By Lauren Heumann, EWG intern and climate rider Growing up, I was a huge fan of the Environmental Working Group. It had me hooked with its first Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce. I always rely on EWG's Sunscreen Safety Guide and the Skin Deep Cosmetics Database to help me sort through the thousands of personal care products out there, and I chose my most recent cell phone based solely on EWG's Cell Phone Radiation Report (it is definitely not a smart phone). When I moved to Oakland and realized that one of EWG's offices was just down the street, I made a beeline there to see how I could get my foot in the door. And now here I am - interning for one of my favorite organizations. But the environment isn't my only passion; cycling is, too. I've signed up to ride in the five-day, 320-mile Climate Ride California 2011 in support of EWG. I have a personal goal of raising $2,700 by Tuesday, Sept. 20. Can you help me make this goal? A donation in any amount - $5 or $50 or whatever you can afford- will make a big difference. Click here to donate to my Climate Ride campaign and help support EWG! As part of my internship, I was fortunate to work on EWG's recently released Meat Eater's Guide to Climate Change and Health. Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental issues today. Our daily choices have large impacts on the climate: driving is the most obvious one, but what we eat also has consequences. The Meat Eater's Guide shows that there are easy choices we can make to reduce our effect on greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental effects. In addition to working on the Meat Eater's Guide, I have made a personal commitment to reduce my carbon footprint. I have been commuting by bicycle for a number of years now, and last November I made the final leap and sold my car. I now rely solely on my own two legs to get me where I need to go. My relationship with my bike goes far beyond my daily commute. My biking began as a way to get around, but it has erupted into a relentless passion. I bike not only for transportation but to explore new places, new roads, new mountains. As part of the Climate Ride, I will ride to help support EWG and other environmental organizations. The ride supports and promotes sustainable solutions and environmental causes. The money I raise for EWG will help keep it working on improving and protecting the world we live in. I am honored to be the face of EWG on this ride, carrying its message along the beautiful coast of Northern California and out into the rest of the world. I have relied on EWG's information and guidance for many years, and now it's my turn to return the favor. I need to raise $2,700 by Sept. 20. Please help me as I ride for EWG. Donate to my Climate Ride campaign today! Thank you for your support. EWG and the Climate Ride mean so much to me.