Originally established in June 2004 as a personal blog for James Schwartz, The Urban Country has evolved over the years into a 100% independent, ad-free lifestyle blog that embraces the philosophy that life is more enjoyable when citizens are provided public spaces and transportation options that encourage them to be active, healthy and live simple lifestyles within vibrant communities.
The term "Urban Country" stems from the fact that Canada is a country of vast land with the majority of its population concentrated in urban centres. We believe less consumption and less driving can help foster these vibrant communities which benefits all of us.
The Urban Country's mission is to encourage the proliferation of utility cycling in North America - where only about 1% of the population commutes using a bicycle.
Children should be given safe routes to bike and walk to school in the same way adults should be provided safe streets to commute to work. Utility cycling can help overcome many modern day issues such as pollution, gridlock, stress, wars, climate change, obesity and urban sprawl.
We believe the future of mankind depends on our ability to live sustainable lifestyles and care for the earth and each other. The Urban Country doesn’t accept the status quo of society and strives to help readers (and ourselves) become more aware about how we can all help make a positive impact.
If you’d like to contact The Urban Country, please use our ‘Contact Us’ page.
Editor
James D. Schwartz
James is the Founder and Editor of The Urban Country. He is a Technology Consultant, Writer and tree-hugger, living a simple urban life in his downtown Toronto loft with fiancé Han and dog Mojo. He loves the outdoors and enjoys writing about cycling, simple living, and other topics that affect our everyday lives. He can be reached at james.schwartz@theurbancountry.com
Contributors
George Pechtol
George embodies fascination and curiousity about life, holds degrees in philosophy and biochemistry and is most passionate about the human condition. Born and bred on the prairies of Alberta, he moved to the bustling metropolis of Toronto to work as a mild-mannered technology consultant. George tries whenever possible to protect and serve the greater good - either by leveling peaks and valleys of socio-economic disparity or elevating awareness of self-destructive societal trends. He's a firm-believer in "tending one's own garden" first and foremost, but loves to share his views on the world in the hope that like-minded people will gain conviction from a shared point of view.
Past Contributors
The Urban Country is always looking for talented contributors who share the same passion for living.
If you’d like to contribute to our The Urban Country, please send some information about yourself along with some samples of your writing to contribute@theurbancountry.com.
