Greenversations

Each week we ask a question related to the environment. Please let us know your thoughts as comments. Feel free to respond to earlier comments or post new ideas. Previous questions.

With Memorial Day coming up, it’s time to think about the sun. How do you protect yourself (and your kids)? Do you follow any of the SunWise program’s recommendations? If you actively seek sun or use a tanning bed, why? And what would it take to convince you to seek shade instead?

Why do you seek shade or sun?

En español: Cada semana hacemos una pregunta relacionada al medio ambiente. Por favor comparta con nosotros sus pensamientos y comentarios. Siéntase en libertad de responder a comentarios anteriores o plantear nuevas ideas. Preguntas previas.

Ya que se acerca el Día de Recordación de los Caídos, es momento de pensar en el sol. ¿Por qué debe protegerse (y a sus hijos)? ¿Normalmente Sigue las recomendaciones de SunWise? Si activamente busca el sol o los salones de bronceado, ¿por qué? ¿Qué tenemos que hacer para convencerle que debe buscar la sombra?

¿Por qué busca la sombra o el sol?

About the author: Jonathan Shradar is EPA’s Press Secretary.

Of all the days they can pick for bike to work day, they pick one that it is raining. Of course, for two weeks I have been telling my office that I was riding in and they should join me, so I had to follow through.

Giving an impassioned speech during a staff meeting, I even mentioned the three E’s of cycling; protecting the environment, getting some exercise, and benefiting your personal economy. But when it came time to raise your hand if you were riding in… I was still the only one.

It appeared as if I would be riding “alone” if I made the journey, but my word has to be worth more than an excuse to get out of a wet ride to work, so I saddled up and headed to the office.

I live about four miles from work, if that, so my commute is not long anyway but the bike is much faster than taking the bus and depending on how well I obey traffic signals, a bit faster than driving. And this morning in the rain I made pretty good time.

But I didn’t just save time, I got to enjoy the beautiful city I live in. I rode by the Capitol reminding me that the things we do can impact the whole nation and the world. I rode by museums making me think of our role in history and how we will be remembered. And I rode by the IRS reminding me to pay my taxes. Okay so maybe it wasn’t all that great.

The key is that I took a step. I rode my bike to work for one day. I have no idea how much carbon I saved by not driving for ten minutes but one ride will lead to others. That is how change is started anyway, by one act.

What step are you willing to take to do your part? Maybe it is the first ride into work, or is it changing light bulbs. Whatever it is if we are going to truly protect the environment we need individuals to be responsible and change the way we live, one pedal at a time perhaps.

About the author: Aaron Ferster is the science writer-editor for EPA’s Office of Research and Development. He rides to work on the Capital Crescent Trail.

Some links exit EPA.

When I tell people one of the best parts of my job is the commute, they immediately think I must dislike my work. Actually, I have a great job. It’s just that I love my commute. I’m one of a handful of EPA employees hooked on commuting by bike.

The best part of bicycle commuting is that it’s fun; it is also good for the environment and my health. Bicycling reduces pollution and my carbon footprint. I get twice-daily workouts pedaling right past the gas pump and their ever-increasing prices. I have a bike locker at the Metro for those days when the weather or my schedule conspire to prevent me from tackling the trip all the way from Rockville, MD, where I live, to EPA in downtown Washington, DC. Leaving my car at home saves me some $95.00 a month in Metro parking alone.

For days when I can ride all the way to work, I’m treated to fresh air, bird songs instead of honking, and a great view overlooking the Potomac River from the Capital Crescent Trail. I share the skinny strip of pavement with lots of fellow bike commuters, plenty of early-morning dog walkers, and the occasional box turtle or deer.

Friday, May 16th is my favorite day of the year: Bike to Work Day. Bike to Work Day is held in cities across the country every May (National Bike Month) as a way of enticing people to give bike commuting a try and to promote bicycling as a green, healthy, and fun alternative to driving.

Here in Washington, DC the event combines my two favorite things: bicycles and free coffee. Morning convoys gather from across the metropolitan area to join together in ever-increasing numbers as they ride toward Freedom Plaza downtown (conveniently located just across from EPA headquarters). Freedom Plaza is the annual site of Bike to Work Day festivities, including speeches, music, free tee-shirts, raffles, and refreshments featuring bagels, energy bars, bananas, and—oh goodie!—hot, fresh coffee.

On Friday, May 16th, consider giving Bike to Work Day a try (May 15 in some cities like San Francisco). It could very well turn out to be your favorite work day of the year.

P.S. Tell us why you are or aren’t biking to work.

Each week we ask a question related to the environment. Please let us know your thoughts as comments. Feel free to respond to earlier comments or post new ideas. Previous questions.

To bike or not to bike - that is the question… It’s National Bike Week! Biking is healthy, it prevents air pollution, and it can even save you money (filled your tank recently?). So why aren’t you biking to work? Need more bike paths? Different policies from your employer? Government sponsorship or policies? Or are you just a couch potato?

Why are you or aren’t you biking to work?

If you ARE biking, tell us about your route and experiences!

Follow-up: Summary of the comments submitted for this blog entry.
Related: How far do you live from where you work or play? Why?