And a sustainable way to get them home

This is my favorite time of the holidays. When we truly slow down and it's about being, not doing. I find myself collecting my energy for the next year and assigning meaning. For 2009, a portion of my disposable time, energy and money will go to four organizations that hold meaning for me. Clean Water Action, for doing the heavy lifting to restore the original intent of the Clean Water Act and protecting waterways such as the Chesapeake Bay pictured here. Share Our Strength for the momentum they provide for hundreds of local food charities. Two cycling organizations are near and dear to me. World Bike, an international non-profit of bike designers, which was started by the folks at Xtracycle with the idea that bikes for transportation and income-generation should be designed and produced collaboratively with each developing community. Locally, I will support Transportation Alternatives. This pedestrian and cyclist advocacy group brought us miles of bike lanes in 2008 and is making walking in New York a safer proposition, particularly for senior citizens. If any of these organizations hold meaning for you please consider supporting them today with a year-end contribution and include them in your plans for 2009.

Best Wishes for a Peaceful New Year