of the best in show award winners, check out Denver Chalk Art’s Facebook page. This year one of my favorite works had a poignant reminder for those of us (myself included!) so connected to technology:

Unplug

—Amy DePierre

 

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