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Autumn Alchemy: Converting Red and Gold into Green

Release Date: 10/21/2008
Contact Information: (news media only): Dale Kemery, (202) 564-4355 / kemery.dale@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - Oct. 21, 2008) With frost tickling the pumpkin patch and red-and-gold leaves carpeting the land, there's no question what time of year it is. Fall heralds the start of cooler weather, making it prime time to hunker down and assess your environmental footprint.

You can learn and have fun while making a difference in the quality of the environment in your community, participate in competitions, and more. Here are some cool things to do inside and outside of the classroom.

Driving and Commuting

Do you need a new vehicle to take the kids to school? Fuel economy ratings for new model-year cars are available in October. You have a choice to buy a vehicle that's cleaner and more fuel efficient. Learn more by visiting EPA's Green Vehicle Guide to find the cleanest, most fuel efficient vehicle that meets your needs. Check additional, detailed information about fuel economy at EPA and Department of Energy's jointly run Web site at: http://www.fueleconomy.gov

School = Kids + Buses

Have you noticed all those school buses lined up in front of school with the engines running? Do your kids and the environment a favor and ask school officials to adopt a no-idling policy. Idling school buses waste fuel and pollute the air. Children are especially sensitive to diesel exhaust, which causes respiratory problems and worsens allergies and asthma. Learn more about clean school buses at: epa.gov/cleanschoolbus/index.htm

Healthy School Environments

More than 53 million children and almost 3 million adults spend a significant portion of their days in approximately 112,000 public and private school buildings, many of which are old and inadequately maintained, and which often contain environmental conditions that inhibit learning and pose increased risks to the health of children and staff. EPA's Healthy School Environments will help facility managers, school administrators, architects, design engineers, school nurses, parents, and teachers find the resources they need to address environmental health issues in schools. Read about healthy schools at: https://cfpub.epa.gov/schools/index.cfm

For many other environmental and conservation tips, explore Tips for a Green Fall on EPA's Web site at: epa.gov/epahome/hi-fall.htm