Reflection Weeks 13-14 & Overall Course

In these past two weeks I have learned a lot. We started off the 13th week with a field trip to the Goodwill in Duluth. I learned the importance of reusing items. I had not been to a Goodwill in years, so it was a good and eye-opening experience to see all of the merchandise they actually had in their store. I also learned that Goodwill's main purpose is not to make money but to provide a service to the community. This is done through offering jobs to individuals who otherwise may not be able to hold down a job. I thought this is wonderful. I also did not realize how much goes into sorting and cleaning all of the donations that come in. This experience was very eye opening.

This past week we also finished our eco-chic goals. My goal was to take the bus to and from campus 5 times per week. I did not succeed in making my last goal. But when I look back on my final goal I am not surprised that I did not make it. I think it was an unrealistic last goal because of my other commitments. Overall, I thought I did very well in completing my goals the other weeks.

We also completed our junk projects. Above, there is a picture of the 3 decorative pillows I made out of my old marathon T-shirts. I did not even have to sew the pillows. I just cut slits into the T-shirts and tied the edges together. I loved sharing our junk projects in class. Everyone had such wonderful projects and they inspired me to keep on junking.

Finally, we created our own online learning activities and had to complete our other group member's projects. I created an activity that had group members map out alternative forms of transportation routes in the hopes that they will try and incorporate these routes into their daily routines. I really liked doing the online activities. I thought it was cool and unique way to learn about our individual advocacy projects.

OVERALL COURSE REFLECTION:

I learned a lot during this course. It was a very eye-opening experience. I really learned a lot from the documentaries that we watched. The one that shocked me the most was the documentary "Tapped". I could not believe how bad bottled water was for the environment and how manipulative the companies can be. I can say that I have been very careful not to buy any bottles of water and use my reusable water bottle. Another documentary that I really liked was "Unnatural Causes". This documentary takes a look at the differences in health based on social class; I thought this documentary was sad and fascinating.

This class forced us to make changes in our lives. Since setting my SMART goal I have now been regularly taking the bus, whereas before I drove everywhere by myself. This course also forced us to look at the ugly sides of controversial and difficult topics. I appreciated this because it showed us the truth to the topics that we may otherwise may not know. I really enjoyed this course and enjoyed blogging. Since I am a quiet person, I really liked expressing my ideas online, whereas I may be more reluctant to share my ideas in front of a class. This class was a great experience I feel like I am walking away with knowledge that I will effect my lifestyle forever.

Eye-Opener Online Learning Activities

Breath-Freeville Mystery

Background Check Information:
Druscilla de Spilla

1. Benzene
2. Comes from motor vehicles, gasoline and smoke.
3. Causes harmful effects on blood and bone marrow, including leukemia and anemia.
4. The Seattle Times reports, tougher restrictions on car emissions, by creating cleaner running engines, would help reduce benzene in the environment.
5. I learned that Benzene is a very dangerous chemical that comes primarily from driving motor vehicles, something I do almost everyday.
   

Punky Carbon

1. Carbon Monoxide
2. Comes from the partial breakdown of fuel.; such as from motor vehicles, cigarettes, kerosene and wood stoves.
3. Causes carbon monoxide poisoning, which can act like the flu, symptoms include headache and nausea, but prolonged exposure can lead to death.
4. To reduce the amount of carbon monoxide in the environment, the EPA is working on cleaner burning fuels, and new car technologies to make burning fuel safer and cleaner.
5. I learned the largest source of carbon monoxide is car emissions.

Red Hazzy Harry

1. Nitrogen Oxide
2. Largest producers of this chemical is motor vehicles and power plants.
   
3. Causes respiratory problems, smog and acid rain.
4. One way to reduce the amount of Nitrogen Oxide that is released into the atmosphere is to put tougher restrictions on power plants. A federal law that makes it illegal to pollute the atmosphere would help reduce this dangerous chemical.
5. I learned that Nitrogen Oxide can travel a long way (EPA ) so even though you may not live near a power plant, you still may feel the effects.

Petite la Wheeze

1. PM Fine
2. Caused by burning of fuel in power plants, motor vehicles, dust blowing from highways, and other industrialized factories.
3. Causes cancer, respiratory illnesses, and damages the heart.
4. Currently the EPA is trying to pass standards to get tougher restrictions for factories and power plants to reduce emissions.
   
5. I had never even heard of this chemical before so it was very eye opening to learn about the damaging effects of this chemical.

Fossil Phil

1. Carbon Dioxide
2. Caused by burning of fuel in factories, power plants, homes and vehicles.
3. This chemical is contributing to global warming and global climate change.
4. Do It Yourself.com suggests planting trees, do not use appliances such the refrigerator, washing machine and dish washer as much, and insulate your house properly. This will help make your home more energy effecient.
5. I learned that dry ice is carbon monoxide in it's solid form and that fire extinguishers also produce carbon monoxide.

Burnice D' Smog

1. Formaldehyde
   
2. Caused by the chemical breakdown in forest fires, car exhaust and cigarettes. Also found in carpeting and plywood.
3. This chemical causes eye, nose and throat irritation. Has been known to cause headaches, asthma and fatigue. Also been known to cause throat and nose cancer. It also causes smog.
   
4. The Illinois Department of Health suggests to increase indoor air flow by opening windows in your house. Also make sure your home does not have any products such as old insulation or carpeting that may contain the chemical.
   
5. I knew formaldehyde was a dangerous chemical because we always had to be careful and use fans and gloves while dissecting in anatomy class but I did not know it was found in so many other common places such as my house. This is very scary and eye opening!

Occupational Hazard Crossword:
Crossword Puzzle Answers:

1. inhalation
2. decades
   
3. lead
4. wash
5. blood
6. symptoms
7. work

This was a really creative assignment. I was really surprised that lead can stay in your systems for such a long time! I thought the articles that you choose to include in your post were very helpful.

Water Vocabulary Match:

I thought this game was very cool. I learned a lot of different terms and facts about water infrastructure. For example, through the vocabulary game I learned that coagulate can apply to not only to blood but other substances such as water. I really thought the EPA website was really interesting. It went really in depth about the different type of water systems and what can be done to protect them.

Childhood Lead Poisoning

Recalled Items:
9/29/2010 Paw Wall Hooks: Sold for nearly 2 years from 2008-2010
9/21/2010 Love Tester Mood Rings: Sold from September 2005- September 2010
7/26/2010 VIP Lacrosse Gloves: Sold from July 2009-July 2010
3 ways to prevent lead poisoning:

1. Always clean up any paint chips in house and always notify landlord peeling or chipped paint
2. Do not allow children to chew on window sills or any painted surfaces
3. Always wash a small child's hands immediately

I watched the short video and I thought it was quite hilarious. Behind the humor, I thought it had a lot of useful and important information. I really liked how it listed all of the symptoms of lead poisoning and at the end they mentioned how to test for lead. The video was also quick, simple, and straight to the point. It was really cool.

Understanding Emissions

Comment of 2-3 things I learned:

1. I thought the "Walking on the Environment" article was really interesting. I learned that emissions from cars and other forms of transportation are responsible for 28% total greenhouse gas emissions.
2. I really liked the "Walkable Communities" video. I did not know that some communities were specifically designed for the citizens to walk from place to place.
3. I also found it very shocking that sources such as cars and other motor vehicles are responsible for most of the air toxins that cause cancer.

The Effects of Smoking:

Took the survey monkey quiz on the effects of smoking. I tried to go back and copy the questions done but when I tried to take the quiz again it would no longer let me access it.
I thought the websites that were hyper linked in her post were very helpful in completing the assignment. I feel I learned a lot and was really shocked by some of the facts I learned about smoking.

Advocacy Project: Tackling Transportation!

Federal Transit Authority
Tackling Transportation:
The purpose of this activity is to get students to map out alternative routes of transportation they could use in their everyday life.



BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

According to George Mason University, 77% of Americans commute to work by driving alone. When commuters drive alone, car emissions, including carbon dioxide, are released into the atmosphere and thus decreasing the quality of health for individuals and the environment. According to the American Public Transportation Association, a person who takes public transportation saves 126 million pounds of hydrocarbons from being released into the atmosphere. Hydrocarbons have been contributed to causing respiratory illness and smog, therefore by taking public transportation a person is being environmentally friendly. According to Nutra Health Environmental Research Inc. driving a car is the most air polluting action the average person does each day. A lot of this pollution can be avoided if individuals found alternatives ways to get around. Such ways could be walking, biking, or taking mass transit, which include buses and subways.

According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation reduces energy consumption and increases air quality. According to APTA, a person who takes the bus everyday to work in place of driving saves 1,888 gallons of gasoline each year. Taking public transportation keeps individual active member of communities and decreases traffic congestion.93% of welfare recipients rely on public transportation to get to work and to other destinations. According to the American Public Transportation Association, 40% of Americans believe traffic congestion is a serious problem. This has a harmful effect on the environment. By using alternative sources of transportation a person can help save money, save time and save the environment by reducing noise and air pollution and reducing car emissions.

The H.R 3271 Green Routes to Work Act is a bill proposed to congress to give tax credits to businesses who supply their employees with transit passes in the hopes to promote their employees to take public transportation instead of driving alone to work. At UMD students can ride the bus for free. Therefore, in order to promote taking an alternative route to school and other destinations we will planning routes to locations you frequently go to. If you already take the bus, see if there is a convenient walking or biking route to your destination.

Activity Instructions:

Answer the following questions:

1. Pick three locations that you go to often. (It can be school, work, home, the mall etc.)
2. How do you typically commute to these locations?
   
3. Access Google Transit
4. Map your transit route by plugging in the addresses of each location and which times you would usually leave to go to these places. Choose if you would like to walk, bus, or bike to these locations. (do not choose driving)
   
5. Report the most convenient route to your 3 locations and the modes of transportation.
6. How does this route differ from your typical commute?
7. Are these commutes a realistic change you could put in your schedule? why or why not?
8. Do you plan to try incorporating this routes into your routine?
   

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 5: My Smart Goal

My goal for this past week was to take the bus to and from the UMD campus 5 times per week
I did not meet my goal this week. I have to say I am not to surprised. I do have busy schedule and that is what did me in. I only took the bus 3 times this past week. I ended up driving because I had other commitments right after class so I did not have the time to take the bus. I had been doing good about not scheduling so tightly so I am kind of disappointed in myself for giving in and taking and driving.

When I did take the bus I felt the same things I have been feeling previously. While I was waiting outside in the cold (and this week seemed really really cold!) I would think of how I could be in my nice warm car. I continued to wake up 10 minutes early so I could easily make the bus and I would not have to rush. It seems over the past few weeks I have gotten into a routine and it really helps me succeed in taking the bus.

I look to continue to strive to take the bus at least 3 times per week to and from campus.
Review of SMART Goal Process:

My SMART goal started off taking the bus 3 times per week and then progressed to taking the bus 5 times per week to and from campus. The amount of times I took the bus gradually increased as I would achieve my goal.

I did not meet my goal the first week because I did not change any of my behaviors. I expected I could just wake up and get on the bus instead of driving. This was not successful. I ended up either rushing and missing the bus or finding out I could not take the bus because I had commitments right after school. Therefore, I started waking up 10 minutes earlier and I started planning other things later in the day so I could have time to take the bus home. This helped my achieving my goals week to week. The weather also helped me be successful. I tend to be afraid of driving in snowy or icy weather. So I had extra incentive on stormy days to take the bus.

I benefited because I am now in a routine that I continue even after the SMART goal project is done. I feel that this is a sustainable action. I also saved a lot of money on gas. I noticed I did not have to fill up my gas tank nearly has often as I did before. It is great!

I learned that taking the bus is not difficult at all. I learned it is also very convenient and it takes about the same amount of time by car and it does by bus. I also learned how to take the bus and how to read a bus schedule. Seems silly but I did not know how to read a bus schedule before. I learned about myself that once I get into a routine it is really easy. The hardest part for me was breaking my old routine, once I got past that it was really easy to change my behavior.

My behavior change benefited the environment because as a result of me taking the bus there was one less car on the road. That is one less car contributing to air and noise pollution. Others benefited from my actions because since I was not driving there was less traffic on the road. If a lot more people took the bus there would be a lot less traffic on the roads.

I do plan on continuing this behavior. I have found it to not be that difficult now that I am in a routine. My recommendation for those seeking a behavior change is to stick with it even if it is difficult at first. The hardest part, in my opinion, is starting the behavior change because it is so different from what you are used to. My advice is to stick with it past that first week. Once you make that initial behavior change, it is all down hill from there!

Blogged for AmyintheRain

Advocacy Project:: Letter and Fact Sheet

Letter to representative:

December 6, 2010

Representative Jim Oberstar
House of Representatives
2365 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515

Vote Yes on H.R 3271 Green Routes to Work Act

The proposed act would give tax credits to businesses that provide employees with transit passes or provide commuter vans for employees in order to promote carpooling. With providing both employees and employers with incentives to take mass transit in order to reduce the amount of motor vehicles on the road. This will reduce the amount of both air and noise pollution. As a current health education student from Duluth, Minnesota, I believe the reduction in pollution is extremely important to the health Americans.

The passage of this bill will provide employees with transit passes who otherwise may not consider public transportation. According to the American Public Transportation Association, 18% of an American's income goes towards transportation; transportation is the second largest expenditure of Americans. People who may not see the benefits of public transportation because it costs money will be enticed by free transportation. There are many benefits for people to use public transportation. Primarily it will improve public health. Taking public transportation makes people more active; commuters may have to walk some distance in order to reach a bus stop of their final destination. Those would otherwise be sedentary most of the day are now having exercise in their daily schedule. Public transportation will also decrease air pollution. According the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation prevents the release of 126 million pounds of hydrocarbons per year. The release of hydrocarbons lead to smog and respiratory illness. Finally, with less drivers on the road, the less danger there is. If someone is unfit to drive, whether is be intoxication or distraction, public transportation provides him with a mode of transportation. According to the American Public Transportation Association, distracted drivers cause 284,000 serious motor vehicle accidents each year. Providing tax credits to companies in order for them to provide their employees with transit passes, would provide employees with a safe ride home. With more citizens receiving free transit passes, there will be less traffic which will lead to less pollution and safer roads.

Opponents of this bill may claim it is a waste of money because even though companies may provide transit passes to employees, many employees will continue to drive their personal motor vehicles. When transit passes are offered for free, more are apt to try it. Once employees realize how convenient mass transit is then they are more likely to continue with habit. Also, taking mass transit saves money. Once, employees realize the economical benefits then they will be more inclines to taking mass transit; especially since they are being provided the pass at no cost. Another argument against this bill would be the negative effect it would have on the already struggling car industry. Contrary to theses beliefs, the car industry will not suffer. People will still need cars to drive to places where transit does not run or drive to places after transportation hours. Also, if citizens are saving money of transportation, they will have more expendable cash, therefore stimulating the economy.

Thank you for your time. We appreciate all you have done during your terms of service. As the head of the U.S Department of Transportation, we hope you realize the positive impact the passage of this bill would have on the health and safety of the U.S citizens. We encourage you to vote yes on H.R 3271 Green Routes to Work Act.

Sarah Zapp


Facts Sheet

The Benefits of Public Transportation

According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), public transportation provides citizens and communities with ample opportunities.

Mass transits benefits the local community and economy

• A $10 million investment in public transportation has shown to increase buisness in local stores by $30 million.
• According to the Transit Coalition Report: "Dollars & Sense: The Economic Case for Public Transportation in America" states that every dollar consumer puts into public transportation provides a $6 return in the local economy.

Public transportation saves employees money.

• It reduces the amount of money spent of transportation and allows this money to spent on other activities such as recreational or school activities.
• The cost of driving, parking and insuring a car can be steep for some families and deprive some families from other opportunities.
• Regular use of public transportation can save the average consumer $800,000 per every $10 million spent per year.

Public transportation improves the health of individuals by keeping them active and engaged within the community.

• Public transportation helps keep senior citizens who want to remain active and apart of the community a mode of transportation.
• 93% of welfare recipients rely on public transportation to get to work and to other destinations.

Public transportation decreases traffic congestion.

• According to the Texas Transportation Association, Americans spent more than 40 hours stuck in traffic.

• According to APTA, 50% of Americans feel traffic congestion is a serious problem.

Public transportation reduces energy consumption and increase air quality.

• According to APTA, a person who takes the bus everyday to work in place of driving saves 1,888 gallons of gasoline each year.
• According to APTA, public transportation reduces fuel consumption by 1.5 million gallons each years.
• According to APTA, buses produce 80% less carbon dioxide emissions than any personal motor vehicle.

Reflection Weeks 9-12

In these past 2 weeks I have made some major changes in my life. In week 9 we started our eco-chic lifestyle and have been working on them ever since. I have learned that if I actually put effort towards my goal, it really wasnt that difficult. The biggest challenge for me would prove to be my own laziness. Once I planned ahead I could over come my laziness.

Also, during these past 2 weeks we have been working on our advocacy project. I choose a topic I felt passionately about. We have learned how to contact our congressman in the hopes to persuade them to vote in an environmentally friendly way. I thought it was really cool h0w we could look any bill that was be proposed to congress. I never new that you could do that! We also learned how to write an issue overview, which I thought is a real helpful tool. It really allows you to break down the bill and better understand the issue.

We also started looking more in depth of where our stuff comes from and we were introduced more to our junking projects. We looked more in depth at consumerism. What really shocked me came from the "Story of Stuff" video. I couldn't believe that 99% of the products we buy will not be used 6 months later. I couldn't believe how wasteful our society is. This really affected me when I went shopping for Christmas presents. I am now really careful to buy only quality products that I know for sure will get a lot of use. I am avoiding buying any "filler" gifts. Basically I am no longer buying things just because they are on sale.

I have learned quite a lot these past two weeks and all of this new knowledge this really changing my lifestyle.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 4: Weekly Updates

My lifestyle change goal this week was to take the bus to and from the UMD campus 4 times per week.

I once again met my goal! I have ton say I am quite proud of myself. Taking the bus is quite easy and not as inconvenient as I thought it would be. Nothing disastrous has happened yet; I haven't missed my bus or gotten on the wrong bus. All has gone according to plan.

I have continued with my strategies of getting up 10 minutes earlier so I can make my bus on time and I also have been planning ahead so I do not plan anything directly after school. Therefore, I am able to take the bus.

One challenge has been the weather; it is really quite miserable to wait out in the rain. I am always tempted to walk back and get in my nice warm car. One thing I can do to offset this nasty weather is dress properly. I think it maybe time for me to finally break out my winter coat, hats and mittens.

It may sound funny but I am learning how to ride the bus. The first time I rode the bus I didn't know the route at all or even signal how to get off. Luckily the first couple times of taking the bus others had to get off at my stop. I am now becoming more confident when riding the bus. It may sound silly but it is true. One thing I love is how much gas I am actually saving! I haven't had to fill up my gas take in 2 weeks. I can really notice the amount of gas and money that I am saving; it is just fantastic!

My plan for me this week coming week is to take the bus to and from the UMD campus 5 days per week.

This coming week may prove to be a real challenge because I will try not to be tempted to drive to school at all. Hopefully, my schedule isn't to hectic.

Blogged for Amyintherain@blogspot.com

Share and Voice: Question: O' Christmas Tree

With this Thanksgiving done and over with, many people move on to the next coming holiday. In my house, as soon as Thanksgiving was over I helped my mom put up our artificial Christmas tree and when I came back to my apartment I decorated my own artificial tree. This got me thinking, what is better for the environment? My aritifical tree was probably made is a large production plant with all sorts of chemicals. It probably took a lot of gas to ship the tree up to Minnesota from where it was made. Yet, an artificial tree can be used year after year. Is mass farming of Christmas trees any better than mass production of fake ones?

I provided some links about information about artificial vs real Christmas trees:
The Great Debate

National Christmas Tree Association

I ask your opinion:
Do you think an artificial tree or a real tree better for the environment?

Eye Opener: Photo Essay

TURNING BLACK INTO GREEN:

It is a Thanksgiving tradition for my mother and I to start of Christmas shopping on Black Friday. As we were wondering around at 5am Friday morning, I took pictures of some eco-friendly gift ideas. I also made our shopping trip as green as possible by walking from store to store instead of driving and my mom and I used every reusable bag we could find in our house instead of plastic ones.


This is basket made of recycled bottle caps.

This is bag that was crafted from recycled wrappers.

Barnes & Noble had an adorable selection of school supplies made of recycled material.

Getting coffee from a Coffee Shop maybe part of a daily ritual for many. A gift idea is reusable coffee cups.
My mom and I had used all of our reusable bags up after a few hours so unfortunately we had to use a few plastic ones.


One of our many reusable bags on Black Friday.

Another gift idea maybe a reusable water cup or water bottle instead of letting a person buy a bottle of water.
Finally, one easy a quick way to holiday shopping is buy going online. You still can get good deals on products and you do not have to use gas to drive to the store in hunt of the perfect gift. Also, instead of getting the paper to look at all the ads you can just look them up on the internet and save some paper!

We have been learning a lot about consumerism and how a lot of it is wasteful. This Holiday season I am vowing to buy less and buy higher quality products. Black Friday is notorious for its uber cheap deals on toys, video games, movies, etc. When I was shopping all I could think about was the cost of the products. Who is ACTUALLY paying for me to get this movie for $3.99? I found myself steering clear of products I may have once been attracted to. I focused on what I only really wanted to buy for my friends and family. Hopefully, by paying more attention to what I am buying this holiday season I am contributing less junk to the world.

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 3: Weekly Updates

My SMART Goal was to once again take the bus to and from the UMD campus 3 times per week.

I felt I did much better this week. I actually met my goal! What helped me greatly was planning ahead. I would wake up ten minutes earlier so I wouldn't have to rush to catch the bus and it seemed to work. I also did not have such a busy week, so it was much easier to take the bus because I did not obligations directly after class that I had to rush off to.

Sometimes while I was waiting out in the bitter cold, I would think I could be in my warm car driving right now. It was hard to resist the urge to walk back home and get in my car. Once I was on the bus and a little warmer, I was proud that resisted the temptation because I was one step closer to meeting my goal.

I learned this week, that taking the bus is not that difficult, it is actually quite easy and quite convenient. I was timing my commute and if I count the time it would take for me to walk to my car in the parking lot and then drive home it takes almost the same amount of time to take the bus. I also do not have to deal with headache of parking at UMD. The buses run so often that I do not have to wait to long to catch a bus to and from school. Also, the weather and roads were not to pleasant this past week, so I really enjoyed not having to drive and just taking the bus, It was a lot less stressful!

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain

Since I completed my goal this week, I am going to up the ante and shoot for taking the bus 4 times per week to and from campus.

Advocacy Project: Issue Overview

Introduction

• What is the issue/problem?

The amount of driving individuals do lead to air pollution, noise pollution and contribute greenhouse gases to the environment. Over the years the amount of driving has increased in the United States and cars grew bigger and less fuel efficient. Exhaust given off by combustible engines are toxic and contribute to climate change and global warming. Air pollution can effect human health, lead to diseases such as asthma. Global warming which is partly cause by carbon dioxide released from motor vehicles. Global warming is slowly changing fragile eco systems. The amount of oil used in the United States has increased dramatically over the years. A lot of oil is used to produced gas for cars. Oil is a precious resource but unfortunately it is non-renewable and not very clean.

One solution to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere is to have people drive less; this will also lower our dependency on oil. Mass transportation is a good alternative to driving individually and this bill offers free transit passes to employees in hopes to promote using cleaner ways of transportation to work.

• What current legislation has been proposed to address this? (Identify bill # and name)

H.R 3271 Green Routes to Work Act (Introduced into Houes Committees)

Who is affected by the issue?

Mass Transit, employers, employees, gas & oil production, car companies

• Who is affected the most?

employers who receive a tax credit for the companies and employees who are given free transit passes are affected the most.

• Who loses, and what do they lose?

Car companies may lose some business if large amount of people start to take public transportation. If people take mass transit they will not put as much wear and tear on their cars and they may need less repairs or find no need to buy a new one.

Oil and gas production would be affected because if people started taking mass transit there will less demand for gas.

• Who gains, and what do they gain?

Employers receive a tax credit for supplying employees with transit passes or for buying companies vehicles so employees can car pool. Employees are getting a service for free. They do not need to spend money on a car, as much on car maintenance, a transit pass, or gas. They also do not have to deal with the stress of driving in traffic. Mass transit will receive a large influx of business. They would make a lot of money from the large amount of new riders.

What are the consequences of the issue?

• For the individuals mostly affected?

Employees must make changes to their daily routine and schedule, it may take more time to get to work, there is not as much flexibility when taking public transportation. Also, it takes a lot of commitment to make this type of lifestyle change.

• For their families?

For families of employees they may find employees who now take mass transit not making it to commitments on time after work. On the flip side if one person takes mass transit thee family is saving money on gas and a car. They would not need as many family vehicles.

• For society?

There will be a cleaner, healthier environment if there is not as many cars on the roads. There would be not as much air or noise pollution. The roadways would not be congested with traffic. Mass transit would be more crowded and a little uncomfortable to ride if there is a large amount people on the bus or subways. This may discourage some from taking mass transit.

What is the economic impact of the issue?

• What are the economic costs of the issue, and who bears these costs?

There would be a less demand for cars and car sales may drop hurting an already struggling industry. The money for the tax credit has to come from somewhere..... Not as many individuals would be driving to work which would hurt the oil and gas industry because the demand would go down making the price of gas drop.

• What are the economic benefits of the issue, and who benefits?

Tax credits would cover the costs for employers to provide transit passes to employees. The large amount of transit passes purchased would pour money into this industry. Depending on how many receive the tax credit in the area and the amount new riders, transit may need to add more routes, more buses, and create jobs to handle the amount of large riders.

What is the social impact of the issue?

• What are the social costs of the issue, and who bears these costs?

Time- Employees may have a longer commute if they decide to take mass transit. They also may not be able to go straight to social events if they have to wait to take a bus home. Taking a bua or subway may not be as time efficient as taking their own car.

Comfort. Taking mass transit may not be as comfortable or private as taking their own car. Mass transit could be seen as dirty.

• What are the social benefits of the issue, and who benefits?

Less traffic. This will lead to less headache for commuters and possibly a quicker commute than if driving own car. Employees would benefit.

Employees may find new opportunities to meet new people while taking mass transit. Could be for networking if other professionals start taking the bus.

What are the barriers?

• What are the barriers to addressing this issue?

Employees may not want to give driving their own car. May think mass transit is not as efficient as driving own car. They may not car about environmental impact and continue to drive individually instead taking advantage of the free transit pass offered by employer.

In order for the transit passes for employees a tax credit needs to provided for employers; therefore money is barrier.

Finally, the amount of public transportation is a barrier. If a growing number a riders there may not be enough resources for all to be accommodated for. Also, some workplaces may not be easily accessible to transportation. It would make it difficult for employees to take mass transit to work. Mass transit may not offer routes outside if regular business hours; making it impossible for some to take the bus or subway to work.

• How can they be overcome?

Money will be provided through a tax credit. The money would come from the Low Greenhouse Gas Transportation Fund. This is already set up and money is regularly being deposited in it. It can be used if the secretary of the fund finds a suitable reason. This bill would fall into this category.

Transit availability can be overcome by adjusting routes and times depending on demand of new riders. With the increased ridership mass transit will have more money making it easier them to add more routes, more buses or subways, and more times in order to accommodate most. This will make commuting easier for employees and making it more attractive to employees if they do not have to wait as long for a bus.

A way to win over employees wary of public transportation is to educate them about the environmental and economical benefits. If they do not care about the environment they will certainly care about their pocket books. Point out gas savings, car saving, and time savings (they would not be stuck in rush hour traffic.)

What are the resources?

• What resources will we need to address this issue?

Money in order to provide transit passes to employees.
Influence will be needed in order for this bill to be passed. Supporters of mass transportation would be needed to explain the importance of this bill.
Awareness of the environmental and health impacts of driving are needed. People must be aware of the issue in order to change their behavior.

• Where and how can they be tapped?

Money will be coming from the Low Greenhouse Gas Transportation Fund
Influence will come from testimony of experts on the effects of driving on the environment. Law makers will need to be aware of the importance of lowering the amounts of pollution in our environment.

What is the history of this issue?

• What is the history of the issue in the community?

In many communities around the country there have been efforts in order to promote using public transportation to commute to work. One example can be found San Fransisco, California. Here, there has been a requirement instated for large corporations to promote, offer reduced or free mass transportation passes.

USCPA, U.S Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement has been created and signed by many mayors who pledge to reduce the amount of pollution that contributes to global warming withing their city. They are doing this by promoting mass transit and urging citixens to give up their SUVS.

• What past efforts were made to address it?

There have been efforts such USCPA, and the federal Commuter Checks Program, which is program designed to encourage alternative forms of transportation. Employees can apply for commuter checks to buy a bicycle to ride to work or a transit pass. These checks are tax free.

• What were the results?

the federal commuter checks program has been quite popular and the USCPA is still working towards their current goal of lowering the emissions with in their town.

Allies & Opponents

• Who would support this issue?

Environmental groups, mass transportation, some employees and corporations who would receive tax credits for supplying employees with transit passes.

• Who would oppose this issue?

Car manufacturers, oil and gas companies, some employees who do not want to take mass transit

• How can you involve allies and opponents in advocacy efforts? (What common ground can you share? How can you create a win-win for your allies and your opponents?)

Make it clear to car, oil and gas companies that their business will not suffer completely. People will still need to drive because mass transit can not take a person everywhere. People will still need cars. Also, not every buisness in America will qualify for a tax credit, so a share of their market would not even be phased by the passage of this bill.

If some employees do not want to take public transportation, suggest car pooling with co-workers who live near by. This still allows for less cars to be on the road and allows for the employee to feel like they are in control because they are driving their own car.

My Recommendation

Policy-makers should vote YES on the Green Routes to Work Act. It will help the United States take step towards a healthier environment which would lead to better health of Americans. In the process it may help boost certain areas of the economy, reduce noise and air pollution, and reduce rush hour traffice

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2: Weekly Updates

My SMART goal was to take the bus to and from UMD three times per week. I

I did not do so hot on achieving my goal. I only took this bus once this past week, but one day I did car pool with my roommate one day also.

What helped me make the bus once was planning ahead. If the night before I knew I was planning on taking the bus then I would, but if I forgot and then at the last minute in the morning I would try and make the bus I would miss it and end up driving, Communication with my roommate helps to coordinate rides when we have similar schedules. Challenges were trying to make the bus; I would be running late and I would miss the bus. Also, if I had other things to do right after school I would need to drive in order to make it on time. The way I dealt with these challenges was I caved and resorted to driving. I need to find an alternative solution to these challenges.

I feel regret that I did not take the bus more often. It is a fairly easy thing to do and I could not even accomplish it; if I plan ahead more often then I think I could be more successful. When I did take the bus or carpool, I felt rewarded because not only was I helping the environment but I was also save on gas. I think the savings in gas is the what motivates me the most.

I had never taken the city the bus before and I was always nervous about getting on the correct bus. I have learned that it is not that terrifying to take the bus.

For this upcoming week, I am going to shoot for the same goal. I will take the bus to and from campus 3 times per week. I am going to make an effort to plan ahead so I have enough time to catch the bus. I am also going to avoid planning activities directly after school so I have time to take the bus home instead of driving.

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 2 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain

Share and Voice: Have a GREEN Holiday This Year

So the snow has fallen in Duluth and as far as I am concerned the holiday season is in full force. Now instead of having a white holiday this year how about having a green one! In about two weeks is the biggest shopping day of the year, Black Friday. Now instead of running out at 4 a.m like all the other crazy shoppers out there hustling to get the newest products, I suggest you try and be a little more eco-chic. I encourage you to make gifts using junking techniques; it would be much more memorable and timeless than any new clock radio. Or possibly try your hand at knitting or crocheting.

If you do not have the time to be uber crafty I suggest you check out TreeHugger. This site provides idea for gifts that are organic, recycled products or products that leave a small carbon footprint. I have linked the 2010 Gift Guide to make your shopping quick and convenient. Some of the products are kind of pricey but the point is try and look for eco friendly products this winter. If you do find something you like, click on the provided hyperlink and you can easily order it.

Going green this holiday season does not stop at purchasing the gifts; look to reuse other products to wrap the gifts in ( I'm fond of using magazines). You'll save money and still be able to wrap your gifts. The most important thing to remember is that the holidays are not about gifts but who you spend them with.

Happy shopping!

Advocacy Project: Healthy People?THOMAS

Objectives:
Increase use of alternative modes of transportation to reduce motor vehicle emissions
and improve the nation's air quality.
This objective monitors how people commute in the following ways:
Trips made by bicycle
Trips made by walking
Trips made by transit
People that telecommute

Emerging Issues:
The amount of air pollutants released from motor vehicles have been greatly reduced. Yet, the amounts can still be further reduced if the amount of miles traveled in motor vehicles are reduced and the type of motor vehicle, such as SUV or mini-vans, that typically produce more emissions, are not used.

Opportunities & Challenges:
EPA targets three major air pollutants which include nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and mercury. The EPA also aim to reduce the amount smog, acid rain, poor visibility, and nitrogen and mercury deposits. The EPA is looking to clean up the air quality by using new and cleaner pollution control strategies. One way to control the output of pollution is by controlling the amount of motor vehicles being used. Therefore, they are promoting using alternate forms of transportation.

H.R. 3271 Green Routes to Work Act (Introduced to House Committees)

Title: To provide tax breaks and incentives for businesses to provide green transportation alternatives such as providing tax free transit passes to employees, giving a tax credit to businesses who provide a commuter van to employees and allow for employees to be reimbursed for bicycles or transit passes used to commute to and from work. This bill also calls for the removal of barriers for cyclist commuters.

Sponsors: Rep. Earl Blumenauer

Latest Major Action: July 21, 2009 referred to House committee

Recommendation: Vote Yes for H.R 3271 Green Routes to Work Act

My Representatives: Jim Oberstar

Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 1: My Smart Goal

My Goal:

I will ride the bus to and from the UMD campus three times per week.

Why is my goal eco-chic?

By taking the bus 3 times per week I will be saving gas and therefore saving the environment. I can cut down on my dependency on the non-renewable resource oil. I will also cut down on the air pollution caused by driving my car. I will also no longer contributing as much to the greenhouse gases that are trapped in our environment and contributing to global warming.

Why I chose this behavior and why is this important to me?

I chose to change my driving habits because I believe I am being extremely wasteful driving my car. I live right on the bus route, so I literally have to walk less than a block to the bus stop. I have been telling myself that I am going to take the bus more all year, but I have yet to take action. Therefore, I think setting this SMART goal for class is the perfect opportunity to give me the necessary push. Because of my busy schedule, I am not able to take the bus everyday but I have figured out that I should be able to ride the bus 3 days without impeding on my current schedule. Not only would taking the bus be beneficial to the environment but it would also benefit my pocket book. I believe I could save a lot of money on gas especially since as students we can ride the bus for free.

Blogged for the Eco-Chic Lifestyle Change Week 1 hosted by Amy@Amy in the Rain.

Share and Voice: Food and Water Watch

I have found this really interesting website while I was looking up information about bottled water. Since we watched the movie "Tapped" I have been really bent out of shape over what theses bottled water companies are doing in order to make a profit.

I ran across the website Food and Water Watch during my search.

This website is agency located in Washington D.C that is dedicated to make sure food and water products are safe, environmentally friendly (sustainable) and accessible to all. This website offers a lot of good informational articles about food produced in the U.S, fish and water, including bottled water. Besides the great articles on this site, what I found really neat is the provide many different ways you can take action and get involved. Most ways involve contacting law makers and advocating for safe products, which in my opinion is a basic human right. No one should have to worry about whether their water is safe, or AFFORDABLE! Food and water are needs and basic human rights that should not be allowed to be taken away from us so corporations can make a profit. I encourage everyone to check out this website whether it is take action or read some of the great articles.

Advocacy Project: My political Representatives

I have found my political representatives of my hometown, Duluth, MN, and have listed their information below:

President:

Barack Obama~ Democrat
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest
Washington DC, 20500

Congress Representatives:

U.S Senate

Al Franken~ Democrat
320 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5641

Amy Klobuchar~Democrat
320 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON DC 20510
(202) 224-5641

U.S House

James Oberstar 8th district~Democrat
2365 Rayburn HOB
Washington, D.C. 20515
(202) 225-6211

Governor

Tim Pawlenty~ Republican
Office of the Governor
130 State Capitol
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Telephone: (651) 296-3391

Minnesota Senate

Yvonne Prettner-Solon- 7th district~Democrat
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Capitol Building, Room G-9
St. Paul, MN 55155-1606
651.296.4188

Minnesota House of Representatives

Mary Murphy~Democrat
343 State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55155
651-296-2676 or 800-890-5428

County Board Representative

Peg Sweeney
5th District Commissioner
Room 208
100 N. 5th Avenue West
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 726-2450

Mayor

Don Ness
City Hall
411 West First Street
Duluth, MN, 55802