I believe you should do on New Year’s Day what you’d like to do throughout the New Year. One of my favorite activities is taking a long walk on one of my favorite trails. It was cold so I walked briskly and passed several others, walking, biking, jogging, a great way to start the New Year. Over the holidays I ate more than I should but I intend to shake it off in short order by being more active.

I also intend to keep taking the bus to work which adds a mile of walking at each end of my day. The buses are clean, the drivers are courteous and there is no fare. In the spring, when it’s light earlier, I’ll start riding my bike part way. Walking 3 mph burns 275 calories an hour, while biking 15 mph burns 635 in the same amount of time. Not only will I lose weight and get in shape but I’ll lower my risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, depression and other ailments. Health care is expensive. Prevention is free.

Besides, with the price of gas well over $3 a gallon, I figured I’d save over $1,000 this year in gas and oil, not including the maintenance, parts and repairs on my car.

This year I’ll have a chance to win $50 for making smart choices for my health and the health of the community. All you have to do is register at Rideshareonline.com. You get your own calendar where you note what mode of transportation you took each day. If you carpool, vanpool, bike, bus or walk at least 10 one-way trips per month, you could be eligible to win, too. Hundreds of Islanders are already registered. Four names will be drawn each month. You may know someone who has already won!

So by getting fit, saving money and reducing traffic noise, congestion and pollution, I could be rewarded in numerous ways. What will you do in this New Year?

Maribeth Crandell

Environmental coordinator

Oak Harbor