Big city paradoxes

David Owen speaks about the paradox that Manhattan residents were among the greenest in America because most Manhatanners do not own a car and so their greenhouse gas emissions were far lower than people living in rural Connecticut. Sam Sullivan has been encouraging increased density to reduce the impact on green space of urban sprawl. As mayor he often had to spend a lot of time with community groups who didn't want more density in their area. Sullivan has an idea that perhaps communities who don't want density should pay for something like carbon offset credits to go towards communities that will allow more density.

I've noticed another paradox about big city life. The neighbourhood hardware store is back! There are two small hardware stores within walking distance to us and they are small spaces crammed with stuff.

I've also discovered a couple of small local stores that sell fruits and vegetables at great prices. Green peppers for $1.29 a pound (Safeway's price $3.49 a pound and Capers $3.99) a pound to give you an idea.

Many small businesses offering good value can exist because of the population base because many people don't have cars and even those of us who do have one car tend not to use it much. We're filling up about once a month. In Victoria, we each filled up about every two weeks.


I love this tissue box...fellow bought it on 4th Avenue.


39 cents a pound for Korean mandarins...wow!




Just one other aisle like this one and loads of stuff!