We know that regularly checking the pressure in our car’s tires improves fuel efficiency. Jason usually inflates our tires before each trip to Maine. We forgot this Friday and could really see the difference—our mpg dropped from 46 to 45.7.

I can really see the difference when it’s been a while since I’ve inflated my bike’s tires. I think once a week is ideal, but I usually don’t do it for 2 weeks, and this time it’s been more than that. When I rode it today, it felt like I had to pedal twice as hard to go the same distance—and with the wind blowing against me, I could have been on a stationary bike!

It's even easier when your niece inflates them for you!

My tires say 50-70 psi, so I was inflating them to 60. Then Elisabeth told me that she inflates hers to the maximum. It’s a little bumpier, but much faster. It makes sense—Hybrid forums suggest improving fuel efficiency by overinflating the car’s tires a little bit, unless you need more traction, like in the winter. We usually add a couple psi to the recommendation. So now I’ll be inflating my bike to 70 psi. What do other bikers inflate your tires to?

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Maybe since I see such an immediate difference with the bike, it’ll remind me to check my car’s tire pressure more often. Here’s hoping….

One year ago: Boston Organics.

I’m so glad that I finished my redesign this week so I had time to read more!

• Federal judge says you can break DRM if you’re not doing so to infringe copyright – Boing Boing. On the heels of my ePub post, this is a relief. (Thanks, Jason!)
• L.A. mayor climbs on bike, gets hit by taxi, gets hit by bike-bloggers – Grist. I probably shouldn’t find this as amusing as I do.
• Cambridge Publishes Bike Theft Statistics, Up 54% This Year – Boston Biker.This is good news, right? I mean, more people are biking…
• Ask Umbra on sustainable choices for cat litter – Grist. You know my choice…
• Pines, Beetles, and Bears – New York Times. Warmer temperatures have allowed the mountain pine beetle to devastate forests.
• Top Organic Restaurants Nationwide – Eco News Network. I haven’t been to Henrietta’s Table yet, but I should.
• You Down With OCA? – Pays to Live Green. The Organic Consumers Association sounds pretty cool.
• Where Is My Milk From? – Where Is My Milk From? Ours was processed in New Britain, CT. (Via Cambridge Energy Alliance)
• Activists urge state to use less bottled water – Boston Globe. It’ll be cheaper and better for the environment—why wouldn’t the state government switch?
• Parking bargain lures efficient vehicles – Boston Globe. I saw one of these yesterday and didn’t know what it was for.

That’s all for now. As usual, if you see anything interesting this week, send it my way.

My Saturday Green Links with the Slate article on deodorants reminded me that I should give you an update on my Crystal deodorant. It’s been almost 7 months now that I’ve been using it, and I’m still on the same one. In fact, I think I’m only about halfway through it. I’m amazed at how long-lasting it is.

Look how much is left!

I thought it would take some getting used to, switching from an antiperspirant to a deodorant, but although I am sweating a little more, it doesn’t smell. Maybe a tiny bit when I exercise on really hot days, but that was true with the antiperspirant, too. Friends/family—feel free to tell me I stink if I’m deluding myself.

I was also worried about how it would hold up when I biked to work, but it’s doing fine. Sometimes I bring a change of clothes, but on days like that I sweat all over. It would be kind of weird to sweat everywhere except my armpits.

And a bonus: there’s no antiperspirant residue on the armpits of my shirts anymore. I’d say the Crystal deodorant experiment is a complete success. Anyone else try this? What did you think?

One year ago: Ceiling Fans.

As you may have noticed, I finished the redesign of my blog this weekend. I’m still working out a few kinks, but it’s mostly going smoothly.

One thing about the design that I’m torn about is the ad in the left sidebar. On the one hand, I’d like the blog to at least pay for itself. On the other hand, I think it’s kind of hypocritical for an environmental blog to encourage people to buy things. I mean, the idea is to consume less, right? So I’m putting the question to you. What do you think of ads?

General comments about the redesign are welcome, too. I’m not a designer, so I appreciate any advice.

Links are sparse this week, mostly because I’ve been too busy to read anything. But there are a couple interesting things…

• E-Books Top Hardcovers at Amazon – New York Times. And sales of hardcovers are up 22 percent this year. So stop worrying, Kindle-haters.
• Homeowners Pine for Greener Pastures – Boston Globe. Maybe this is just the griping of an apartment-dweller, but I don’t get the draw of a giant lawn, anyway. What a waste of space!
• Will Donating Money, Hair, or Time Really Help Clean Up the BP Oil Spill? – Slate. In a word, no. It’s the steady help creating strong aid organizations ahead of time that helps the most in a crisis. But if this prompts people to start contributing regularly, so they’re better prepared in the future, it’ll make a difference.
• Environmental Concerns (and Lower Costs) Are Motivating More Residents to Go Solar – Boston Globe. Good news! But I hope these people are insulating their houses as much as possible before getting solar panels—that can be much more effective.
• Shoppers on a Diet Tame the Urge to Buy – New York Times. Maybe I should go on a clothes diet. I’m not sure I’d limit myself to only 6 items, but there are definitely just a handful of clothes that I wear all the time.
• On the Greenness of Deodorants and Antiperspirants – Slate. My Crystal deodorant is holding up really well this summer—and I’m still using the one I bought in January!

That’s it. As usual, if you come across something interesting this week, send it my way.