For the past few weeks, Salt Lake has been covered in its usual winter murky haze. Being in a valley, certain weather conditions cause our pollution to concentrate on top of the city. With no where to go, all of the pollution that we produce in this city stays in this city and builds. If wind, rain, or snow doesn’t come to clear it out, we continue to breath and live with the muck. Just walking my dogs around the block last week gave me an itchy throat and red eyes.
This causes a bit of a conundrum for me. Most of the year I bike to work everyday and don’t contribute to the pollution problem. Unfortunately, I have lung problems, and biking on an orange or red air day could trigger an asthma attack in the short-term and shorten my life in the long-term.
In past winters, I’ve turned to the bus which doubles my commute time and costs $4 round trip. This year with Brian’s layoff, we’ve gone from being a DINK household to a SINK household (single income, no kids), and that cost of $20/week stings my pocket book. Driving my own car costs about half in gas and time.
So I drive and contribute to the muck. I’m sure some child is developing asthma because of my decision.
Merry Christmas, Jen!
Don’t you hate this? Here in Boston, it’s the same way. Relatively unreliable commuter rail options (I work 40 minutes outside the city), significantly more time commuting, and a higher cost to boot. I wish there was a better way.
Hey there! Have you read bonk by Mary Roach? Same author as stiff and spook. I think you’d like Bonk. :) I’m coming to the SLC for valentines day/pete’s birthday!! Hope you guys will be around. I need to meet the new pup!