Keeping a New Year's Resolution with Commuting Solutions

Three of the top 10 New Year’s resolutions, according to USA.gov, are to lose weight, save money and reduce stress. But, research shows only 12 percent of Americans actually reach their goals every year. Maybe it’s because losing weight can cost money, and saving money causes stress, and stress may cause weight gain. So what can Georgians pledge to do that will help them reach all their goals in 2009?

The Clean Air Campaign suggests using a commute alternative instead of driving alone. It’s that easy.

“More than 8,500 commuters in metro Atlanta signed up for one of our programs in 2008 and gave clean commuting a try,” said Kevin Green, executive director of The Clean Air Campaign. “Choosing to carpool, vanpool, take transit, walk, bicycle or telework can help commuters reduce stress, save money, possibly get fit and even earn rewards through our programs.”

Participation in Commuter Rewards, a suite of incentive programs that rewards clean commuting with cash and prizes, rose by almost 300 percent during 2008.

“They may join to earn rewards, but the motivation for people to stay in our programs over the long term is the quality of life benefits that come from using commute alternatives,” continued Green.

Not only does clean commuting help reduce air pollution and traffic congestion, but it also saves money on gas, parking and vehicle maintenance. For those whose resolution it is to save money, carpooling cuts commuting costs in half, while vanpooling and riding transit cost just a fraction of what it costs to drive alone to and from work. Teleworking, walking and bicycling cost nearly or absolutely nothing.

In addition to saving money, commuters who walk, bicycle or take transit find a built-in way to exercise during the workday. Using active commute alternatives like these has been linked to reduced obesity in countries around the world by recent research and has helped metro Atlanta commuters like Lois Fletcher get in shape.

“After I began walking to and from the transit station, the weight dropped off,” said Lois. “I feel great, and walking really clears your mind and reduces stress.”

Reduced stress is one of the most unexpected and rewarding benefits of clean commuting. Being able to eliminate the commute altogether by teleworking, breezing past halted cars on transit, sharing a good conversation in a carpool and getting some reading in while riding in a vanpool have proven time and again to reduce the stress felt by the solo commuter.

“I started to let MARTA do the driving and realized that my blood pressure dropped after two years of it being high,” said Geneva Wilson, a commuter out of Stone Mountain. “More than anything, I am not stressed when I get to work, and I have time to read, go over paperwork or just relax and enjoy the ride.”

The many benefits and ease of using alternatives to driving alone make clean commuting the perfect solution to a New Year’s resolution. There’s no better time than the new year to give a new commute a try. Whether the goal is to get in shape, balance the budget or reduce stress, The Clean Air Campaign can help. Just log on to CleanAirCampaign.com for information on every type of commute alternative. Then register for Cash for Commuters and get paid up to $100 for trying a clean commute. 2009 could be a new year and a “new you” with a new commute to thank.


About The Clean Air Campaign
The Clean Air Campaign is a not-for-profit organization that works with Georgia’s employers, commuters and schools to encourage actions that result in less traffic congestion and better air quality. To accomplish this goal, The Clean Air Campaign, along with its associate organizations, partners with more than 1,450 employers to create custom commute options programs; and annually helps thousands of commuters find commute alternatives that work for them, providing financial incentives to get them started. The Clean Air Campaign also protects public health by issuing Smog Alerts and empowers students, parents and teachers to play a positive role in reducing traffic and cleaning the air through a multi-faceted education program reaching elementary, middle and high schools.

Each day, these programs reduce 1.2 million miles of vehicle travel and keep 600 tons of pollution out of the air we breathe. For more information, call 1-877-CLEANAIR (1-877-253-2624) or visit www.CleanAirCampaign.com.

K-12 Students Learn About Clean Air

This summer, The Clean Air Campaign announced its refreshed and expanded Clean Air Schools education program. Starting the school year off strong, 41 schools have already joined the program, initiating projects to educate their students about the importance of clean air.

"We've seen unprecedented interest in the Clean Air Schools program so far this year," said Susan Bacon, director of education for The Clean Air Campaign. "The program is easy to implement and schools can select projects that best fit their needs. Schools can register at any time and we're anticipating that additional schools will join us as the year progresses."

Clean Air Schools currently include:

Cobb County: Blackwell Elementary; East Side Elementary; Garrison Mill Elementary; Shallowford Falls Elementary

DeKalb County: Atlanta Area School for the Deaf; DeKalb Elementary School of Arts at Hooper Alexander; Huntley Hills Elementary and Montessori School; Murphey Candler Elementary; Redan Elementary; Stone Mill Elementary; Fairington Elementary

Fulton County: Amana Academy; Barnwell Elementary; Esther Jackson Elementary; Fulton Science Academy (Middle School); High Meadows School (Elementary and Middle); Ocee Elementary; The Weber School (High School)

Gwinnett County: Arcado Elementary; B.B. Harris Elementary; Brookwood High School; Camp Creek Elementary; Corley Elementary; Duncan Elementary; Dyer Elementary; Five Forks Middle School; Fort Daniel Elementary; Jackson Elementary; Kanoheda Elementary; KE Taylor Elementary; McKendree Elementary; Norcross High School; Pinckneyville Middle; Puckett's Mill Elementary; R.D. Head Elementary; Rebecca Minor Elementary; R.L. Norton Elementary; Simpson Elementary; Sugar Hill Elementary; Sycamore Elementary; W.J. Cooper Elementary

The Clean Air Schools program, revamped this year, teaches students about air quality through educational projects that encourage them to take action for positive changes within the school and community. To participate, schools select one of the five projects, but many schools choose more than one. The projects include:

* A no-idling campaign that reduces harmful smog-forming emissions
* An educational musical assembly program that features BAIR, the Better Air
Bear (geared toward K-5, available in metro Atlanta only)
* Georgia Performance Standards-based air quality lesson plans for grades
3-12, available for download at CleanAirCampaign.com
* Ride There! for Clean Air, a program to encourage bus ridership
* Walk There! for Clean Air, a program to encourage walking to school

Of the 41 Clean Air Schools, 39 will implement no-idle campaigns to help eliminate unnecessary idling on school grounds which causes air pollution and places students' developing lungs at risk. Thanks to a grant from The UPS Foundation, The Clean Air Campaign will provide all the materials needed to employ the no-idle campaigns at no cost to the schools.

Brookwood and Norcross High Schools in Gwinnett, The Weber School in Fulton and the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf in DeKalb are the first four high schools in the state to become Clean Air Schools. All four schools will implement no-idle programs. The Atlanta Area School for the Deaf and The Weber School will also incorporate air quality lesson plans into their high school science curriculum for hands-on learning about the environment.

"For the first time, high schools can benefit from our education program as well," said Bacon. "The Clean Air Schools no-idle project is an excellent service learning opportunity for high school students. For example, student clubs can take ownership of the program by conducting the ŒSurPrize' Patrols themselves to award drivers for not idling. We're excited to follow the progress of our programs in the high school learning environment."

Registration is open and schools around the state can apply for the program at any time. For more information about the program or to become a Clean Air School, visit CleanAirCampaign.com or email schools CleanAirCampaign.com.

Each day, these programs reduce 1.2 million miles of vehicle travel and keep 600 tons of pollution out of the air we breathe. For more information, call (1-877) CLEANAIR ((1-877) 253-2624).

Back to School Carpool

By Susan Bacon

Clean Air Campaign

Back to school and back to the carpool line. Every year parents wait anxiously in the car to greet their students after the first day back. It’s very tempting to wait with the air conditioning running, especially since we’ve all heard the myth that idling uses less fuel than restarting your car. Actually, idling for 30 seconds wastes more gas than restarting your engine.

And every minute spent idling releases 6.6 pounds of pollution into the air around your child’s school. Pollution from vehicle emissions is especially harmful to children, who are lower to the ground near vehicle tailpipes and breathe on average 50 percent more per pound of body weight than adults. This means their young lungs could be breathing in twice as much pollution.

Not a healthy thought.

Through the Clean Air Schools program, The Clean Air Campaign offers solutions to unhealthy air on school grounds. No idling campaigns, walking school buses and bus ridership empower students to do their part to make the air cleaner and healthier.

Do the programs really work? During the 2007- 2008 school year, 10 Gwinnett County Public Schools participated in a no-idle pilot program and reduced idling on schools grounds by 69 percent, more than double their goal. And thanks to a grant from The UPS Foundation, The Clean Air Campaign will be able to take no idling campaigns to almost 125 schools this coming school year.

Through our longstanding partnership with Mothers & Others for Clean Air, The Clean Air Campaign is supporting greater awareness among school administrators of the health risks that children face when they participate in outdoor physical activities on Smog Alert days.

For more information and to read more posts about what the Clean Air Campaign is doing t to improve Atlanta's air quality, visit their blog at www.cleanaircampaign.com/Blog.

Let The Web Untangle Your Commute

By Brian Carr

Clean Air Campaign

Remember when there was no Google and you either knew the Web address or you didn’t? When you gladly paid AOL to hear “You’ve got mail!”? When the piercing sounds of “WEEEEEEE…SHHHHHH” let you know you were successfully connected to the Internet?

Many of you may not remember, but take it from me, we’ve come a long way.

Fortunately, the Internet now provides all the tools you need to manage your commute – and make it as easy and “green” as possible. Here’s a rundown of some that we think are most helpful. If you have others, please add to our list:

Georgia Navigator
Provides real-time traffic conditions in metro Atlanta and across Georgia. If you’re not online, call 511 for traffic conditions.

RideSmart
Find an instant match for a carpool or vanpool partner. More than 30,000 commuters have already signed up.

14th Street Bridge
Stay ahead of the latest road closures, detours and construction updates.

MARTA
Taking transit may be easier than you think. Check out MARTA’s trip planner and rail/bus routes.

A-TRAIN Trip Planner
Let this site map out your car-free commute via transit, foot or bicycle.

Commuter Feed
A free service that lets users post local traffic reports via Twitter or Pownce.

Zipcar
Why drive your gas guzzler to run errands when you can hop in a community car and save the wear and tear?

Gas Buddy
For a good laugh (or cry), view the historical price of a gallon of gas in Georgia.

And of course, CleanAirCampaign.com – doesn’t that go without saying?!

Atlanta Smog Report

By Kevin Green

Clean Air Campaign

As you may know, the EPA tightened ozone standards earlier this year. As a result, the Atlanta region was expected to have more violations.

So far during smog season, metro Atlanta has registered 16 ozone violations (2 code red, unhealthy for everyone; 14 code orange, unhealthy for sensitive groups) as of July 15. Last year during the same period, we logged 12 ozone violations (2 code red; 10 code orange).

If the standard had not changed, eight of this year’s violations would not have been recorded. So while we have more violations than last year, you could say that we’re having a better year. But the bottom line is that standards changed for a very good reason: to better protect human health. From that perspective, even one violation is one too many.

If you are changing your commuting habits to be more “green,” (or even to save money), rest assured that your hard work is making a difference. Each day in metro Atlanta, your relationship with The Clean Air Campaign is helping to eliminate 1.2 million vehicle miles of travel and keep 600 tons of pollution out of the air. But commuters in the region can do more.

Besides ditching your solo driving habits, there are other simple actions you can take to protect your health:

• Sign up to receive Smog Alerts .
  
• Learn how to protect yourself and your family from the negative health effects of bad air.
  
• Encourage others to do the same.
  
• The hottest days of summer are still ahead of us, so please share any tips you have for reducing pollution on Smog Alert days.

For more updates from The Clean Air Campaign, visit the organization's new website and blog. 

Clean Air Campaign's New Website

Commuters and employers searching for ways to reduce the burden of high gas prices have a new online resource at their disposal – CleanAirCampaign.com. This updated version of The Clean Air Campaign’s site has been restructured, simplified and outfitted with tools to provide users with easy access to solutions for their commuting problems.

The new site features:

· A weekly poll
· A blog to spark dialog among commuters, employers and concerned citizens
· Testimonials from commuter champions, everyday people who are making a clean commute work
· Success stories from employers, schools and more

The new site also makes it easier than ever to earn cash, win prizes and discover the latest promotions. Plus, The Clean Air Campaign is jumping into the fray as its bloggers share anecdotes, discuss the future of transportation in Georgia and offer insider tips to beat high gas prices.

“Our mission is about motivating commuters to make a change,” said Clean Air Campaign Executive Director Kevin Green. “But they need to know why changing their commute is worthwhile. They need to see how others have made clean commuting a part of their daily lives. CleanAirCampaign.com is an informative and engaging resource for commuters, employers and schools that want to join our efforts to reduce traffic and clean up the air.”

In conjunction with the new site, The Clean Air Campaign has also launched a MySpace page at www.myspace.com/cleanaircampaign . The page will feature videos, latest news, and conversation about clean air lifestyles, traffic and (of course!) high gas prices.

Save On Gas By Commuting To Work

Metro Atlanta commuters know just what to do when gas heads toward $4 a gallon – stop driving alone to work. In fact, more than 3,000 commuters have signed up this year for an incentive program that pays them to try carpooling, transit, teleworking and other less expensive – and less polluting -- alternatives. That is more than double the number of commuters who signed up for the program, known as Cash for Commuters, in the same timeframe last year.

“Not since the gasoline shortages immediately following Hurricane Katrina have we seen such intense interest in our programs,” said Kevin Green, executive director of The Clean Air Campaign. “May was a phenomenal month for enrollment, and June looks like it will be even more active.”

Cash for Commuters is one of three financial incentives available to Georgia commuters through the Commuter Rewards program. Cash for Commuters pays $3 a day, up to $180 over a 90-day period, for commuters who try an alternative to driving alone. Commuter Prizes, another incentive, awards monthly prizes to existing users of commute alternatives, selected at random. Carpool Rewards provides gas cards to carpools with three or more people. All three programs have seen strong increases in enrollment. Highlights include:

In May, The Clean Air Campaign received more than three times as many Cash for Commuters applications as were submitted in May of 2007.

· Almost five times as many Carpool Rewards applications were received in May 2008 when compared to the same month last year.
· Year to date, applications for both Cash for Commuters and Carpool Rewards are more than double the number submitted during the same timeframe last year.
· More than 300 Cash for Commuters applications were submitted in the first five days of June.

These numbers represent thousands of commuters who are saving money and reducing stress by hanging up their car keys. One of these commuters, Marvin Heath, began riding MARTA just over a month ago and is already enjoying multiple benefits of his new commute. “While I enjoy my job as an IT project manager, I'm an artist at heart. I noticed I was becoming less and less creative in my spare time because of the three hours I was spending each day in stop-and-go traffic. I also realized that I was fueling up twice a week at $60 a pop - or $480 per month!” Heath now takes MARTA to his job in Alpharetta, using his commute time to read and relax. He credits his new commute with helping him arrive home “refreshed,” ready to enjoy his creative pursuits. He’s also saving almost $200 a month.

“Every day we hear more stories of people who are improving their quality of life just by changing their commutes,” added Green. “While gasoline at $4 a gallon and a tough economy is a strong motivator for people to make a change, there are many benefits other than financial savings.”

Commuters looking for a cheaper, better way to get to work should visit www.CleanAirCampaign.com or call 1-877-CLEANAIR (1-877-253-2624) to learn more about the financial incentives and commute alternatives that are available.

PACE Award Nominations Open

The Clean Air Campaign, together with the region’s nine transportation management associations and RideSmart, has issued the call for entries for the ninth annual PACE Awards. The PACE Awards recognize metro Atlanta’s best workplaces for commuters. Employers, property management companies and individuals across the region are honored for their commitment and leadership in promoting commute alternatives. Last year, more than 500 business and community leaders attended the luncheon.

Award entry forms are now available at The Clean Air Campaign’s website, www.CleanAirCampaign.com, or by calling 1-877-CLEANAIR (1-877-253-2624). Winners will be announced at the 2008 PACE Awards luncheon, which will be held on Thursday, October 16, at the Georgia Aquarium. The deadline for all submissions is August 27.

Award categories include:

· The PACE Awards for overall employer programs, which include five categories: small business, medium business, large business, public sector (government) and property management company.
· The PACE Setter Award for an individual who has a hands-on role in reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality by promoting, developing or maintaining effective employer-based programs.
· The PACE Innovator Award recognizes an employer or property management company that has developed an innovative solution to an air quality/traffic-related problem.
· The PACE Spotlight Award recognizes a program that has achieved success for one specific program element (e.g. vanpooling or teleworking).
· The PACE Starter Award recognizes an outstanding commute options program that is less than 18 months old.
· The Commuter Champion Award presented to an individual who does not have an official responsibility to develop or execute commute options programs, but who has made significant contributions in reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality by promoting commute options to his/her peers.
· The GDOT Commissioner’s Award presented to an individual who has shown exemplary commitment to the improvement of air quality and traffic congestion. The award specifically recognizes the role of community leaders, corporate executives and other individuals who have used their influence to change attitudes and develop solutions.

“The PACE Awards identify the region’s best workplaces for commuters and recognize those who take a leadership role in addressing traffic congestion and air quality issues,” said Kevin Green, executive director of The Clean Air Campaign. “It’s our way of saying ‘thank you for making a difference.’”

2007 PACE Award winners included Image Information; RSUI Group, Inc.; Delta Air Lines, Inc.; U.S. General Services Administration; Hines – Perimeter Summit; Green Express; Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company; Foodbuy, LLC; Margie Butler of Mirant; David Allman of Regent Partners, LLC; and Paige Medina.

New Ozone Standards

Smog Season officially began May 1. In March, ozone standards became more stringent. Why? Science shows us that even lower levels of air pollution can harm our health than previously thought. Atlanta's Clean Air Campaign compiled this Q&A to answer questions about the changes and what it means to Intown residents.

What changed?
On March 12, 2008, EPA strengthened the air quality standards for ground-level ozone, a primary component of smog. These new standards mean that lower levels of ozone will now be reported as unhealthy in the daily smog forecasts and in the Air Quality Index (AQI). The new "Code Orange" (101 - 150) level of the ozone AQI reflects ozone at 0.075 parts per million (ppm) or higher. The old standard was 0.084 ppm over an 8-hour average.

This more stringent standard is likely to result in more Smog Alert days than in previous years.The new scale is already incorporated into the AQI and does not change the fact that Smog Alerts are issued when a day is forecast to be Code Orange, Code Red or Code Purple.

Why was the change made?
There is increasing scientific evidence that shows that even low levels of exposure to ground-level ozone can be harmful. After a review of more than 1,700 new scientific studies, the EPA determined that new standards will yield health benefits of between $2 billion and $19 billion.The benefits include preventing cases of bronchitis, aggravated asthma and hospital and emergency room visits.

Breathing air containing ground-level ozone reduces lung function and increases respiratory symptoms for all, even the most healthy people.Ozone exposure may even contribute to premature death, especially with people suffering from heart and lung disease. Repeated exposure to ozone also damages sensitive vegetation and trees, leading to reduced growth and increased sensitivity to disease and pests.

Who should care the most?
Under the revised AQI, ozone levels above 0.075 ppm would be considered in the “Code Orange,” or “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category. “Sensitive groups” are defined as active children and adults who are outdoors and likely to inhale ozone and people with respiratory ailments such as asthma.Some people suffer consequences even on Moderate air quality days.

How can I protect myself and my family?
The best way to protect yourself from the harmful effects of air pollution is to be informed. Sign up to receive Smog Alerts. Also, because more than half of all smog-forming pollutants in metro Atlanta come from cars and trucks, you can also help to reduce pollution by using a commute alternative.

What are Smog Alerts?
Each day, a team of scientists from the state Environmental Protection Division and Georgia Tech use a variety of meteorological and traffic pattern information to develop a forecast of the next day’s air quality. This forecast is made by 2 P.M. to provide you with timely information on which to base the next day’s activities, and to encourage actions to reduce pollution on those days when the air is expected to exceed federal standards.

Daily Smog Alerts are based on the Air Quality Index (AQI), which reflect the new standards. The color-coded tool is designed to provide easy to understand information about daily air pollution levels in their communities and the public health threat of poor air quality.

Facts About Ground-Level Ozone

Ozone is not emitted directly into the air, but is the result of a chemical reaction when chemicals are “cooked” by sunlight and heat. Nitrogen oxides react with volatile organic compounds to create ozone. The pollutants that form ozone waft into the air from motor vehicle exhaust, emissions from industry and power plants and vapors from gasoline and chemical solvents.

Ozone levels peak between 2 PM and 7 PM each day. Ground-level ozone is not to be confused with ozone found in the atmosphere’s upper levels.High in the atmosphere, ozone provides a benefit, protecting the earth from the sun’s harmful rays.