An EPIC take on Sustainability

Inspired Cyclists

It was finally sunny, if not unseasonably cool, this past weekend as Canada Place once again hosted EPIC - the Sustainable Living Expo here in Vancouver. Our intrepid publisher Amy passed out mags on a bakfiets, while I wandered around inside to get the lowdown on the latest in sustainability efforts, locally and internationally.

First impression: Wow, half of this looks a lot like an auto show. Granted the cars on display were of varying shades of green - from VW's "clean diesel" to Lexus' hybrids to the corner where all the electric cars hung out. It was good to see the industry attempting change, but it just struck me as a heavy-handed wash. Car culture is not sustainable, even if all these new cars are. For a show with such scope, it sure felt a little unbalanced right off the top.

There was not a bike company in sight, but the regional transit authority was there showing off new routes and commuting options. There was the BEST bike valet outside to safely park your bike and Jett Grrl bike studio was on hand for workshops and bike tunings. No Segway's either, but a human-powered version was sighted rocketing along the back corridor.

Big hits: 360 Eco Luxury Vodka, French Rabbit & Thirsty Lizard wines in tetra-packs, Natureland Organic Beer, Salt Spring coffee and all the other booths offering free tastes of booze and caffeine. Yup, people are really into their tasty beverages.

The fashion area was busy and loaded with local designers, many of whom can be scoped at designer-showcase Portobello West on a monthly basis, and most using bamboo, soy, organic cottons and other sustainable materials. I found a cool clothing company called Shirtseed out of Vancouver. Locally designed with bicycle motifs in play, this year's theme is "Celebration of Self-Propelled Movement". Hey! That sounds right up our alley.

My highlight was running into a couple from New Westminster who were wandering the booths with a pair of Dahon's under their arms. After speaking with Zach and Rena, I learned their story: Big fans of Momentum, they read Ulrike's column (Gonzo Goes Misty, Momentum #32) in the last issue and were so inspired, they went out and bought a couple folding tour bikes to make a go of it. So far, they are pleased as punch with their newfound freedom. Chalk one up for Mitey Miss!

All in all, it was an enlightening experience. I suppose it will always be a challenge in getting people out of cars and onto bikes. At least put in context, the options are getting better as more of the public becomes aware of the bigger issues at stake. Next time, however, let's make it half bike show instead.