For this edition, a sampling of current events in the transportation and air quality world we share with every Georgian who commutes and has a pair of lungs:

Coming Soon: Cleaner Cars

Starting in 2012, new cars and trucks will be required to get 35 mpg AND produce less greenhouse gas emissions. What's exciting about this concept is that it merges together two ideas -- reduced energy demand plus lower environmental impact. It's also neat that the policy will be co-authored by the Environmental Protection Agency AND the US Department of Transportation. Still, it's important to keep a little perspective: in a few years, we'll look good sitting behind the wheel of our cleaner cars, but unless we get more cars off the road, we won't get anywhere.

Lane ends 2,000 feet

Smog Season: All's Clear ... So Far

We're now into our fourth week of smog season and the Seattle-like spate of cool, windy, wet weather has helped keep us in the green. Wish it could last forever, but the reality is that we live in the Southeast, and it just wouldn't be summer without a lingering drought and broiling temperatures. Commuter traffic also factors in to the formation of smog, with tailpipes accounting for 50% of it in Atlanta. But, it's great that we haven't had to sound the smog alarm so far. Are you registered to receive Smog Alerts from us?

Lane ends 1,000 feet

Eye Candy: Visualize Less Traffic

The Clean Air Campaign and many of our partners in the transportation created a compelling visual representation of what it is we're trying to accomplish with your help. Check out this video for an idea of what's possible when just a handful of commuters think differently about the way they get to and from work. Watch this space for a future post describing how we made this.

Lane ends 500 feet

Road Test: Drive Carefully

And finally, the most compelling reason yet to skip your commute altogether and telework. Yikes. Have a great holiday weekend!

Merge

As the trees and day lilies start blooming, it's clear Mother Nature has begun to cast her spell over the region. And with the arrival of springtime, our attention turns to the long list of tasks that make up "spring cleaning." Of course, everyone's list is different ... but how "green" is each of us committed to making our spring cleaning activities?

Here are a few common spring cleaning tasks to consider "greening" as you write up your to-do list:

1. Tune up your lawnmower and lawn equipment
Before you wheel that mower out of the shed and crank it up, remember that the engine probably has not been turned over in months. When you consider that the US Environmental Protection Agency has found a typical gas-powered mower gives off as much pollution per hour as 11 cars, it's worth getting the mower tuned up before yard season begins. New filter, oil and spark plug, plus some fuel stabilizer, and you're ready to roll. If you're in the market for a new machine, why not check out an electric mower?

2. Do a quick check around the outside of your house
Inspect your air conditioner for any obstructions around it and make sure it's in good working condition. After dark, turn on the lights inside, walk around your house and look for any gaps around windows and doors where light comes through -- a sure sign more sealant is needed. Get lots of other ideas here.

3. Put your old PC equipment into the hands of someone who could really use it
Technology moves by in dog years, especially when it comes to personal computers. If you're getting a new CPU or monitor and planning to scrap your old equipment, don't send it to the landfill. Give your Pentium or faster computers and parallel equipment (monitors, mice, speakers, printers, modems, etc) away to ReBoot Georgia, a non-profit that refits old computers for use by persons with disabilities. Contributions to ReBoot are tax-deductible.

Oh, yeah ... one other line that should be on your to-do list: if you've changed your e-mail address in the past 6 months, make sure The Clean Air Campaign has your correct e-mail address to send out Smog Alerts so you'll know when the next day's air quality is forecasted to be unhealthy. That way, you can plan ahead for any activities you might consider doing outdoors. Simply register here.

What other "green" tips or suggestions do you have that might help other "weekend warriors" who are ready to roll up their sleeves and begin spring cleaning?