Local ResourcesBicycle Coalition of Maine — A statewide group for avid and recreational cyclists, founded in 1992. Runs the Great Maine Bike Swap every year, where you can find reliable wheels for cheap.
The New Rules Project — Run by the Institute for Local Self Reliance in Minneapolis, New Rules advocates for successful public policies around the country that support what it calls “new localism.”
Portland Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee — Volunteer advocacy group for pedestrian and cycling rights in Portland; current projects include advocating for pedestrian-friendly public space and urban redesign. Meets the second Monday of every month at Portland City Hall, Room 209, 6 pm.
Portland Buy Local Campaign — The Web site for this new coalition of independent and locally-owned Portland businesses features a handy list of members.
Sunrise Guide — A collection of coupons for sustainable local businesses, sponsored in part by the city of Portland. Costs $20.
Voluntary Simplicity — Originally published in 1981, this book by Duane Elgin is considered the bible on living “outwardly simple, inwardly rich.”
On the Web
Bicycle Coalition of Maine: www.bikemaine.org
The New Rules Project: www.newrules.or
Portland Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Committee: www.mainebrook.com/bikeped
Portland Buy Local Campaign: www.portlandbuylocal.org
Sunrise Guide: www.thesunriseguide.com
Related:
Indie economy, Out-of-body politic, Growing pains, More 
- Indie economy
Carolyn Mix is one of Buy Local’s newest converts. Owner of the 2Note botanical perfumery, which has been open in the Old Port for about six months, Mix says she joined Portland’s new coalition of independent businesses because she believes in the cause.
- Out-of-body politic
The January 27 march against the Iraq War in Washington DC attracted tens of thousands of protestors, but did it crash the Capitol? Its virtual counterpart did.
- Growing pains
Three years after his nephew was pummeled so hard in the Old Port one night he was sent to the hospital with face fractures, former bar owner Will Gorham, now a city councilor, is leading the charge to clean up Portland’s nightlife.
- Letters to the Portland editor, June 16, 2006
Might I interest you in doing a bit more research on the concept that Nader cost Gore the election?
- The First-Ever Portland Phoenix Short Film Festival
We weren’t really sure what to expect when we first came up with the idea of having an evening of short films as a way to highlight the work of local moviemakers.
- Five things Mainers need to know about global warming
What we need to prepare for.
- Letters to the Portland Editor, February 17, 2006
If you agree that our US senators ought to grant Maine citizens the opportunity to be heard at town meeting forums please contact their offices.
- Startup media watchdog downplays bite
A group of New England journalists, academics, and media critics have founded a new regional organization, the New England News Forum, to support the integrity of area news outlets in an age of increased public distrust of the media.
- Snowe’s tracks
Believe the hype — US Senator Olympia Snowe’s key votes in 2005 and 2006 do, indeed, straddle party lines. Whether you like that or not depends on which issues get to you. Blown away: Jean Hay Bright's fight to topple a political icon. By Sara Donnelly
- Maine’s most massive screw-ups in 2006
2006, we’re going to miss you.
- Hot and bothered
I believe President George Bush V when he says we don’t really need the polar ice sheets anyway.
- Less
Topics:
Lifestyle Features
, Institute for Local Self Reliance
