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?

An important barometer for personal transportation is vehicle miles traveled (VMT), a measurement used to communicate how much we're driving ... or not driving. This metric is important because federal transportation funding for new roads and repairs of existing roads is tied to VMT.

It's incredible to think that commuters are now entering the second year of declining travel on our nation's roadways. According to recent national statistics from the Federal Highway Administration, we drove more than 100 billion fewer miles in 2008 than in 2007. The data indicate that vehicle miles traveled in Georgia continue to trend downward, with the latest numbers available -- December 2008 -- showing a 1% decline (50 million fewer vehicle miles of travel on Georgia roads) over the prior December.

Many believe escalating fuel prices triggered the decline in late 2007. But what's causing the decline to continue now that the cost of a gallon of gas has remained more predictable? Most signs point to the ailing economic conditions that touch every corner of America. It stands to reason that fewer Americans would be driving as often if they've been laid off or if businesses are closing their doors. But is there room to accommodate the thought that, because of both the recent experience with volatile fuel prices and the ongoing experience of hard economic times, perhaps more commuters are making conscious decisions to think differently about the way they get to and from work?

While VMT continues to go down, alternatives to driving like telework and transit are decidedly on the rise. More employers are turning to telework as a cost-cutting strategy that also improves employee morale. And transit ridership in 2008 reached its highest levels since the Eisenhower administration -- but new money for transit is desperately needed to keep the momentum going. Still, another positive side-effect of the decline in VMT is that less wear and tear on roads and bridges could make them last longer, at a time when funding for large-scale repairs is not readily available.

How long do you see the slide continuing in the number of vehicle miles we're traveling each month? Is this a signal that commuters are making permanent changes to their travel routines ... or just a small blip on the radar screen?

Telecommuter Appreciation Week is coming to a close, which presents some key opportunities to brag on the success more employers are finding with telework as a critical workplace strategy that creates bottom-line benefits. Clearly, the current economic conditions employers are facing do not invite much capacity for expansion or risk-taking. The focus is squarely on riding out the financial storm, looking internally at operational efficiency and keeping the workforce motivated.

These priorities match extremely well with the adoption of telework programs. And when it's made available, employees are jumping at the opportunity to telework because of its myriad benefits: savings on commute costs and work attire, reclaimed time from not having to travel to work and enhanced work/life balance. Seldom have these factors been more important to employees than in the current economic climate.

The nation's most well-regarded employers are leading the charge, as evidenced by the latest release of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. 83% offer telework.

The numbers indicate occasional telework is becoming more widespread. A study found the number of employees who work remotely at least once a month jumped from approximately 28.7 million Americans in 2006 to 33.7 million in 2008 -- a 17-percent increase in that two-year span.

From The Clean Air Campaign's perspective, the best commute is the one that doesn't involve a tailpipe, as every mile driven puts a pound of pollution into the air we breathe. Telework stands out among the cleanest commute options available in a region that is regarded as one of the most wired in the U.S.

To the quarter-million-plus teleworkers in metro Atlanta, thanks for doing your part to make our roads a little clearer and the air a little cleaner. Your efforts are appreciated not just during Telecommuter Appreciation Week, but every time you work from home.