EPA Goes Mobile
“Have you ever wondered…?” was a beginning line for Andy Rooney’s monologue on “60 Minutes”. But have you ever wondered what the UV index was while out in the sun? I have often asked myself that exact question during my weekend tennis activities. I can be a bit lazy when it comes to sun protection but when I know the UV index is high (6 or above), I just do it.
How can you find the UV index while you’re stretching at the tennis courts? EPA’s mobile Web site! Yes, I said MOBILE. The Web site has actually been around for a while and can be accessed from your mobile device. If you think that’s great—and I’m sure you do—I’m here to tell you that EPA is completing its modernization of the mobile Web site, which will soon be available at the above URL. For now, check out our prototype. (Feedback is always welcome.)
The mobile Web site provides the latest environmental news releases, videos of EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson on YouTube and even photos posted on Flickr. The Web site Apps menu includes links to “My Right to Know” and “Learn about your environment.” The latter includes information about the UV index, air data, Energy Star rebates and My Environment.
Another useful item is the Contact link at the bottom of the menu. It provides clickable phone numbers for an environmental emergency or any other threats to public health. For those of us who haven’t included the phone number of everyone we know working at the EPA, there’s an Employee Directory under the Contact link, as well. I find that very useful.
I almost forgot to mention two of the most popular Web sites among mobile users: Facebook and Twitter. The new mobile Web site’s “Connect” page has links to EPA on Facebook and Twitter in the mobile format. Users can follow Administrator Jackson on Twitter or stay connected with environmental issues and events on EPA Facebook. Visitors to the “Connect” page can also join the Greenversations on EPA’s blog, where guest writers blog about current environmental issues, or they can just browse the “Environmental Tips” page to get information about how to conserve energy and other action-oriented tips.
As you can tell, I’m really excited about the new Web site and all the mobile content that’s available to you. Our team has worked hard to redesign EPA’s mobile Web site and we welcome your feedback. So, if you haven’t turned on your mobile device and browsed to the new prototype while reading this blog, now’s the time. And don’t forget the sunblock!
Brett Graham is an IT Specialist and has been working at EPA since 2000. He’s located at the Office of Environmental Information’s National Computer Center in RTP, NC and is currently on detail to OEI’s Information Access Division.
This blog first appeared in EPA’s Greenversations.
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