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Entry bubble Your Turn: Reduce and Reuse to Save Money

By: Editor | June 29, 2009 | Category: Money

Water Bottle Picture Our Monday blogger, Jake, has work duties that will take him away from Gov Gab until September. In his absence, we’re alternating between “Your Turn” weeks, where we’ll ask a question to spotlight your knowledge about government resources, and posts from guest bloggers across the government.

Today's Question:  With tight budgets and tough economic times, what little changes have you made to save money?  My family is refilling bike water bottles instead of buying bottled water.  It saves money and the environment. 

| View Comments [5] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: editor   environment   money   reduce   reuse  

 

Entry bubble Bike to Work Day

By: Colleen | May 13, 2009 | Category: Health

Tomorrow is bike to work day. The idea is to promote exercise and physical fitness as well as being easy on the environment.

I think biking to work would be a great idea. I'd love to have some additional exercise built into my day, and I wouldn't really miss riding on the petri dish that is the METRO.

What's stopping me is logistics. I don't know how people manage to bike to work and still be a properly attired professional—especially the ladies.

To be honest, I'm not one of those gals who "glistens" when she works out. There is *ahem* some sweat involved, which requires a full shower to make right. That much I can handle—we're lucky enough to have a locker room at our office. But getting myself presentable takes some work (and a hairdryer, big round brush, styling mousse, etc...etc).

Then there's the whole challenge of clothes. I can't bike to work in my office duds. And I can't just throw them in a bag to change into at the office (hell-o wrinkles!). So, does that mean I have to haul an iron in with me along with everything else? This is getting awfully complicated.

How do you manage to bike to work? Maybe it's something I can do just on casual Fridays, when I don't have to worry as much about my clothes. HELP!

| View Comments [14] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: bike_to_work_day   colleen   environment   fitness  

 

Entry bubble Save the Fish, Save the World!

By: Ginger | October 03, 2008 | Category: General

Marine lifeSome of the most exhilarating moments in my life have been in our world’s oceans. While snorkeling off Honduras, I watched a huge whale shark swimming in the distance below. As it began to surface directly towards me, I thought of the times I’d practiced speaking whale (like Dory in “Finding Nemo”) in the shower. I said, “Goooo baaaack whaaaale, don’t huuurt meeee”. I must be pretty fluent, because the whale shark gently avoided me. While scuba diving in Turks and Caicos, eight eagle rays swam by us in formation, turning in unison like a squadron of jets at an air show. Diving from a safety cage off the coast of Australia, I watched 20-25 sharks in an incredible feeding frenzy.

These experiences have given me an appreciation for our oceans and the diverse life they sustain. Global warming and the impacts of pollution on our oceans worry me, but it gives me hope to know that there are organizations studying and trying to protect our oceans.

Recently, two EPA staff members joined environmental scientists and the crew of EPA’s Ocean Survey Vessel (OSV) Bold to document science and research in action. Read their blog posts to get an in-depth look at what’s involved in protecting our waters.

The Ocean Observing System, is a network of people and technology from various federal, regional, and state organizations that work together to generate and distribute data on the nation's coastal waters, Great Lakes and oceans.

The NOAA is not only responsible for daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings and climate monitoring, but they are also responsible for fisheries management, coastal monitoring and supporting aquaculture.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has a Coastal Program that provides incentives for voluntary protection of threatened, endangered and other species on private and public lands alike.

How can you help? Check out Fish Watch when buying fish to find out which fish populations are listed as sustainable. You can also follow these suggestions to help protect coral reefs. If you are considering a conservation career, check out Careers: Conserving the Nature of America.

So, do you think we are doing enough to keep our oceans viable and to prevent environmental disaster?

| View Comments [5] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: conservation   environment   ginger   marine   oceans   resources  

 

Entry bubble Shopping at Local Farmers Markets

By: Nicole | May 30, 2008 | Category: General

Yesterday, when I stepped outside to walk my oversized puppy, I discovered a lovely sunny evening. As we wandered down the path, I was greeted by the distinct smell of fresh cut grass and the sweet scent of honeysuckle. Summer is definitely just around the corner. Sure, that means blistering hot days and relentless humidity, but it also means extra hours of sunlight and the occasional perfect evening.

I have another reason to be excited about summer: it’s the season for fresh produce. Farmers markets should be regrouping across the country, offering fresh local fruits and veggies, as well as dairy and meat products. The USDA farmers market search can help you find nearby markets and their hours of operation. Many of these markets begin in April or May and continue though November. Some places are lucky enough to have year-round markets.

Produce Stand

Gov Gab bloggers have written before about the benefits of organic gardening and cooking with locally grown foods, but many folks (like me) can’t grow a garden. For us, there are farmers markets.

Rest assured, there are lots of rewards for buying local produce in this time-honored fashion. You can support local farmers, especially those who practice organic, humane, and sustainable farming techniques. You won’t have to worry about a middle-man taking most of the profit, and you can make more informed decisions about what you buy. In addition, you’ll be helping the environment. Conventional stores often transport food from distant regions, which is expensive and requires additional fuel, especially if the food needs refrigeration.

Last but certainly not least, you’ll get to experience the wonderful flavor of fresh-picked fruits and veggies. One of my seasonal favorites is fresh asparagus (with a hint of butter). What’s yours?

| View Comments [5] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: environment   farmer   fruits   local   market   organic   produce   shop   vegetables  

 

Entry bubble Earth Day…Is Every Day

By: Joanne | April 29, 2008 | Category: Home and Family

clouds, sky and horses

Earth Day was last week—remember? You know Earth Day is more than just a day to feel guilty and obligated to plant a tree, don’t you? The first Earth Day was organized to make people think about ecology, encourage respect for life on earth, and to heighten awareness of soil, air and water pollution.

Earth Day is a reminder that environmental responsibility is every one's responsibility, and the choices you make every day can protect or pollute the environment. Start at home by making sure that your home is as energy-efficient as it can be. Not only will it save energy, but it’s going to save you money, and I think we can all agree that we’d like to pay less to heat and cool our homes.

The Environmental Protection Agency has lots of ideas for reducing air pollution and conserving energy, using water wisely, and making environmentally friendly choices.

| View Comments [2] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: day   earth   environment   joanne  

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