While an organization in Texas is trying an innovative approach to grow algae that could be used for biofuels and Australia has launched its first project to sequester greenhouse gases from a coal power plant underground, Seattleites best opportunity to make a personal impact on reducing climate change still comes back to conserving energy.

An intriguing tip THIS SPACE recently discovered was a reminder to take advantage of Seattle’s free Wi-Fi network the next time you are out and about and need to check e-mail rather than making an extra trip back to your office or home.

The City of Seattle is providing free wireless Internet access in the Columbia City and University District business districts. The pilot project also includes Occidental Park, Freeway Park, Westlake Park and Victor Steinbrueck Park as well as the City Hall lobby area Downtown.
A survey by the city found that more than half the users questioned noted that the availability of Seattle Wi-Fi had saved them driving. And 10 percent more said learning about the network would save them driving in the future.

That’s a savings whether you’re driving a traditional car with a gasoline combustion engine, a biodiesel, a hybrid or an electric car. Whatever the fuel source, less driving means less energy is used.

Coffee shops, bookstores and other businesses are adding free Wi-Fi hotspots every day too.
So the one thing you can do this week to conserve some energy and cut your contribution to climate change is to go wireless at a free hotspot to check your email. You can even use the time you saved by not driving to offer up a suggestion to THIS SPACE about energy saving tips you’re already using at home, work or beyond.


We like the wireless internet map of Seattle spots on iLoveFreeWiFi. Know of others?