We’re already well into May – and that means it’s National Bike Month. To celebrate our favorite mode of transportation (sorry, Segway, try again next year), here are a few reasons to put feet to pedals.
Did you know…
…that cycling is almost comically efficient? You’re getting around 3 times as fast as walking but burning the same amount of energy. You’re like a car that does …
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Meet Colin Coon. He’s an ordinary high school senior with a not so ordinary senior project. Having spent the last year converting a 1980 Mercedes station wagon to run on vegetable oil, he has just taken off on a six week cross-country road trip. His goal – to make people more aware of alternative energy sources.
Now, not all high schools would be open to a student’s “˜senior project’ involving a road trip of 8500 miles in a car that’s running on vegetable oil. But then, New Gate School …
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A nearly $800 billion stimulus package passed by our lawmakers contains incentives for we the people not just to follow our hearts, but also good common sense in preparing for the future that awaits us.
The thinking is reducing energy waste and investing in alternative fuels go hand-in-hand with reviving our anemic economy.
The package goes a long way to target energy waste in federal buildings and homes across the country. $5 billion is set aside to help low-income families weatherize their living spaces with energy saving windows and improved insulation.
Another …
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Imagine capturing the CO2 people exhale and converting it into biofuel to power diesel vehicles and heating systems. It’s all part of an experiment that’s taking place at the Liverpool John Lennon Airport in the UK.
The Eco-Box, designed by scientists from Origo Industries, works by capturing CO2 through a photo-bioreactor. This CO2 becomes feedstock for algae which then produces a biomass that can be refined and converted into green fuel.
The Eco-Box carbon recycling system was installed at the airport in January, with a goal of harnessing 24,000 during its …
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Like many other people, I’ve been thinking for a while now that it might be a good idea to ditch the car and get a bike. It has dual appeal. By biking to work, I can not only reduce my carbon footprint but also get fit without ever having to step foot in a gym. And of course, I’d be saving money on gas.
But the thought of having to go out and buy a bike has been holding me back. Until now, that is. I’ve just discovered …
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I’m one of those people who quickly tidy up my car before handing it over at the car wash, disposing of the banana peels jammed into paper cups and cookie crumbs taking up residence in the carpet and upholstery. Such treasures are routinely left behind by my daughters who view my Volvo as their waste can on wheels.
It occurred to me this morning that I should create a car compost system with a portable bin to chase those necessary after-school car treats. Instead of grinding the granola bar remains into my wagon’s cup holders, certain passengers could simply …
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You all deserve a night on the town – your favorite restaurant, your favorite wine, your best friends. Alas. It’s time for one of you to take the short straw – the one soberly marked “designated driver”.
Or, you can hire a limo – and you don’t have to sabotage your eco principles to do it! The green chauffeur industry is on a…roll. (Oh dear, that’s two.)
For example, if you’re in the San Francisco area, you could contact Bauer’s Worldwide Intelligent Transportation. Over 85% of their miles are eco-friendly (they use sustainable fuel sources …
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Not everyone is going to find the idea of biking to work practical or appealing. The distance might be too far. Or it might be that you’re physically unable to bike. Not to worry. There is another way to get to work in an environmentally and financially friendly way – carpooling.
Just as we’re challenging you to give up the bottle in 2009, we’re also asking you to consider another simple step to easing your pocketbook and helping the planet.
Joining with others who are traveling the …
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Bicyclists in Copenhagen will soon be able to take part in a project that will allow them to track the roads they’ve traveled, get a boost up tough hills, and maybe even improve their social lives.
The Smart Biking Project is being developed by the SENSEable City Laboratory, an MIT research group focused on technology and cities, part of MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning.
Using a Facebook application called “I Crossed Your Path,” cyclists will be able to make connections with each other by exchanging information – online or through a smartphone – about which routes …
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