Bethlehem Goes Green! Recycling & Green Living Tips

Bike to Work Day Albany

 

Author: Rob Russell - Delmar Resident & Event Coordinator

I am volunteering for the New York Bicycling Coalition (www.nybc.net) as the event coordinator for National Bike to Work Day in Albany - Friday, May 16, 2008.

Our event provides staging areas/energizer stations (with parking for cars) and are staffed by area bike shops plus volunteers. We have developed designated routes with the various municipalities, two of which are being escorted. We have set up rally points in the City of Albany for bicycle parking. We are providing a fair amount of swag and give aways that are being provided by area businesses. Locker rooms and shower facilities are being provided.

The event website is www.biketoworkalbany.org. There is an online registration process that is vital to measuring the level of participation and ensuring we have enough support.  Registrants can become eligible to win prizes and also have the opportunity to be counted as a cyclist.

I am asking you to participate in this event if possible even if you do not live or work in Albany.

I understand that there are many occupations and obligations that would preclude people from riding their bikes to work. Please talk it up with your coworkers. Forward my invitation to your employer's activity committee. Form a team.

There are many compelling reasons to join us. They mostly deal with the price of gas, the environment or the obesity epidemic. I will offer the following...

My own kids are a lot sharper than I give them credit for at times. They can tell when I really mean something. It is often by observing the difference between what I say and what I do.

If possible, please give it a try on this one day.

Thanks,
Rob

Treasure Hunt on the Old Railroad Tracks

What happens when you bring a half-dozen kids to the old railroad tracks, give them some grabbers, pokers, and plastic bags?

It's a treasure hunt, of course!

Incredible Pride
Not only did the kids feel an incredible sense of pride cleaning up the area, they also received a pat-on-the-back as people walked by and praised them for their efforts. One neighbor raised her hands up and down bowing to them!

Then, A Really Cool Thing Happened!
Ann and her daughter, Molly Mullaly happened to be playing in their yard and asked if they could join us! That was really cool because Ann and Molly were so appreciative and excited to help. It has even movtivated them to head out again this weekend and invite the neighbors on their street.

Barbara McBride also pitched in as she walked her dog, Jake. Thank you, Barbara!

Interested?
If you'd like to gather a group of friends together to clean up your neighborhood, you can use your own bags, or you can call the Highway Dept. at 439-4955, option 1 and they'll supply you with:

• trash bags
• gloves
• vests
• pokers
• let them know where you've left the trash and they'll send a truck to pick it up

Watch this 5-minute video to see all the junk (I mean - treasures) they found! It's inspiring and your kids might catch the eco-fever!

Let us know if this video inspired you or your family to clean up your neighborhood by leaving a comment below. We'd love to hear from you.

A special thanks to our eco-friends: Owen Klein; Mary Kate, Dermot, and Eddie McDonough; Ann and Molly Mullaly; Barbara McBride; and Tori, TJ, and John Trosset!

Hybrid Cars: Toyota Prius 2008

After 20+ years of owning mini-vans, Betsy and Tod Tobin of Delmar decided it was time to downsize.

Their four kids are grown and the only items going in their backseat and trunk are their golf clubs and suitcases! In the 10-minute video below, Betsy discusses why buying a hybrid car felt like the right thing to do for the environment - and their wallet - since they won't be fueling up quite as often.

Betsy shows all the great features of the car in the video, including the roominess, keyless entry, storage areas, gas mileage, cost, and more.

If you live in the Town of Bethlehem and own a hybrid car, we want to hear from you by leaving a comment below. Or, if you own a different hybrid model, email us and we'll shoot a video of your car. 

Eco-Friends

Are you aware of a Town of Bethlehem business or resident who deserves recognition for their eco-friendly habits?

If so, we want to hear about them by clicking on the Comment link below.