California Life brings you the best of Bike Month
Palm springs is already known for being a sustainable city but during the Month of May they’re taking the green mission a bit further by declaring a city-wide Bike Month. The goal is to get as many people pedaling as often as possible in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint.
The city of Palm Springs Sustainability Commision and PS Cyclery generously donated bike helmets, flashing reflectors and bike route maps which were given away free of charge to participants who signed a pledge to get a little greener by riding their bikes among other easy tasks.
While bike enthusiasts lined up for the giveaways, fans showed up to catch a special viewing of the story True Fans. Author Dan Austin made a guest appearance to talk to fans and sign autographs of the movie based book.
The Green For Life Climate Action Crew also made an effort at educating individuals and gave away pledges with a list of easy actions individuals could do to reduce their carbon footprint such as:
Good
• Cutting 10 minutes off shower time
• Setting thermostat to 78 degrees during the summer
• Running big household appliances after 8PM only
• Air drying laundry on a clothes line once a week
• Use a power strip for electronics and shut it off when not in use
• Check tire pressure every month and before a long road trip
• Carpool or use alternative transportation once a week
• Set up a recycling program at home or in the office
• Encourage or request telecommuting once a month
Better
• Plant a drought tolerant tree in your yard in the next 30 days
• Install “low flow” showerheads in your home
• Check for and seal leaks at your home in the next 6 months
• Replace incandescent light bulbs that burn out with compact florescent ones
• Install drip irrigation and timers for landscaping over the next 6 months
• Turn water heater down to 120 degrees
Best
• Replace lawn with native, drought tolerant landscaping in the next year
• Install “low flow” toilets in your home
• Install photovoltaic solar panels or solar water heating and an on-demand water heater system in the next year
• Replace old inefficient appliances as they wear out with new efficient ones
• Get a home energy audit (www.energystar.gov)
• Add insulation to your home
• Buy a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle for your next vehicle
• Replace your air conditioner (6-8 SEER) with a newer, efficient A/C unit (14+ SEER)
With even the slightest changes small moves like riding your bike just 8 miles a week instead of driving your car you can cut your carbon footprint from 8 tons by 400 pounds.
To see our full episode visit www.californialifehd.com
Tags: 88 bikes, bike month, dan austin, gabrielle d'addario, palm springs, palm springs bike month, Palm Springs Sustainability Commission, PS cycler, sustainable palm springs