DC Tops Forbes Unhealthiest Commute List
Posted on August 1, 2007 - Filed Under Rants, Health, Mother Nature |
Forbes recently came out with their most unhealthy commutes in America and Washington, DC, is of course in the top 5. As if I needed another reason to feel like this area is sucking the life out of me, I now unfortunately have proof. Evidently, the polluted air DC Metro residents breathe driving to and from work coupled with the accidents that we dodge while doing this (stupid Marylander drivers) is literally killing us. According to the article, “Particle pollution kills people, whether they’re breathing it in over a short period or day in and day out for a year. It’s not like being hit by a car, but it shortens the lives of people by months to years.” And now with the psychotic Virginia traffic fines, we must be sure to drive the speed limit as we suck in all that exhaust.
So what are the solutions? Well, obviously there is the public transportation route, but as someone that lives near a metro station, it can really limit your selection of jobs. Yes, there are a lot of jobs in DC, but many of the good ones are unfortunately now out in the boonies of Fairfax County no where near the metro or a reliable bus stop. They do have those connector buses that run from more rural areas to the city, but you definitely have to be on a set schedule because if you miss your connector, there isn’t another one coming. Another simple solution mentioned in the article is to keep your windows closed during your commute and set your vents to recirculate the air instead of constantly bringing in outside air. This will help reduce our daily exposure to ultra-fine particles that can occur during our commutes, of which, we are exposed to 50% of our daily particle intake during this time, according to 2005 U.S. Census Bureau figures.
If there is any evidence that living a greener life and reducing your carbon footprint is necessary, this is it. So get an oxygen tank, roll up your windows, have the a/c on circulate, and have a pleasant commute.
Namaste.
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4 Responses to “DC Tops Forbes Unhealthiest Commute List”
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Interesting. Personally, I’m not at all surprised that Atlanta is #2.
[…] DC tops Forbes unhealthiest commute list. My Daily Peace, who writes: As if I needed another reason to feel like this area is sucking the life out of me, I now unfortunately have proof. […]
Sad but true. I live in Springfield, and I work in Herndon. If I took public transportation, it would take over 3 hours to get to work. So I remain part of the problem, driving 44 miles each day up and down the Fairfax County Parkway. The whole thing is just depressing.
I hear ya, Megan; I cruise on the parkway to Chantilly everyday.