RETREET BLOG

RETREET redefines disaster relief by engaging communities to replant lost trees.


 
SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.72

A movement is underway to put the Oak back in Oakland, which is perhaps the largest city in the US named after a tree. Read all about efforts to reconnect the city's current residents to its forested past. 

PUTTING THE OAK IN OAKLAND (article)

PUTTING THE OAK IN OAKLAND (article)

Remember when we posted about Solaroad, the solar-power producing bicycle path in The Netherlands? Well, it's been up and running for a while now, and the results are in: Solaroad is generating more power than expected. We certainly hope that its amazing success leads to a rapid spread of this technology across the globe.

UPDATE: DUTCH SOLAROAD WORKING BETTER THAN EXPECTED (video/photo essay)

UPDATE: DUTCH SOLAROAD WORKING BETTER THAN EXPECTED (video/photo essay)

We all know books come from trees, right? Well now, trees come from books! Pequeño Editor, a small publishing company in Argentina, created a book that teaches children about paper production and can be planted once it's been read. The book puts back into nature that which it took out, eventually growing into a mature Jacaranda. They even display germinated books in stores. What a great gift for young ones.

THE BOOK THAT GROWS INTO A TREE (video)

THE BOOK THAT GROWS INTO A TREE (video)

 


 
SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.54

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of World War I. Veterans Day, still called by its original names Armistice Day and Remembrance Day in many parts of the world, was created to celebrate the end of that unprecedented conflict, which took place on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. One project in the U.K. wants to commemorate the sacrifices made by millions during that time by planting four Centenary Woods across the country. What an amazing example of the healing power of trees!

CENTENARY WOODS (video)

CENTENARY WOODS (video)

In Nuenen, Netherlands, artist Daan Roosegaarde unveiled a bicycle path inspired by Van Gogh's famous painting Starry Night. His dreamy pathway is enough to make even the most timid cyclist want to take a night ride.

VAN GOGH BICYCLE PATH (photos)

VAN GOGH BICYCLE PATH (photos)

The Beacon Hill neighborhood in Seattle, Washington has built an urban food forest on 7 acres of public land. Located in one of the most diverse zip codes in the United States, their neighborhood community has come together to grow their own food to rehabilitate the local ecosystem, improve public health and educate about the climate impact of food production.

BEACON FOOD FOREST (video)

BEACON FOOD FOREST (video)

 


 
SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.53

The Netherlands once again leads the pack in bicycle infrastructure design, installing the first solar-powered bike lane. Dubbed the SolaRoad, the 230ft stretch is a pilot project that will eventually lead to energy collection to power street lights, traffic systems, electric cars, and even houses.

The Giving Tree turned 50 this week! Do you have childhood memories of this classic? What are your thoughts on its meaning? Click the link below to watch an animated film version produced in 1973 and featuring the voice of the author, Shel Silverstein. One of our favorites.

And finally, the Rodafonio! This Chilean cycling band contraption needs to join us on RETREET sometime, don't you think? Awesome!

SOLAR-POWERED BIKE LANE (article)

SOLAR-POWERED BIKE LANE (article)

THE GIVING TREE (video)

THE GIVING TREE (video)

RODAFONIO (video)

RODAFONIO (video)

 


 
SUNDAY SHOW & TELL
vol.33

Ever wonder how the Dutch got such amazing cycling infrastructure? The short film below will answer all of your questions and perhaps provide a vision for the future of you city.

Though he has been mentioned before, we wanted to share a short film about Jadav Payeng, the Forest Man of India, who spent decades planting a 1,360 acre forest in the wake of a flood that is now home to tigers, rhinoceros, and apes. What an inspirational tale.

Lastly, take a few tips from a seasoned bicycle thief about how to protect your ride.

Happy Sunday!

HOW THE DUTCH GOT THEIR CYCLE PATHS (SHORT FILM)

HOW THE DUTCH GOT THEIR CYCLE PATHS (SHORT FILM)

THE FOREST MAN OF INDIA (SHORT FILM)

THE FOREST MAN OF INDIA (SHORT FILM)

TIPS FROM A BIKE THIEF (ARTICLE)

TIPS FROM A BIKE THIEF (ARTICLE)