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Planning is fully underway for this summer's Ride Green Build Green (RGBG) bicycle trip. From July 25th to August 25th, 20 bicyclists will make the 1,000+ mile journey from Seattle to San Francisco to raise funds and awareness for affordable green housing.

Prior to the ride, each participant is raising a minimum of $2000 each to support LEED certification for a home built by Habitat for Humanity of East King County. Fundraising will include benefit concerts, T-shirt sales, and donation solicitations. All donations will be tax deductible through Habitat for Humanity. Riders also plan every aspect of the trip, including the route, nightly stop locations, work days at affordable housing sites, community forums, and bicycle and gear procurement.

Along the way, riders will also have opportunities to visit sites and organizations devoted to affordable and green housing and thus gain a greater understanding of the different methods, techniques, and plans for making both affordable and sustainable buildings and housing. Stops might include housing for the homeless, green affordable-housing projects, self-built green homes, and meetings with advocacy organizations to learn about their work.

Among scheduled stops: Olympia Habitat for Humanity (7/26), Cowlitz County Habitat for Humanity (7/28), and Olson Woods Community Partners for Affordable Housing (7/30).

RGBG believes that some of the biggest impacts we have on the environment lie within the structures we build to accommodate our lives. Buildings in the US account for:

• 40% of total annual US energy
• 25% of water use
• 20-30% of municipal solid waste stream
• 30-40% of wood and materials use
• 25% of greenhouse gas emissions

It is vital for low income families to be able to afford sustainable housing: According to Global Green USA, low income families spend more income on utilities than on education and healthcare.

RGBG is seeking financial and volunteer assistance and additional riders. Please visit the RGBG website for more information.