350 and Bici Love

 My friend Robin invited me to join him and some friends to celebrate two things I love, sustainability of our planet and bicycles!

350.org is a website trying to build a global grassroots movement to solve the climate crisis. Why the number 350? Because to preserve our planet, scientists tell us we must reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere from its current level of 392 parts per million to below 350 ppm. Since 2009, the website has helped to organize worldwide events to raise awareness, projects to better the planet, or demonstrations for people to take notice.

Moving Planet day is a day to ride bikes, share ideas, and educate the public about the problems facing our earth and ways we can improve the planet and our own daily lives. It took place this year today, and has over 2000 events in more than 175 countries. 

We met up on our bikes and following the bike paths to a park in Palermo. We helped put together two large banners, one with a giant 350 and the other showing bicycle love. The walls of the park had been painted by a bicycle activist group previously, but we all got to take bike-painting lessons, to add our own touch to the walls. 

The afternoon continued with music and some education. First up was a guy whose sole instruments consisted of two old-school Gameboys connected to an amp. I have never seen anything like it. I wish I would have thought of that. Next up was a more chill singer/songwriter. Later, many of the city's earth-friendly organizations got a chance to talk to us about upcoming projects, and things they're doing to help Buenos Aires to be more earth-friendly. 

It was really cool to be a part of the day. There are so many people in this city with the desire to change the world, and the balls to stand up and try to make it happen. There is so much possibility in this city, and it's so impressive to see so many young people so passionate about something, and trying to make it happen.

our 350 banner

kristin painting bikes

<3

Robin getting painting lessons

Amazing - Old School Gameboy Music

slowing it down a bit

right before this picture was one of the funniest moments EVER. There was a man inside this panda suit. He came into the park to sit down and enjoy the music. He sat down on the two paint containers, as people tried to stop him. I watched it all happen from afar, but my friends were standing behind him. When he turned around he had two huge paint marks on his butt. You know when you're not supposed to laugh and you just can't help it. And you're by yourself, and still laughing 20 minutes later? it was like that.