Advocacy Project: Hummers, SUVS, gas-guzzling cars...how big is YOUR footprint?

Hummers, SUVS, gas-guzzling cars.... how big is YOUR footprint? 
Purpose: A need for an immediate switch to alternative modes of transportation to reduce motor vehicle emissions

Rising CO2 concentrations in air in past decades

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is defined as a gas that is the waste product of cell respiration and the combustion of fossil fuels. Types of fossil fuels are coal, natural gas and petroleum, which all contain hydrocarbons.


The amount of CO2 being emitted from human activities is exceeding the natural rate of the carbon cycle. Activities, such as burning of fossil fuels, contribute to the 22% extra CO2 addition to our atmosphere. This rise in CO2 concentration, in turn, adds to the effects of global warming by 50-60%, causing major concern for our environment. Climate change, storm activity, and melting of ice caps all occur as a result of global warming. 


The adverse effects of these vehicle emissions not only cause damaging effects to our environment, but to our health. It can affect respiratory function causing breathing difficulties (i.e. asthma), headaches, and dizziness to humans. 


It is estimated that more than 20,000 air pollution-related deaths per year, per degree celsius rise, have occurred worldwide. This greenhouse gas may be a leading factor in this statistic. 

Here is a list of the top 10 gas guzzling cars of 2010

10. Hummer H3 Alpha

9. GMC Sierra 1500 4WD

8. Nissan Armada 4WD

7. Lexus LX 570

6. Mercedes-Benz GL 550

5. Nissan Titan 4WD

4. Infiniti QX 56

3. Land Rover LR4

2. Land Rover Ranger Sport

1. Porsche Cayenne GTS.  

As you can tell by such evidence, the release of this greenhouse gas emission into our environment is creating problems that can be easily prevented if we simply take action on the matter. Below is a link to a carbon dioxide emissions calculator, that tells you how much you are contributing to its rising rate with the use of your own vehicle (if you own one).

CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS CALCULATOR

If you need to convert your miles to KM, here is a website to do so:
Converter (miles to KM)

Reflection:
Once you receive your results, please briefly describe what you have discovered about your own use. What changes in your modes of transportation can you make in order to reduce your carbon footprint? Have you ever considered switching over to a more fuel-efficient model of car? Why or why not? What types of changes would you like to see in our current environment, that could promote you to drive your car less?

Advocacy Project: Letter and Fact Sheet

December 6, 2010
Mike Opat
House of Representatives

300 S. 6th St.

A2400 Government Center

Minneapolis,  MN  55487-0241

Phone: 612-348-7881

VOTE YES ON: H.R. 3271: Green Routes to Work Act

Dear Mr. Opat, 

The proposed bill, H.R. 3271: Green Routes to Work Act, is in critical need of being passed. This bill works at finding better ways to improve commuting and transportation options. Our current forms of transportation are producing excessive greenhouse gas emissions and must be reduced. By passing this bill, we will be working towards a greener environment. The most recent updates on the amount of CO2 emissions shows that the United States is at the highest level over all other countries. This is an issue that is obviously affecting all americans, and providing greener ways of transportation for employees would be a great start to reducing this statistic. 

 Benefits will be provided to employees as an incentive to taking commuter vans to their destinations. With our depleting supply of oil, action must be taken on finding ways of slowing this process. Providing employees with transportation will promote other forms of green transportation for other situations as well. I think that this act is exactly what we need in order to pave a way towards saving our environment. Not only will it be saving our precious clean air, but it will save employees money usually spent on gasoline. It is a convenient alternative to commuting to work, and reduces the amount of unnecessary driving. 

Opponents of this bill might not want to pay taxes that goes towards funding these commuting programs.  Though taxes might have to increase a little, there are also benefits offered to those commuting responsibly. In addition, people will be saving money on gas spent traveling. 

We appreciate your support on developing a transit network in Minneapolis, and of smart public works projects. I see that you're very dedicated to making this environment green, and I encourage you to vote "yes" on H.R. 3271. 

FACTS ABOUT GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Nation Master shows that the United States ranks number one in CO2 emission levels just above China.

• United States has 5,762,050 with China at 3,473,600. Almost double of what China produces.

Breathing Earth states that 1000 tonnes of CO2 is released every 5.3 seconds in the United States

• 19.22 tonnes/year per person

CO2 is naturally removed from the carbon cycle, but humans excess production of it is faster than what nature can remove.

Combustion of fossil fuels is the largest contributor of CO2 emissions. 

Advocacy Project: Issue Overview

Objective: Increase use of alternative modes of transportation to reduce motor vehicle emissions and improve the Nation’s air quality.


What is the issue/problem? 
-Lack of alternative modes of transportation to reduce polluting emissions
What current legislation has been proposed to address this?
-H.R. 3271: Green Routes to Work Act (introduced in House)
WHO IS AFFECTED BY THE ISSUE?
Who is affected the most?
-People that live in close proximity cities, where vehicle emissions are in high concentration
Who loses, and what do they lose?
-Those that live in cities with a large amount of vehicles. They lose their right to clean air, and are at higher risk of health issues.
Who wins, and what do they win?
-The vehicle distributions and gas stations. They continue to make money off of buyers, regardless of the efforts to reduce pollution.
WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE ISSUE?
For the individuals most affected?
-premature death, cancer and long term damage to respiratory and cardiovascular systems
For their families?
-Premature deaths, high healthcare costs/medical bills
For society?
-increased taxes on medical care
WHAT IS THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF THE ISSUE?
What are the economic costs of the issue, and who bears these costs?
-Money is needed to fund transit systems, and to create suitable biking and walking trails. Taxes would probably increase for everyone 
What are the economic benefits of the issue, and who benefits?
-Cleaner air, less medical costs. Everyone would benefit from this, especially the people in bigger cities. 
WHAT IS THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF THE ISSUE?
What are the social costs of the issue, and who bears these costs?
-Not as convenient to regular vehicle-drivers. May be difficult to obtain for those who do not live near destination or transit location
What are the social benefits of the issue, and who benefits?
-Physical exercise, a new means of meeting people, less money spent on gasoline. The people that decide to use the alternative transportation benefit.
WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS?
What are the barriers to addressing this issue?
-Money to spend on transit systems and trails, motivation.
How can they be overcome?
-Advertisement, promotion. If the bill passed, taxes would allow money to be spent on alternatives
WHAT ARE THE RESOURCES?
What resources will we need to address this issue?
-safe biking/walking paths, convenient and available transit locations, billboards/media to advertise.
Where and how can they be tapped?
-Taxes, local construction crews, multiple locations to access transit. Word can be spread by famous/well-known people that support the new bill
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THIS ISSUE?
What is the history of the issue in the community?
-It has been a long-time search to find alternative forms of transportation. We knew that our oil supply would not last forever, so other resources must be used.
What past efforts were made to address it?
-They have come up with hybrid and electric cars. City busses were expanded into the public, exercise was further promoted
What were the results?
-Some of the alternative vehicles too expensive, so didn't really catch on much. According to Health People 2010, transit has been moving AWAY from the target goal, so the bus does not have a large impact. Convenience is what stops a lot of people from making change.
ALLIES & OPPONENTS
Who would support this issue?
-environmental activists, people that want to reduce pollution levels, people that have/know someone that has been affected by emission levels of vehicles
Who would oppose this issue?
-those that do not want taxes raised, those that don't realize/care about the effects of emission of hazardous toxins
How can you involve allies and opponents in advocacy efforts?
-Make taxes inexpensive and make sure transit centers are located conveniently
YOUR RECOMMENDATION
How do you want policy-makers to vote on this proposed policy?
Vote YES for on this bill








(http://www.healthypeople.gov/document/html/volume1/08environmental.htm#_Toc490564700)

Advocacy Project: Healthy People/THOMAS

1. I chose objective 8-2: Increase use of alternative modes of transportation to reduce motor vehicle emissions and improve the Nation’s air quality. Targets to meet were measured by use of bicycles, walking and transit use. According to the Progress Quotient Chart, we have moved 11% AWAY from the bicycling target, 59% TOWARDS the walking target, and 11% AWAY from the transit target.


2. The walking section (8b) made progress towards its target. However, the bicycling and transit targets were not met. There were no disparities available for objective 8-2. It was found challenging to measure the improvement in outdoor air quality. The FDA and CDC use a market-based approach that encourages newer forms of technology to control pollution. Unfortunately, a few issues make it difficult to accurately measure levels. Extreme weather conditions such as heat waves and hurricanes can alter the annual summary statistic, and not all countries have monitoring stations- so not all populations are accounted for.


3.

 H.R. 3271: Green Routes to Work Act (introduced in House)

Title: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to improve commuting and transportation options.

Rep Blumenauer, Earl [OR-3] (introduced 7/21/2009) Cosponsors (16)

Latest Major Action: 7/21/2009 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

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

My Political Representative: Mike Opat

Advocacy Project: My Political Representatives

President Barack Obama.Democrat
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Congressperson of the SENATE
Al Franken. Democrat
320 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
Congressperson of the HOUSE
John Kline. Republican 
101 West Burnsville Parkway, Suite 201
Burnsville, MN 55337
Phone: (952) 808-1213
Governor Tim Pawlenty. Republican
130 State Capitol
75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
State Legislator of SENATE
David Hann. Republican
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 
State Office Building, Room 127 
St. Paul, MN 55155-1206 
651.296.1749
State Legislator of HOUSE
Erik Paulsen. Republican
PO Box 44369
Eden Prairie 55344
(952) 934.8999
County Board President
Mike Opat. Democratic

300 S. 6th St.

A2400 Government Center

Minneapolis,  MN  55487-0241

Phone: 612-348-7881

Mayor of Minnetonka

Terry Schneider. Democratic  

15333 Boulder Creek Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55345

Welcome to Elly Dreams Green!!!

My name is Elly Sturm, currently attending UMD as a Junior. My blog reflects what I've learned throughout my Environmental Health course.

There are 6 possible types of posts on my blog. They include:

1. Advocacy Project
2. Eye Openers
3. Reflections
4. Eco-chic Lifestyle Change 
5. Read 'n' Seed
6. Share and Voice

The members of my web group are:

1. brier@lovinnaturewithbrier
2. Kristy@kristysfuninthesunspot
3. Jamie@jamiesaysjump
4. Lauren@laurenspouringrain
5. Mary@blueskiesformary
6. Sarah@takeahikewithsarah

Now you have learned a few basic things about what I plan on accomplishing this semester, and invite you to continue to check out my blog page for new updates!