Lean And Green New Year

If your New Year's Resolution was any of the top five, including getting fit, saving money, or living green, pull your bike back out of the garage.

Surviving a DC winter outside is not as difficult as you might think. This isn't Nome, Alaska; studded tires are not required.

Kermit is a bit of a Drama Frog. It's actually pretty easy being green, even in the dead of winter.

Dorcus Adkins, of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, thinks the lack of sunlight is DC's biggest winter hindrance. Preparing for low-light riding is a must, especially when the days are shorter. "Good, bright, flashing lights are a necessity, as well as a legal requirement," Adkins stresses.

Lights are inexpensive and can be run off rechargeable batteries. More expensive lights can even run off your own pedal power.

Larry Black, owner of Mt. Airy Bikes, offers up some great advice, as well as thrifty green alternatives, when it comes to staying warm. Go ask him. He's been dishing up free advice for almost 40 years.

Start by covering your helmet. "This is easy," says Black. "A penny's worth of clear packaging tape over the front and top vents is a must. Leave the back vents open for letting steam out."

He also recommends tape around the toe of your shoe as a junk drawer alternative to Neoprene covers.

Black swears by layers of silk and wool from top to bottom. Whether on your torso or toesies, these fabrics are effective and natural.

Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, are also effective, but their odor retaining quality make them less desirable than wool. Recycling programs like Patagonia's Common Threads, make polyester a reusable resource.

Polyester is derived from petroleum, which is processed into polyethylene terephylene (PET). PET is what makes up those disposable plastic soda and water bottles. The Common Threads Recycling Program takes old, warn clothing and turns it into a new polyester fiber for new products.

Not every effective layer comes on a hanger, however. Don't underestimate the power of newspaper. Newspaper or a paper or plastic grocery bag can act as a good insulator between layers of clothing. For a commuter, it can draw out the moisture in wet shoes throughout the work day.

Jill DiMauro, of Proteus Bicycles, focuses on the bicycle itself as your key to greener living. "A clean bike is a green bike." Wash the salt and road debris off your frame after every ride.

Keeping the chain and gears free of excess dirt and grease can extend the life of the parts and keep them out of landfills. Plus it keeps you happy on your bike and out of a car.

Don't wait until spring. Gear up and get going. Procrastination is also high on the resolution list.