[Brief Notes from New York #1]
The new Brooklyn Bridge Park is one of the many reasons why New York should truly be considered a city committed on improving the living qualities of its inhabitants. The park is being constructed on a former industrial port area, and now gradually opening. Piers 1 and 6 of the public park have been opened this year and are already being visited by thousands of visitors. (more…)
Last May, we presented the first steps of our urban agriculture project in Kalasatama – the ‘bagfarm’ organised by Dodo and put together by a group of about 30 farmers.
In the heat of last summer, our farm was proved very fertile, despite the windy weather and occasional problems with water supply. The Urban Dream Management team being amateur farmers with little previous experience, we were satisfied with this year’s crop. And after the first summer’s experience, we also got some useful knowledge of how to prepare for next year and which plants to choose. Altogether, farming in the city turned out mostly a pleasure. Most of all, the huge yield of self-grown zucchini we grew from merely two small seeds, was a miracle for a first-time farmer, and well worth the little effort. (more…)
We have now planted our first ever urban farm! Last Sunday, Urban Dream Management took part in a project organised by Dodo: together with 35 other young farmers, we built an experimental field of gardening bags in the empty harbour of Kalasatama. During Sunday, we saw a number of different ways to carry soil: with buckets, baskets, shovels – and champagne coolers. Without much knowledge of farming, but with the love of good food and the joy of getting our hands muddy, we filled the bags, each with approx. 1000 liters of soil, and planted the first seeds and seedlings. (more…)
While our modes of consumption are becoming more sustainable and slow lifestyles are gaining interest, also the ways we travel are finding new forms. The cure to travel fever might be closer than you think: exploring the neighboring small town, spending a day in the forest or taking the local train to a suburb you’ve never been to. Even in long distance travel, it is possible to choose the slower and more sustainable option. Taking the train turns the journey itself part of the holiday. And, well, flying is not always even the fastest option. As a coincidence, while writing this text, the erupting Icelandic Eyjafjallajökull volcano is causing havoc and canceling all air travel in North and Central Europe. (more…)