How to Save 8 Billion Dollars

Here's a stat to think twice about: If Americans rode bikes instead of driving for just half of all short trips - five miles or less - we'd save 8 BILLION dollars by reducing health-care costs related to air pollution and lack of exercise (Environmental Health Perspectives).  THAT IS HUGE!  So here's my thought: get out there and ride your bike - to the store, to dinner, to the gym - anywhere and everywhere.  Even if you are skeptical of statistics (which is justified), riding your bike is good for your cardiovascular health, weight loss, and also an immediate money saver with gas prices skyrocketing.  


I really do practice what I preach on here, and rode my bike to dinner last night at Mexican Gardens.  This seems far, but in reality was only a 2.5 mile bike ride and took about 15 minutes to complete.  A lot of places Downriver are within 5 miles of each other and therefore within riding distance.  Use MapMyRUN to check the distance of your destination (go to "Route" - Map a Run - Fill in your information - exit out of the sign up page - and get to mapping!).


On another note, I had a delicious meal at Mexican Gardens last night and wanted to recommend it to all of you, as well as some eating out/health tips.  


Fajita Salad (with Shrimp)
*Fresh avocado slices, onions, green peppers, and red peppers make this salad tasty and nutritious.  I use the salsa as dressing, and ask them to hold on the fried flour chips.  You have the option to order the salad with steak or chicken, but if you ask for shrimp they'll also honor this request - try it! 

Mexican Gardens (and any Mexican restaurant) is a good place to plan what you are ordering ahead of time so you don't fill up on seven bowls of chips while you're browsing the menu - they're that good!  The bike ride home also helped curb that "too full" feeling that is almost guaranteed after such a great meal.


Great song: Us - Regina Spektor