Ideas: Organic Green Pepper

Posted on by catinon

I was a server at Green Pepper, a Korean bistro and lounge nestled in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh.

It was wonderful getting to learn about a new style of ethnic cuisine, I just wish the food were organic. As a personal preference, I wish there was less of an emphasis on meat. The veggie side dishes are part of the meal too, you know.

I also wish there was recycling. And compost.

I wish I could do a sustainability assessment with the help of my friends at Sustainable Pittsburgh and their Sustainable Restaurant Program. Do a complete overhaul and highlight the process as a case study. The ground is ripe with opportunity.

I wish there was more of a dedicated space to learn about Korean culture and history instead of just K-pop and random bits of news blasting at you from giant television screens while you eat. It’s entertaining and immersive, sure, but I’m more of a knowledge and experiential seeking girl. I want to be transported to a place a world away and feel what the vibe is like for everyday people there.

I have a few ideas regarding design, efficiency, placemaking, web development, etc. I’d like to share.

Ideas: Sustainable South Side

Posted on by catinon

Existing circumstances

  • South Side Park Master Plan in progress
  • 21st Street Complete Green Street Project
    • M16 Watershed is a Top 3 Priority watershed in the City of Pittsburgh because of the high density of development in South Side along the route to the river from natural spring water stemming from South Side Park mountain
  • PennDOT Repaving East Carson Street
    • “This approximate $12-15 million resurfacing project also includes signal upgrades, ADA curb cut ramp installation, and pedestrian safety improvements on East Carson Street between Smithfield Street and 33rd Street in the City of Pittsburgh. Work is expected to begin in the fall of 2018 and conclude late in 2019” – PennDOT Website

My wishful thinking of continued green ideas:

  • Traffic circle where Birmingham Bridge meets East Carson Street
    • Facilitate continuous flow of traffic
    • Make the crossing more pedestrian-friendly
  • Dedicated bike lanes
  • No parking on East Carson Street
    • Build garages or have lots nearby
    • Increase and incentivize local public transportation
  • Green buffers like trees, planters, window flowers
    • Traffic calming
    • Noise reducing
    • Pollution filtering
    • Water capturing
    • Business building
  • Eventually turn East Carson Street into a Fußgängerzone
    • Pedestrian-only, like many other cities all over the world have (but not Pittsburgh)
    • Like BikePittsburgh’s Open Streets, but for more than a day
    • If not all the time, then for a week or weekend
  • Solarize South Side through Solarize Allegheny
    • South Side Slopes, specifically
    • For any flat roofs, show us how to put in green roofs or gardens

Ideas: Whole Foods Market

Posted on by catinon

I was a cashier at Whole Foods Market for six months. During my time there, there was a lot I learned, a lot I liked, and a lot I would like to see improve.

These are ideas are from my own big head and in no way reflect the views of WFM. Any coincidences are merely coincidental, although if you have the means to put ideas into action I’d love to collaborate and brainstorm more!

  • Localized checkouts in each department
    • Make it more traditional “Market” style– a different booth for the different vendors of produce, seafood, meat, cheese, bakery, whole body, grocery, etc
      • It’s in the company name already so no need to completely rebrand, just reframe
    • Staff has more localized knowledgeable
    • Inquiries are addressed faster and more efficiently
    • Customers save time by only going to areas they need
    • Less of a stress on overall cashiers who are far removed from the rest of the store
  • Modify the floor pattern upon entering PTB location since it’s a bottleneck of different flow patterns with the customer service desk and cramped produce isles
  • Partner with a local organization, artist or other to host a DIY or BYOBag event
    • Incentivize regular customers
    • Rally around a shared event experience
    • Reduce global waste from paper bags
    • Save company money by ordering less single-use sunk cost stock every week
  • Add greenery from Floral and/or salt lamps from Whole Body at each register
    • Counteract the lasers and EMF radiation cashiers are exposed to during daily operations
    • Inspire a sense of calm at the checkout process

Even if not all realistic, this girl likes to dream big. Leave your ideas and reflections if you have them in the comment section below. What else is possible?!