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