Tracy L. Barrnett
Esperanza Road Report & An Appeal
"HOW WONDERFUL IT IS THAT NOBODY HAS TO WAIT A SINGLE MOMENT BEFORE BEGINNING TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE."
Riding with the bulls in Vinales
Posted: 19 Mar 2010 09:22 AM PDT
(Author’s note: Now I’m looking out on the Carribean from the southern coast of Belize, but I’m taking a few days to catch up, catch my breath and write about Cuba and Mexico. Please excuse the lack of chronological consistency!)
Above: An oxcart driver looks back to warn us of the “lake” across the road ahead.
Life Lessons on Maya Mountain
2. Lost connection to nature; an eco-psychological imbalance.
Antidotes: Ecological restoration, Permaculture
Com:Plot conspires to take back a city
One of the most intriguing groups in Guadalajara is Com:Plot, whose name is a play on words; “complot” means “conspiracy” in Spanish, and “plot” is a reference to the public space in question.
From Mexico to Palestine: Carbon Offsets
Much has been written about the pros and cons of carbon offsets. The idea, if you haven't been following, is that you pay money to a nonprofit organization to plant trees or invest in renewables or otherwise reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere in an attempt to offset the carbon you've generated.
Coffee with the Subcoyote
Alberto Ruz Buenfil, otherwise known as Subcoyote Alberto, has left his mark on the continent like no other.
He would be the first to say he didn't do it alone - there were hundreds, perhaps thousands of collaborators along the way, and I hope to meet many of them in my coming travels. But there is no doubt that in a lifetime dedicated to social change, and in the 13 years he dedicated to the Rainbow Caravan for Peace, he inspired a generation of writers, artists, gardeners and activists dedicated to a more sustainable future - including yours truly.
The Organi-K Whirlwind
January 24, 2010
The other day I got a peek into the packed agenda - and the busy mind - of one of Mexico City's most influential young environmental leaders, Arnold Ricalde de Jager. On the itinerary: Green roofs, peak oil, Mexico City's emerging green leadership, the upcoming COP16 talks, and a festival to celebrate trash.
"Twenty years ago we were the most polluted city on earth," Ricalde reflects. My, how things are changing.
Coyoacán: The Coyote Capital
January 22, 2010
Coyoacan has always been one of my favorite parts of Mexico City - indeed, it's the favorite of millions, being a top tourist destination and the home of Frida and Diego, Leon Trotsky and Hernán Cortés.
Happy travels,
Tracy
Guadalajara by night - and by bike
January 25,2010
It's not every day you get to ride with 500 enthusiastic bicyclists to the theater. But in Guadalajara, you can do it once a week. Matter of fact, you can ride with a herd of cyclists pretty much any night of the week - just pick your flavor.
