9.21.2009

Bountiful Boulder



Just visited Boulder and it really is an amazing place! In one snap shot you have granola crunch and granola luxe as far as the eye can see. The city is THE benchmark for putting it's money where it's heart is- Shop Local campaign signs adorn every store window and on a Monday afternoon every shop is bustling, not only with tourists, but with locals as well.

From head shops to home shops eco influence is everywhere. An herbal apothecary, fair trade boutiques, an amazing paper shop, sustainable coffee and tea cafes and every food venue you can think of. And the public works say it all- parking meters are solar powered, bicycles are the preferred mode of transport, recycle bins everywhere and eco-gardening dominates the landscape. The city boasts 30 CSAs and numerous biofuel filling stations throughout the city and burbs.

Sound too good to be true? Not really - but it comes at a price with real estate holding its value at some of the highest in the country and water continuing to be a major concern. Yet street gardens were at the peak and bountiful indeed- from wall gardens to planters, public space and arbors- all were ablaze in color and flowers- a real testament to the urban gardener.

The abundance of sustainable businesses go out of their way to make sustainable living an everyday lifestyle. The ReDirect Guide is a complete guide to green living made simple and has a listings that are a great resource no matter where you live. That said- if you do find your way out west- Boulder is a must do!

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