Clear the Air Challenge
July 1-31
When Gov. Gary Herbert essentially double-dog-dares you to reduce your carbon footprint for a month, how can you say no? Last year’s challenge saw more than 300 teams reduce more than 1 million miles traveled to work—meaning there’ll be 1,715,344 fewer pounds of emissions adding chunk to this winter’s inversion. The 2010 goal is to doubly reduce that gunk and keep 3.4 million pounds of emissions out of Utah skies. Take part by joining office teams to carpool, bike, walk or telecommute to work. Weekly drawings will be held for winning teams.
July 1-31, CleartheAirChallenge.com

Waste-wise Watchers
Saturdays through October 17
The Salt Lake City Downtown Farmers Market is calling on eagle-eyed volunteers for its Waste-Wise Program. Volunteer waste watchers will work short shifts to help educate visitors on recycling and ensure market customers properly dispose of their trash and recyclables.
Pioneer Park, 300 South & 300 West, Saturdays through Oct. 17. Saturday shifts: 7-11 a.m. & 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; Tuesdays from Aug. 3 until Oct. 17, 4-8 p.m. For more information, contact Maia@downtownslc.org

Controlled Substances Advisory Meeting
Wednesday, July 7
Utah’s No. 1 cause of injury deaths in 2009 was found to be prescription-drug abuse, which killed more Utahns than automobile accidents. Pills are still a problem, and not just those pills lurking in Granny’s medicine cabinet. The Controlled Substance Advisory Meeting will look at all of Utah’s substance use and abuse issues and set priorities for the coming year's policy solutions at this meeting.
Heber M. Wells Building, 160 E. 300 South, 801-530-6767, July 7, 1-4 p.m. ROBorn@utah.gov

Eric S. Peterson: