(via The Clean Air Campaign):

Across metro Atlanta, half of all smog-forming emissions come from the tailpipes of cars. But there are innovative ideas out there – in other parts of the country and much closer to home – to improve the quality of the air we breathe.

In what sounds like it could belong in a science fiction tale, engineers in Missouri recently began laying a new type of “smog-eating” concrete on the roads that absorbs air pollution. This special pavement is blended with a compound that draws in smog, uses sunlight to break it down, and releases it as nitrogen and carbon dioxide.  Officials say this process could potentially reduce 40 percent of the nitrogen oxides in the air near the roadways.*

Progressive ideas are also happening right here at ASAP+, which partners with Atlantic Station and The Clean Air Campaign on commute options programs that help reduce traffic and keep pollution out of the air we breathe.  When you carpool, vanpool, ride transit, bicycle or walk to work instead of driving alone, you can earn rewards and win prizes. And if unforeseen events cause you to have to leave work early or late, you can get a Guaranteed Ride Home.  Get on board with commute options and be part of the next big thing for fresh air.  Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

*Source: CBS Radio 1120 AM-KMOX, St. Louis

We had a guy from the Atlanta Bike Coalition come and do a Lunch and Learn for us recently, and, overall, his presentation was awesome.  As a fellow biker, it re-motivated me to spend more time on my bike and less time commuting in other ways.  But, the one thing that he said that really made me cringe a little was when he said, “Biking isn’t dorky.”  Because, honestly, since when is dorky such a terrible thing?

I’m not going to lie about it.  I look a little dorky when I ride my bike.  My bike is clunkier than the average Atlantan’s bike.  I don’t have cool clip in shoes.  I don’t wear really tight clothing and go really fast.  In fact, I go REALLY slow.  Sometimes I put my gigantic bicycle bags on.  They’re purple.  With pink flowers.  Super dorky.  And, often, when I do put them on, they end up getting caught in my wheel, so then I have to get out and adjust them.  Again, dorky.  And slow.  And annoying.

But  I’m honestly ok with all of those things.  I love being on my bike in Atlanta.  I love riding on the road.  I love watching how surprisingly tolerant and understanding people are about my very slow biking.  I usually get waves and smiles.  I’ll occasionally get a long, angry honk.  But I just think of myself as a great outlet for a lot of pent up frustration for that person.  I love taking my time and knowing that I’m getting my exercise and saving the world from a little bit of air pollution.

I also love the strides that Atlanta is making to become more bike-friendly.  I’m not going to lie – there is still a TON of work to be done, but there are a lot of good routes out there.  I love some of the websites, such as my favorite, www.trip.atltransit.com/, that helps me figure out the best routes for me, depending on how important topography, distance, and busyness of the roads are to me.

Atlanta is very slowly becoming a place for bikers.  And, as soon as more dorks like me get out on the road, plodding along on our clunky bikes, enjoying the ride, taking in the scenery, the more the bicycle community is going to improve here.

This week, I've read three different articles on the negative effects of sitting for long periods of time, including one that features an awesome suite of infographics called Sitting is Killing You. While usually fascinated with art made out of dry, boring data, I was a bit disturbed by the spooky characters looming behind the sitter's (presumably me and all the rest of us) desk chair. We know that it is not healthy to maintain a sedentary lifestyle. We know that obesity is linked to long periods of inactivity. But did we know that the effects of sitting for long periods of time are not necessarily cancelled out with extra-curricular exercise? ...Uh, I did not.

Yikes. This means that not only do I need to lace up my walking shoes right after I get home from work, it also means that I need to get up frequently during the day and give my sit-bones a break. Luckily, we are out-and-about in Atlantic Station many times a week, but all those fun activities require planning! Sitting in front of a computer or on the phone are just part of the job. My personal goal is to send at least three verbal emails a day - meaning, walking into the other room to talk to my teammates instead of emailing or instant messaging. This should be fun, as I plan use salutations and sign-offs. What are your ideas for staying active during the work day?

If you missed out on our fun bowling party at Ten Pin Alley last year, you're in luck! ASAP+ will be hosting a free bowling party for all registered Atlantic Station employees on November 19th 2009  from 6pm-8pm.  As a bonus, you'll receive a $25 Target gift card if you invite one of the people listed on your ridematch list and both of you attend.

Did I mention there will be food, a prize balloon drop, and...oh yeah, FREE BOWLING at one of the coolest joints in Atlantic Station?
You must be registered to attend, so make sure to sign up here. Already registered? Start contacting your ridematches, or let us know and
we'll be happy to contact them for you.