Well, he wouldn’t actually be the “first” U.S. farmer of industrial hemp; he would just be the first since the growing of hemp was made illegal in 1938, and temporarily allowed during World War II.

On Monday, David Monson, a resident of North Dakota, turned in his official application to the state Agricultural Department to become the nation’s first licensed hemp farmer. The stipulations? He had to submit a set of fingerprints; the government wouldn’t want a criminal growing hemp now would it?

Industrial hemp has caused a lot of debate recently. Many countries allow it, but the US has kept it illegal because of fears from the law enforcement community that it would lead to illicit marijuana. Six other states — Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Montana and West Virgina — currently have initiatives that would allow for industrial hemp farming, but the initiatives have yet to come into action.

Here’s to hoping Mr. Monson’s fingerprint check comes up clear, and then maybe we can quell the myths about hemp and get on to using it to produce a whole slew of products from cereal to cosmetics.

[Via Treehugger]

[photo via hemptn.info]

That’s right. Time to stop complaining about high gas prices and get on your two wheels instead. That is what the League of American Bicyclists is promoting, with Bike to Work Week and Bike to Work Day on May 16th. In the grander scheme of things, May is in fact Bike Month. Maybe that’s because the weather is supposed to be nicer? If you need inspiration on ways to celebrate, check out the League’s 50 ways to celebrate.

Or you can just be like the guy in the picture — taken in Hanoi, Vietnam — and actually work from your bicycle.

When I’m not Wending my way, or even when I am, I publish a little literay non-ficition zine called Foulweather. This issue is a socio-political history of The Beach in popular culture… or something like that… It comes with a cool post apocalyptic surf poster. You might like it.

Today marks the launch of Matador Network, a travel website that combines the quality of an online magazine with interconnectivity of a social network. What exactly does that mean? It means that with an online community of travelers that are passionate about writing and sharing their insider information, Matador Network keeps up seven distinct but interconnected sites, all with a goal of dispersing vibrant travel information.

The seven websites include MatadorTrips, full of destination guides; MatadorStudy, with information and resources for studying abroad; MatadorNights, insider tips on the world’s hottest nightlife; Matador, chock-full of world volunteer opportunities; TheTravelersNotebook, the place for practical travel tips; and BraveNewTraveler, featuring essays on the nature and philosophy of travel.

Matador doesn’t only attract aspiring freelance travel writers, it also provides a collaborative space for non profits organizations and travel groups. Most importantly, Matador aspires to be socially and environmentally conscious, something that we can all get behind.

It’s always sad to see companies that are doing good things be forced to close down. Such is the case with Nau, the socially and environmental clothing company, that announced this week its impending closure. As the company stated on its website “in the current highly risk-aversive capital market, we simply could not raise the necessary funds to continue to move forward.”

But even though Nau can’t move forward, it still managed to make some positive change in its first year as a business. Not only did it push the boundaries of what it means to be a socially and environmentally responsible company, but it also managed to donate over $223,000 through its customer-directed giving program, Partners for Change.

The only good thing that comes from Nau’s closing is its 50% off of everything sale. Get in there before it’s gone, because as Nau says itself “you’re purchasing a collector’s item.” We at Wend are sad to see them go.

What do you get when you combine one million cyclists, 50 states and a day of national rallies? Positive social change in the form of a national bike movement. At least that is what Joe Kurmaskie is hoping for.

Known to most as “Metal Cowboy,” Kurmaskie is a nationally recognized magazine columnist and bike fanatic. Pushed by two tragic bike accidents in Portland last October, as well as inspired by U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer’s call for a “national movement,” Kurmaskie decided to launch One Million Bicycles.

The goal is to round up 1 million cyclists by August 9, 2009 when they will come together in rides and rallies across the nation. “Think of this as the cycling equivalent to Woodstock — but in 50 states and upwards of 100 rallies all on the same day. We’re trying to be positive agents of change by talking our talk through the rallies and walking our talk, or in this case, riding our talk,” said Kurmaskie.

Today marks the official national launch of One Million Bicycles’ website. Here people can find out more about the project as well as register for $5. Why have a fee? For every dollar raised, 75 cents goes to the repari and tune-up of used bikes for giveaway, 15 cents goes to promotional support for the rally, and 10 cents to administration. The used bike giveaway is a central focal point of the project; along with getting one million riders to sign up for the national day of action, one million used bikes will be given away as well.

One Million Bicycles also hopes to raise awareness and support for Congressmen Blumenauer’s recent National Bike Bill, which calls for a doubling of current funding for bicycling at the state and national levels. As Blumenauer has said himself, if one million “cycling fanatics” around the country could work together than it would have “a transformational effect on politics.” Time to get on your bike and start making a political statement.

In case you didn’t know, today is Free Cone Day at all Ben and Jerry’s shops. Here is the link to find your nearest store.

Here in Portland, PDX pedicab is offering free rides to the two Downtown Ben and Jerry’s locations. Get the whole scoop here! Ya I know, that was bad…

Via-bikeportland.org

Up and coming Maryland-based paddler beat out paddling legend Tao Berman on his own turf April 12 to take first place in the Washington Canyon Creek Race.

Now in its 16th year, the event drew almost double the number of competitors expected and a huge crowd of spectators who scrambled up and down cliffs and scaled rock walls to get to the drop zone (the last set of waterfalls) to watch the action.

It was a fantastic day, with clear skies, highs in the upper 70’s and an afterparty that went into the wee hours. Good times.

But it’s the history of the Canyon Creek Race that makes me smile. In 1991 a developer got a permit to drain all the water out of the river for a micro-hydro project to generate electricity. As a way to fight the project and raise awareness, American Whitewater Regional Coordinator Andrew Wulfers and Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe organized the first-ever Canyon Creek race. The strong show of support and popularity of the race put the hydroelectric project on hold.

But the permit still exists. And the Canyon Creek Race isn’t just a fun whitewater event. By paddling the river, river users are able to demonstrate a record of use that is key in fighting hydroelectric licensing. So if you were lucky enough to be one of the people who either showed up to watch or compete, you were also part of a plan put in place 16 years ago to protect this incredible river.

Better plan on bringing your own bag on your next shopping excursion at Whole Foods; the natural and organic foods chain has decided to eliminate
disposable plastic bags. Many grocery stores encourage customers to purchase re-usable bags in order to decrease the use of plastic ones, but Whole Foods is one of the first to completely get rid of the environmentally destructive bag, forcing customers to bring in their own re-usable bags, or opt for a 100% recycled paper bag. Doesn’t matter what type of bag you bring - cloth, plastic, baskets, backpacks - as long as it’s re-usable.

Although some American cities have bans regarding disposable plastic bags, in the United States there is no federal regulation. Other countries are a little more forward thinking and have taken steps to make providing and using plastic bags more difficult. In Ireland there is a plastic bag fee, both Australia and Norway are considering bans, and in Botswana customers are required to bring thir own bags or pay for thicker, recycled plastic ones. Hopefully Whole Foods can lead the way for American grocers to do the same.