Green Options

If you ever find yourself near Redding California, especially on June 21st, you should make an effort to visit Santiago Calatrava’s pedestrian bridge, which spans the waters of the Sacramento River. In addition to being a stunning functional work of art that attracts thousands of pedestrians, families, bicyclists and nature lovers, every year on the summer solstice the beautifully designed structure also functions as an accurate sundial.

Thousands of my fellow San Franciscans poured into the beautiful car-free space of the Mission District yesterday for Sunday Streets. The warm sunny day inspired scores of families, bicyclists, dogs, pedestrians, dancers, roller-bladers and skaters to come together and frolic in our city’s public streets.

Tremont Electric has launched a portable energy generator that allows users to charge handheld electronic devices simply by going for a walk.

The nPower PEG, launched at last week’s 2009 CES event, works on the principle of electromagnetic induction to create a 100% renewable energy source for everything from iPods to mobile phones. To get a charge, users simply connect the PEG to their mobile device and lay it vertically, either against their hip, or in a bag, while they go for a walk or a run.

A recent study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found a strong correlational link between “active transportation” (defined as the percentage of trips taken by walking, bicycling, and public transit) and obesity rates in 17 industrialized nations. It appears that the more we sit on our butts and drive automobiles, the fatter we all become.

For the entire month of October, Blue Planet Run is hosting a nationwide 30-mile challenge. Athletes can run, walk or cycle anywhere, anytime. So far, over 150 events have sprung up across the country to support the effort to provide safe drinking water to three schools in Tanzania that serve 1,200 students and their families.

It’s not too late to register. You can join a team, form a team or go solo. Cover the miles however you’d like! http://www.blueplanetrun.org/30-mile

One of the Tanzanian schools sent out a message that the 30-Mile Challenge participants can read before they start their 30-mile run, walk or cycling. Blue Planet Run is working to build communication bridges between the athletes and the communities that benefit from their efforts.

Editor's note: We're sorry to announce that today's Tip o' the Day will be the last from Rebecca. As one of our founding writers, Rebecca's work for GO has been integral to building the blog. We wish her well as focuses her attention on Ecorazzi and Greener Miami. We'll miss you, Rebecca!

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