Save Us from Ourselves

In recent years being an architect has meant shifting our responsibilities to be, well, more responsible about what we build and how our buildings pollute our environment and consume precious resources. To set an example (and to release precious endorphins), I RODE the 16 miles to College Park to be a Carbon-Neutral example of how we can collectively reduce fossil fuel consumption, curb road congestion, save money, fight obesity and generally be better stewards of the earth. I'm not saying I am morally superior (you should have gotten that by now), but we can all make simple decisions like using compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL's) and biking to promote a healthier lifestyle for us all.

It was also telling that after riding through not-the-best cycling neighborhoods and passing through an extreme range of socio-demographics, my ride had been uneventful until crossing the One Lane Bridge on MacArthur when a gold Cadillac SUV gives me an annoyed HONK because I must have distracted this pampered person from enjoying their Skim-Choc-Frap-Latte while gabbing on the cell phone and getting 12 mpg. Well Excuuuuze ME! Seems like those with the most have an attitude to be the least likely to give anything up lest be inconvenienced (place Al Gore ad Here).

Anyway, our AIA meeting was thus inspired, even to where we turned the lights off seeing well enough in the natural light. We'll do our best to design smarter buildings and hope the world citizenry follows the lead to help save us from ourselves. On and off the bike I'll do my part. SO...
WWM?

(BTW, you can ride cross town on Wilson, Jones Bridge/Beach, Forest Glenn, Sligo, then Piney Branch to Adelphi or Erskine, Riggs, Cold Stream to Adelphi and get to UM on decent roads.)