i sense a flaw in the system

[the_siobhan]

The website that cincinnatus_c_ pointed me at will email you when the smog advisory kicks in for your area. I thought that was kind of cool in a Look! Technology! kind of way, so I signed up for it.

It actually emails you in the middle of the afternoon, which although interesting, isn't terribly useful. But the time I got it I'm already at work with my bicycle so I'm kinda committed. (Turned out there was an advisory for yesterday. I rode home anyway, hoping that by the time I get out of work in the evening it's not so bad. Um. Yeah, I was hoping.)

The email includes a bunch of "tips" on what to do when there is a smog advisory in your area. Under Travel Tips the list includes;

-leave your car at home - walk, cycle, carpool or take public transit

Under Health Tips the list includes;

- avoid exposure to vehicle exhaust fumes
- avoid strenuous exercise in the heat of the day

Why are they advising people to walk and cycle if they should avoid exercising outdoors?

Is anybody reading these things?

Comments

[eveofdstruction.livejournal.com]

It might make a little bit of sense if the health tips were intended for at risk populations and the travel tips for the general population. That doesn't seem to be the case though. I never knew how spoiled we are for good air out here.

[the-siobhan.livejournal.com]

Can be just a little bit cranky that the people who are the worst contributors to the problem by driving around everywhere in their air-conditioned cars are the ones least affected by it?

[eveofdstruction.livejournal.com]

Crank is certainly justified. Seattle is reasonably eco-conscious for a US city, and I still get looked at like I'm crazy for walking the 2.5 miles to the post office and back rather than driving it.