By: Anne Consroe
AAA is predicting a small decline in the number of Americans traveling this Thanksgiving. Approximately 41 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home this weekend, a decrease of 600,000 (1.4%) from last year. The first decline in Thanksgiving travel since 2002 is seen to be yet another product of the overall state of the economy.
Despite relatively low gasoline prices, there is an expected 1.2% decrease in automobile travel this weekend. Eighty-one percent of Thanksgiving travelers plan to drive to their destinations, 11% plan to fly (a 7.2% decrease from last year), and 8% will take a train, bus, or other mode of transportation (an increase of 5.8% from last year).
Fewer people are driving and flying this year; more are taking trains or buses. On the most congested travel day of the year in America, one would think more people would be enticed to travel by public transportation. In addition to easing troubled nerves during a high-stress holiday season in the midst of national economic turmoil, public transportation also benefits the environment by cutting down on fossil fuels.
Green Thanksgiving Travel
Green Architecture: Lead the Way by Becoming LEED-Certified
LEED is the nationally accepted standard for green buildings and recognizes performance in areas such as energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and water savings. LEED projects are taking place in forty-one different countries. To have your structure earn a plaque signifying its status, you must send your application to the U.S. Green Building Council. The USGBC is non-profit, and its mission is to “transform the way buildings and communities are designed, build and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life,” according to the organization’s website. You may register online at USGBC to get the ball rolling.
The Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park in New York, NY was built with becoming the world’s most environmentally advanced building in mind and is LEED-certified. Also, check http://greensource.construction.com/ and http://archrecord.construction.com/green/GreenFeatures/default.asp for some other green sites pleasing to the eye.
I wish you the best of luck in exploring LEED certification in greater detail.
Solar Energy
Info from the following articles:
US gov policy and solar energy (ny times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/25/business/smallbusiness/25sbiz.html
Info and photograph
CNN: All about solar energy: http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/01/solar.energy/index.html
Under the Media’s Radar: The Clean Water and Air Acts
By: Shane Sabine
Many of you are likely aware of the energy issues broadcast in the media. Developments in alternative forms of energy may help America to become independent of foreign nations. The recent financial crisis and fluctuating gas prices are two topics that flood the newspaper headlines. Amidst this, consider making your impact in a different way via our country’s Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act.
From the EPA itself, the Clean Water Act is the “cornerstone of surface water quality protection” in the United States. Meanwhile, the Clean Air Act serves to clean up air pollution. Located on Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, D.C., the Environmental Protection Agency promises to allow you ample opportunity to make a difference.
Mr. James Feeley, of EPA’s Region 2 adds that he posts on Experience. The Federal Career Internship Program allows for college students to develop their skills in entry-level roles. There are positions available for environmental scientists, chemists, life scientists, financial managers, and lawyers. Please feel free to reach him at feeley.james@epa.gov.
You would certainly be impacting the world around you by finding work with the FCIP, and could help the EPA continue to maintain its reputation. The Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act are major, and your help standing by the environment would not go unnoticed.
For fun, test your knowledge of the Clean Water Act by trying this quiz: http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/cwa/cwaquiz/index.htm..
Trains, Planes, and Automobiles
By: Anne Consroe
Along with the presidential elections held this past Tuesday, voters saw several local issues on their ballots. Voters in California voted in support of the most ambitious high-speed rail system in the country. The $9.95 billion bond passed with 52 percent support last week, green lighting the first phase of the 800-mile project.
The rail system will initially link Anaheim, Los Angeles, Fresno and San Francisco with 200 mph bullet trains, eventually including Sacramento, San Diego, and Oakland. It will take approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes to travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles; a 6 hour trip by car. The system is expected to carry about 100 million passengers per year by 2030.
Built with state, federal, local and private money, the high-speed train system will cost two to three times less than expanding freeways and airports to accommodate for California’s expected population growth by 2030. High-speed trains use one-third the energy of an airplane and one-fifth of an automobile trip. Electric-powered high-speed trains will reduce California’s oil consumption by more than 12.7 million barrels per year by 2030 and reduce greenhouse gases by 12.7 billion pounds annually.
This rail system will be huge for California. In addition to benefitting traffic congestion and the environment, the new rail system will stimulate California’s economy by creating 450,000 new jobs.
To Scare or Not to Scare?
By: Kethaki Nair
As someone who is concerned about the environment what is the best way to enlist people in your cause? Should you sound The-Day-After-Tomorrow style disaster bells, or go the subtle route? Some studies have shown that presenting information in an overwhelming manner is often counter-productive as it discourages people from taking constructive action. Positivity can go a long way towards making people feel hopeful and making their actions meaningful. For one of my classes this semester I read a research report analyzing people’s recycling behaviors. One of the conclusions of the report was that people are more likely to recycle if they have a firm belief in the effects of their recycling on the environment. Thus positive messaging can inspire sustained engagement in recycling!
Many environmental organizations will already be aware of how their everyday practices- like the stationary they use, and their source of electricity- impacts the environment. Other organizations out there will have no idea. For these guys changing their everyday choices can be an uphill battle and the way you present your case for the environment can make a big difference. From what I’ve read so far scaring people is probably not the best thing to do. You don’t want them to turn around and say, “What difference does it make anyways?” In my mind if you can successfully convince your co-workers and your workplace to go green you can make every job a green job!
Following in the Footsteps
May 2007’s issue focuses on the work of Robert Redford, who is no stranger to the field of environmentalism: according to the magazine, he has been “spearheading grassroots movements of conservation” since he was twenty-four. His efforts grew to include his actions as a trustee of the Natural Resources Defense Council and a speaker on energy production.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was featured in 2006 for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions in California. Leonardo Dicaprio’s http://www.leonardodicaprio.com/ was broadcasted, the Bush administration has been appropriately criticized, and http://www.treehugger.com/ own Simran Sethi was recognized.
This should encourage you to protect your planet, as your values could be brought to light in a compelling fashion. Do not fail to start now, so that you may gain insight into how you might enjoy operating within the field. Never be afraid to explore ideas by speaking with some respected professors and other trusted advisors. Also, please refer to http://www.experience.com/ to develop and share with colleagues.
Start-Ups and Environmental Change
Much Demand in the Field of Green
Have you been advised to apply to law school as opposed to entering the financial services arena? Is there a noticeable dearth of recruiters from companies such as Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley? Are you seeking a rewarding career, that gem that surfaces amidst this financial downward spiral? Consider ASES' article on how to land a green-collar job.
Says American Wind Energy Association executive director Randall Swisher, “Wind power provides a stimulus for our economy.” This alone would be enough to sway you his way, but he adds that the field is valuable regarding energy security. The United States Department of Energy reports that wind power is capable of significantly contributing to our electricity supply. State governments may be becoming more green-friendly as they enact measures to create green energy and corresponding career opportunities. That being the case, apply to lobby at your capitol.
One might enjoy an internship or volunteer opportunity with a green organization. Getting your feet wet by blogging at Experience or http://www.onearth.org/ would provide for substantial laying of the groundwork and exposure. As with anything, making sure you are enjoying yourself is crucial to your success.
There appears to be steady demand for scientists and engineers who would research and design, respectively. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that “employment of environmental scientists is expected to increase…much faster than the average for all occupations.” Be sure to pay attention in class and do your homework, as it would be best for you to be prepared while employers stand ready to select you amongst the competition.
Prisons Going Green
By: Anne Consroe
As prison populations continue to rise in the United States, correctional facilities strive to find ways to cut costs. In 2007, states spent more than $49 billion to feed, house, clothe, treat, and supervise offenders. From water boilers that run on waste wood chips, wind turbines that save thousands of dollars in electricity a year, and solar panels that generate enough electricity to power 4100 homes a year, prisons across the country are finding ways to reduce waste and environmental impact, while conserving energy and water.
Some facilities have switched to chemical-free cleaners, vegetable-based inks, and geothermal wells to heat water. They have started recycling containers for rainwater conservation and switching to energy efficient appliances and solar water heaters.
Many inmates in correctional facilities across the country participate in a work program, putting in six to eight hours a day working in sustainable living programs. Inmates have the opportunity to tend to organic gardens, supplying the facility with thousands of pounds of vegetables a year. Compost systems use 100% of food waste. Inmates also raise bees and recycle shoe scraps into playground turf.
Such sustainable programs not only benefit the environment and the facility, but also provide inmates with valuable education and life skills. Sustainable programs and workshops stimulate their minds and expand potential.
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