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By funsherpa, July 8, 2009 8:00 am

Peter Nicholson staring down our generation's environmental issues

Always in search for the answers to unchartered environmental issues, Peter Nicholson shares his thoughts on the current state of the environmental movement, easy lifestyle changes to lower your carbon footprint, and places to see in Lincoln Square.  Aside from running a design consulting firm, Peter is also the host of Chicago’s green drinks – a mixer that incorporates both a panel to discuss environmental issues and an opportunity to network with the movers and shakers in the green industry.  If you don’t know anything about sustainability, or even if know everything about it, you should definitely stop by Green Drinks and pick Peter’s brain about the next big idea!

F: How did you get involved in the sustainability movement?

P: I came to it through design.  I didn’t just wake up one day and want to become an environmentalist.  When I knew that I wanted to pursue design, I asked myself what the interesting challenges and barriers were worth addressing with this approach.  As I became more involved, I realized that I was more compelled by those issues that emphasized empowering people to lead more meaningful and fulfilled lives rather than those focused on creating more stuff to be consumed.

F: Has your work evolved much since you first started getting into the sustainability movement?

P: Definitely.  I started getting into Sustainability and Sustainable Design in the mid to late 90s when few people were talking about it. As my understanding has developed, we’ve tried to incorporate more into our projects.  For awhile, it was primarily about environmental concerns, but now we’re striving to incorporate social and economic concerns into our work as well.  Step by step we are getting there.

F: What are some of your favorite design projects at Foresight Design?

P: It is always the next one – the one that we’re not doing yet!  I like to do things that I don’t know the answer for. For me, the most exciting projects are those that are in the realm of the unknown and we have to figure it out.  The sustainability world provides plenty of opportunities. There is no set roadmap for the problems we face, it is all new.

F: Are you ever worried about being able to find an answer for these unknown problems?

P: Oh every time! Yeah, there’s an element of terror, but it is also that fear that motivates you to push you ahead and think creatively. I take that emotion to drive the answer forward.  If the answer is out there, then we won’t have any clients.

F: How has the sustainability movement changed since you first started green drinks in 2003?

P: There are a lot more people involved with it right now!  When I started there were relatively few of us. Now there are all these people involved with diverse backgrounds and experiences.  Also, the culture awareness has definitely risen.  While we haven’t reached the tipping point yet by any means, I am now able to mention the word sustainability and not necessarily get blank looks in return.

F: Can you talk to us about how the economy has affected the green movement?

P: It has slowed things down in terms of people investing in new ideas and initiatives.  But  there is also great opportunity to change and do things differently. The economic downturn we are in, offers a chance to find a better way of doing things, whatever it is.

When the economy is down, a part of us wants to “recover” and go back to where we . Another side, however may question that and seek to let go, evolve and explore new ground, to recover differently. These two impulses compete with each other.  There is a security in the familiar even though at a certain level we know it is broken and corrupt – we shouldn’t be afraid of changing and moving towards an unknown direction.

F: You once said “Green should be the mass market norm, not the high-end alternative”…can you share some examples of any green mass market norms we can inject into our lives?

P: In general, sustainability shouldn’t cost more money.  Of course anytime you do something new, you don’t have the economies of scale yet and it is going to cost more.  But how about, not driving? How about buying a bike and selling your car? Or not buying a car, and joining a car sharing program instead.  That saves a ton of money.  It is these types of choices that can save us money and allow us to live healthier lives rather than continuing down a pollution generating or carbon generating path.

To do this, though, we really need a city with the infrastructure to support those behavioral changes. Thankfully in Chicago, we have a pretty robust car sharing system, and we have made progress on bike issues. The public transit system is ok, but really needs to be improved.  It is really these kinds of things that give you both greater quality of life at potentially lower cost.

F: What is your favorite technological invention so far?

P: I just bought a Wii and I think that is pretty cool, but when I was taking it out of the box I was like, that’s a lot of packaging!  I think my bike is great, especially with the gel seat that makes riding my bike so much better.  In reality, though, to me the solutions I really enjoy aren’t necessarily technological.  Take something like a green building.  It is not necessarily about putting solar panels all over the building, but more about designing it smarter. I’m not anti-technology, but sometimes the answer is just better thinking.

F: If you were President of the world, what are the first 3 things you would do?

Wow that’s a big question.  First, I would draft a law that says until everyone has enough food to eat and clean water to drink, investments into things such as heated car seats should not occur.  There is a certain injustice in how much time, energy, and intelligence we put into things that are on the verge of ridiculous when there are a lot of people with unmet basic needs.

Number 2, is that we institute Bhutan’s idea of gross national happiness. It is a concept that we consider development in terms of how it contributes to the well-being and contentment of as many people as possible, versus creating things just to make money. It is a very different paradigm than we’re used to.

Third, I would travel a lot…while offsetting the carbon footprint. Purely self-indulgent.

F: We enjoy traveling too! Where are your favorite destinations?

P: I have this habit of going back to the same places, like the Netherlands and the UK, to see some of my friends and sustainability colleagues.  The Pacific Northwest is great to visit because my family is there and because of the sustainability movement is going strong in that area.  New York is also a great place that I use to recharge and get inspired…it is a city that fuels my creative energy.

F: Can you describe your life out in Lincoln Square?

P: Besides taking advantage of the many modes of transportation here, there are some great restaurants, like Bistro Campagne, Spacca Napoli, and Garcias, and several independently owned coffee stores like the Perfect Cup, which we call our conference room. I also love walking around the neighborhood because of the tree lined streets and many residences have converted their lawns to gardens.  There is this Dutch word, gezellig, that I like to use to describe Lincoln Square – it basically means a warm, cozy and comfortable place.

F: We like the idea of green drinks – where do you guys host it?

P: We host green drinks at Jefferson Tap and Grill (325 N Jefferson). We’ve had it there for 2-3 years.  It is near the Green Line and Union Station so it is equally inconvenient for everybody.

You guys should definitely come and check out green drinks!  It is a meeting and educational hub where you can learn something from the panel discussion.  Also, people can join our email list to learn about what we do and how to get involved.  We want people to get beyond the awareness phase into being action driven.  That’s what we are here to do in a fun and meaningful way.

F: Any green buildings you recommend we check out?

P: One place to start is the Chicago Center for Green Technology.  It is a city owned LEED platinum building. Also, right behind it, is Rancho Verde, the headquarters of Christy Webber Landscaping, which is housed in a LEED platinum building.  With regards to high rises, definitely check out Jeanne Gang’s building called the Aqua.  It is near Randolph and Columbus, right behind the Blue Cross Blue Shield building.

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By funsherpa, July 6, 2009 8:00 am

Salma explains what Aami tomakay valobashi means

Always on the go and either posing for the camera or starring in South Asian films, Salma Rosey, actress, model, and world traveler, sits down with us to give us some insight into Bangladeshi life in Chicago.  Although she unfortunately escaped Chicago winters and moved to Dallas, she admits that she misses Chi-town dearly and can’t wait for another meal at Devon Ave.

F: You graduated with a degree in Bio-Chemistry.  What did your parents think when you decided to go into acting/modeling?

S: I started my career as a Chemist but since I had a passion in modeling and acting, I could not ignore the opportunities I had to pursue my passion. Initially, none of my family members were happy, but after seeing my passion for modeling and acting they eventually accepted!

F: What are you up to these days?

S: I just finished a digital feature film ‘Street Singer’ in Dallas, which will be aired in Bangladesh. I played the female lead. I also finished a 14 episode mini TV series ‘Far Far Away’. Both the film and the serial were produced by Chicago Bioscope. I’ve recently been cast for several TV productions, commercials and films but most of them will be shot in Bangladesh, so I’m heading off to Bangladesh soon.

F: So, why’d you leave us in Chicago and move to Dallas?

S: I’m a very family oriented person. My two brothers, five sisters and one cousin live in Dallas. We have now a big family of about 34 members including kids and parents. That’s one of the biggest reasons for me, aside from escaping the terrible Chicago winters.

F: From all the short films you’ve done, which one is your favorite?

S: My favorite one is ‘His Dream, His Nightmare’; the Bengali title is ‘Ekjon Ajmal Hossain’. Based on a true story, it was written, co-directed and produced by Farhad Hossain of Chicago Bioscope. I like it the most because I knew the real people who the story was based on. I also loved the teleplay ‘Chicago Hridoy’ where a Bangladeshi girl got lost in Chicago when she came from Bangladesh for the first time to meet her husband. I played the lead role and got to use my local Bengali accent…I enjoyed it so much!

F: Teach us some Bengali?

S: The word I use most is ‘Dhur, vallagena’ means Oh, I’m bored.  My most favorite word would be ‘Aami tomakay valobashi’ which means I love you.

F: What are some of your biggest fears?  Anything keep you up at night?

S: I’ve fear of ghosts. I know you’re all laughing at me but yes I’ve trouble sleeping at night if I’m home alone. (Boo!)

F: South Asian films appear to be making an entry into American mainstream media with the arrival of Slumdog Millionaire.  What are your thoughts about the film?

S: Though the film is set solely in the slums of Mumbai, it has themes that appeal to individuals everywhere around the globe. The film has been well accepted by older, younger, South Asians, Americans, and everything in between. That’s really the special thing about this film- the impact it has had on such a widespread and diverse movie-going population. After all, who knew that a film with a British director, an Indo-British leading man, and Indian heroine could have such a global impact and win the Golden Globe and Academy Award for the best picture?

F: If you could import a piece of Bangladeshi culture to our own mainstream culture, what would you bring in?  Why?

S: I would definitely import the traditional culture of staying close to family; love, care and respect for parents, Deshi style hospitality and of course the delicious food. And also my favorite outfit – the ‘Saari’ with traditional jewelry. It’s so elegant and I look really beautiful in a Saari.

F: Any advice you’d like to share with people who want to become models/actresses?

S: Have the passion, don’t give up, never let your dreams go.  If you can dream it, you can become it. The only thing that will stop you from fulfilling your dreams is you!

F: What do you miss the most from Chicago?

S: I used to live in the Rogers Park area for a long time. I often went to the beaches close by and sat by the lake during my free time. The things I miss are unlimited. I really miss going to Northwestern, Lake Michigan, and Lake Shore Drive…seeing the downtown skyline, walking down Devon Avenue, and being with my two year old nephew Ronit and my friends. Ah, and sitting by the Adler Planetarium and watching Chicago skyline at night is definitely my favorite and most missed part of my life in Chicago.

F: What’s the closest we can get to Bangladesh in Chicago?  Any places or restaurants out here remind you of the South Asia?

S: Two Bangladeshi community associations organize a Bangladesh Day parade (March/April) and cultural program to celebrate the Independence Day of Bangladesh at Devon Avenue. Hundreds of Bangladeshi people living in Chicago attend this parade which involves a colorful cultural program that definitely portrays a mini Bangladesh.

The whole Devon Avenue including all the shops and most of the restaurants reminds me of South Asia!

F: Do you miss the winters?

S: I initially enjoyed the snow and eventually got frustrated. The Chicago winter is one of the major reasons why I moved down to Dallas!  A Windy City winter isn’t for everyone, with the breeze blasting off of Lake Michigan, it was difficult to find things to do. But with Chicago’s wealth of indoor attractions, excellent restaurants and lively nightspots, some people can make it worthwhile.

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By funsherpa, July 1, 2009 8:00 am

Dale Rush in disguise

Dale may not have found the lost city of Atlantis yet, but he’s definitely finding some cool things under Lake Michigan.  As a SCUBA diving instructor in Chicago, Dale shares the unique wonders of the deep lake with hundreds of students.  The lake may not exactly be the Great Barrier Reef, but there are some awesome sights, such as ship wrecks and sunken cars underneath the deep blue lake. Dale shares more about this and a few tips on how to eat seafood responsibly below.

F: How long have you been diving for?

As a kid I loved the water.  However, growing up in central Illinois did not provide for too many water-related activities.  It wasn’t until about 5 years ago that I decided I wanted to learn how to scuba dive.  I talked to a couple of other fellow divers and then called up a local PADI dive shop and signed up.  Once I jumped into the pool and took my first breath underwater, I knew my life wouldn’t be the same.  It’s even easier to get started with scuba diving these days because of the online courses PADI provides.

F: What was it like growing up in the heart of Illinois’ Amish country?  What’s the coolest thing you’ve learned from the Amish people?

I first moved to Arthur when I was 6 years old and I couldn’t even imagine why people wanted to travel by horse and buggy.  I began to learn that the Amish are very simple and peaceful individuals who contribute a lot to the community and to their neighbors.  They have learned to appreciate the simple things in life and to enjoy everything life offers.   I think if everyone would take a little bit more time to appreciate the little things in life, the world would be a much happier and peaceful place to live.

F: Diving Lake Michigan just seems pretty treacherous – cold water with questionable fish.  Can you tell us why we’re wrong?

Yes, Lake Michigan is a little bit colder than the Caribbean.  However, with the appropriate wetsuit, Lake Michigan can offer something salt water environments can not:  fully intact shipwrecks from the 1800’s.  Because of the cooler, fresh water, there are many shipwrecks, from the 1800’s and 1900’s, which are well preserved.  The wrecks also provide a unique history of the times.  There is one shipwreck that sank in 1929 that has three vintage automobiles that you can dive and examine:  a Hudson, an Essex and a Chevrolet touring car.  In salt water, most wrecks will only last about 50 or 60 years but I have dove on wrecks in Lake Michigan that date back to the 1860’s.  Plus, the reality is we live in Chicago and we are not that close to the Atlantic, Pacific or Caribbean.  Therefore, why travel hours to go diving when you have a water playground in our own backyard.  It is also important to note that you may find some hidden treasures in our lakes.  But I do warn you, make sure you are aware of the local, state and federal laws governing the wrecks and treasures in our lakes before you decide to try and bring something up.

F: What are your best diving experiences?

My BEST moments have been on every single dive I have been on.  From diving in our training lake in Kankakee to diving in Fiji or the Caribbean, I have always loved to dive where ever there is water.  I have encountered a new experience every time I have dove which has included everything from the blue gills protecting their eggs to seeing my first Moorish idol to having a 15 foot Tiger shark swim 10 feet over my head.   Until you have had a chance to get into the water and dive you can’t even imagine the wonder and serenity you experience every time you scuba dive.

F: If you could be any marine species for a day, which one would it be?  Why?

I think I would want to be a shark for a day.  They are beautiful, magnificent and powerful creatures that glide through the water commanding the attention of everything around it.  I would want to experience what it would be like to be one of the most dominating marine animals in our oceans.

Dale acting like a hammerhead shark

F: What if you were a pioneer like Jacques Cousteau, what piece of SCUBA equipment would you invent?

This is a hard question.  Over the last 30 or 40 years, scuba diving manufacturers have been very innovative in the equipment they have created for the divers.  I think I would have to go the Trekkie route and create a linguistic device that would enable us to talk with the fish.  There have been times I have been down at 60 feet and I am face to face with a fish.  Their little beady eyes staring at you and all I can think about is what is that fish thinking?  I can only imagine how the conversation would go:

Me:  How is it going Mrs. Parrotfish?

Parrotfish:  What’s up???  Why do you keep on insisting on sticking that black box in my face and flashing that bright light into my eyes?

Me:  I am just trying to take some pictures to show my friends how beautiful you are.

Parrotfish:  Can’t you see I am trying to enjoy my breakfast and then make some sand???

Me:  Sorry

I think a linguistic device would add to the fun of scuba diving.

F: Our readers are the curious bunch and probably want to learn how to dive.  Any advice on how to get started?

Well, if anyone is serious about scuba diving, they can always email me (see info below).  I work out of Scuba Emporium in Orland Park and I can help them get signed up to become a scuba diver.  I can also help answer any questions anyone may have about scuba diving and what is involved to get certified. In fact, for those of you not sure if you want to sign up but maybe want to try scuba diving first, I can get you into the pool and we can do a Discover Scuba first.  Trust me though, once you put your face into the water and take your first “Darth Vader” breath underwater, you will be hooked.  Shoot me an email and I can help guide you on your way to becoming an elite member of scuba diving.  You can also check out all of the great resources PADI.com and ScubaEmporium.com offers.

F: SCUBA divers, like some of us at funsherpa love the open water and tend to be overprotective of it because it is just damn gorgeous.  What’s your advice for everyone else out there to help protect our aqua ecosystems?

First of all, I always recommend scuba divers to take the Underwater Digital Photography class.  This will help you learn how to take wonderful pictures of our aqua ecosystem to share with your friends back on land.  What I have learned is that many people, who are not scuba divers, do not even realize the impact we have on our oceans, lakes and rivers.  By showing them not only the beautiful pictures of the marine life and colorful coral reefs but also the trash and debris found in our waterways, we begin to educate individuals about how their everyday activities and decisions may impact our aqua ecosystem.

What is interesting is that Jean Michel Cousteau recently aired a show on PBS highlighting the high level of toxins that are being found in Killer Whales.  More importantly, these same man-made toxins are now being found in our own blood streams.  What happens to our marine life can happen to us.

I would recommend individuals checking out organizations like: Project AWARE, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program

Both of these organizations provide a wealth of information about conservation issues and what we, as divers, can do for our waterways.

F: Do you feel guilty eating seafood?  Where’s the best place to find seafood in Chicago?

When I became a scuba diver, I did begin to feel a little guilty about eating seafood.  However, I wasn’t educated enough about seafood fisheries and making sustainable decisions about the choices we make.  There are some types of fish that are overfished and we, as consumers, need to do our part by not eating them.  There are other types of seafood that come from contaminated waters and we should eat them as well.  To learn more about the types of fish that are good choices and which ones to avoid, get the Shedd Rite Bite card, or check out the Monterey Bay website.

One of my favorite seafood places is Wildfire which has locations in the burbs as well as the City.  Some other great choices can be found at the Shedd website.

F: What is your favorite post-dive food and drink and where do you get it?

Especially diving in the Caribbean, I love to have my Dos Equis or Tecate after a great dive.  Here in Chicago, I don’t mind stopping at Artopolis in Greektown for a nice spinach and feta artopita.  They also serve a nice variety of wines and drinks.

F: Where does a scuba diver like yourself go to grab lunch…(please don’t tell us some place underwater ) ?

I am fortunate to work around Greektown and Little Italy.  However, one of my favorite lunch spots is Fontano’s located at 1058 W Polk St.  They have some of the best Italian subs you can find and they provide daily specials.

F: Any cool romantic dinner spots you’d like to share with our readers?

One of the first places I took my wife to was Café Bolero.  They serve some of the best Cuban cuisines I have ever tasted and the plantains are to die for.

F: Any particular dive site you’d recommend that we check out?

I am still new to diving in Lake Michigan so there are hundreds of sites I have yet to dive.  However, I love to dive the Straits of Mackinac.  There is a fully intact 204 feet car ferry that sits in 80 feet of water.  Since I enjoy diving wrecks and going deep, this is always a great dive.  However, I am sure my favorite dive site is still to come as I continue to explore other parts of Lake Michigan.

F: How do our readers get in touch with you to start learning how to dive?

Maybe you are unsure about learning how to dive or perhaps you are just looking for a dive buddy, I can help answer any questions you may have.  Feel free to email me.  You can also contact ScubaEmporium and let them know Dale sent you.