The Challenge Starts Tomorrow!

June 30th, 2010

Can you believe it? The 2010 Clear the Air Challenge starts tomorrow! So if you haven’t registered or logged into your account and set your 2010 goals, there is no time like the present. Register Here

And once you have registered and committed to a Bronze, Silver or (for those superstars) Gold level, how should you prepare yourself for a month of air-friendly transit?

  • Set personal goals for focus and motivation. Don’t stop at the medal level, set weekly goals for biking/walking, e-traveling, trip chaining, teleworking, public transit, carpooling and more on the trip tracker. As the famous athlete Bo Jackson once said, “Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.”
  • Know all of your options. Take a closer look at the Challenge Website to learn about the wide variety of TravelWise strategies that can help you reach your goals.
  • Create a plan of attack. Think about when and where you can eliminate trips and set your plans in motion. Create a carpool at work, dust off your walking shoes or tune up your bike* and drive down your miles.
  • Log your trips. Be sure to log in regularly to watch those saved trips, emissions and dollars climb. New this year, our updated tracker will compare your progress to the rest of your team and all challenge participants. Because a little competition is healthy, right?
  • * REI will be hosting a Free Bike Maintenance Basics Class on July 6th at 7 p.m. Register Online.

DRIVE LESS & DRIVE SMART

We know there are times when driving is your only option, so don’t forget to “Drive Smart.” A quick and easy way to drive smarter is to make sure your vehicle is maintained properly.

Proper maintenance means better gas mileage and fewer emissions, so change your oil regularly, monitor filters, hoses and belts, maintain proper tire inflation and alignment, and get regular tune ups.

Visit the Utah Clean Cities Coalition website for more drive smart fuel strategies, and take advantage of these Jiffy Lube Emission Inspection coupons.

TIP OF THE WEEK

It’s been said that competition is the best motivator, so why not use it to your advantage? Challenge friends, co-workers, other departments or neighboring businesses to see who can eliminate the most motor vehicle trips for the month of July. Register as an individual or team, make a friendly wager, help spread the word and motivate others to do their part to clear our air!

It’s been said that competition is the best motivator, so why not use it to your advantage? Challenge friends, co-workers, other departments or neighboring businesses to see who can eliminate the most motor vehicle trips for the month of July. Register as an individual or team, make a friendly wager, help spread the word and motivate others to do their part to clear our air!

Register Here.


TEAM SPOTLIGHT

The Salt Lake Chamber, Utah’s largest business association, is making a big commitment to clearing the air. This year the Salt Lake Chamber has pledged to double its team size and collectively save at least 13,000 pounds of emissions during the 2010 Clear the Air Challenge.

As the voice of the local business community, the Salt Lake Chamber recognizes the importance of leading by example and has already been a critical resource for generating business support for the 2010 Clear the Air Challenge.

Best summed up by Salt Lake Chamber president Lane Beattie, “The Salt Lake Chamber is proud to accept the Clear the Air Challenge – and we’re anxious to do our part.”

Read More

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Kicking Into Gear with Salt Lake County

June 30th, 2010

Under the direction of Mayor Peter Corroon, Salt Lake County is ready to “Drive Less and Drive Smarter” during the 2010 Clear the Air Challenge. Mayor Corroon has encouraged all Salt Lake County employees to join him in driving down their miles starting tomorrow, July 1st. And as an added bonus, the Mayor will be treating the winning county team to a celebratory pizza party!

So far, Salt Lake County’s active teams include:

  • Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office
  • SLCO – OneSmallChange
  • SLCO EH Ashley’s Sewer Rats
  • SLCO EH Clean Air Jocks
  • SLCO EH Foodies
  • SLCO EH Kicking and Screaming
  • SLCO Engineering
  • SLCO Health – Air Cleaners
  • SLCO – SLVHD Admin

Thank you to the employees of Salt Lake County and Mayor Corroon for your support of the 2010 Clear the Air Challenge. Your dedication will help bring us closer to our goal of eliminating 2 million single-occupant vehicle miles and keeping 3.4 million pounds of emissions out of our air (and out of our lungs!)

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Salt Lake City Challenges Utah Transit Authority to Clear the Air

June 30th, 2010

SALT LAKE CITY– Today, the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) accepted Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker’s challenge to create a company team to compete in the Clear the Air Challenge, which begins Thursday, July 1. Aimed at eliminating single-occupant vehicle trips through alternative transportation, the 2010 Clear the Air Challenge is a 4-week program focused on increasing public awareness of transportation options with less environmental impacts to our air quality in Utah.

“As a City, we are calling on all residents, businesses and organizations to get involved with this powerful initiative to contribute to cleaner air quality and drive down our miles,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker. “I had little doubt UTA would see the value in a friendly competition between our organizations to motivate everyone to do their part to improve air quality and reach our challenge goals. It will take a collective effort to make a real difference. I believe Salt Lake City employees – and our residents – are up to the challenge.”

The month-long challenge encourages all Utah residents to “Drive Less and Drive Smarter” through TravelWise strategies such as walking, biking, taking public transit, trip chaining and carpooling. This year the challenge aims to engage 10,000 participants to save 2 million vehicle miles and 3.4 million pounds of emissions during the month long campaign.

“As transit experts, we have always been supportive of alternative modes of transportation and are well positioned to support the Clear the Air Challenge,” said UTA General Manager Mike Allegra. “Our employees enthusiastically responded to the Challenge with the creation of a UTA team on the website. We’re ready to do our part for the good of Utah’s air quality.”

Participants who register at http://www.cleartheairchallenge.org and set their 2010 goals before July 1 will be entered into a special prize drawing for items that will help with alternative commutes, including bike helmets, Petzl headlamps, UTA day passes, water bottles and tote bags.

Find the challenge on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About the Clear the Air Challenge

The 2010 Clear the Air Challenge is a Salt Lake Solutions project created by a Partners Team made up of government entities already working on air quality issues, as well as business, faith, education and other community groups interested in motivating behavior changes to improve Utah’s air quality. For questions about the 2010 Clear the Air Challenge, contact Kate Lilja, Salt Lake City Division of Sustainability, at (801) 535-7755 or kate.lilja@slcgov.com

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State of Utah Steps Up Their Game

June 29th, 2010

300px-Seal_of_Utah.svgThe State of Utah, under the direction of Governor Herbert, has stepped up their efforts for this year’s Clear the Air Challenge.

The Governor recently sent out a letter to all state employees encouraging them to sign up for the 2010 Challenge and do their part to help clear the air. Already, the following state agency teams have been created:

  • 2010 Utah Attorney General
  • Capitol Hill Employees
  • Department of Administrative Services
  • Department of Community and Culture
  • DTS-State of Utah
  • Utah Department of Agriculture and Food
  • Utah Department of Corrections
  • Utah Department of Environmental Quality
  • Utah Department of Public Safety
  • Utah Dept. of Financial Institutions
  • Utah Department of Health
  • Utah Department of Human Resource Management
  • Utah Department of Workforce Services
  • Utah Geological Survey
  • Utah State Tax Commission

We applaud the efforts of the State of Utah and thank their leadership for their support. The Clear the Air Challenge truly is a collaborative effort, and with state employees on board we are one (very big) step closer to clearing our air!

*You can view all registered teams at ClearTheAirChallenge.org.

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Salt Lake City Receives National Award for City Livability

June 29th, 2010

Salt Lake City Receives National Award for City Livability
U.S. Conference of Mayors Recognizes Clear the Air Challenge Initiative

SALT LAKE CITY– Salt Lake City has been honored with the 2010 Outstanding Achievement City Livability Award from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. One of five cities that were recognized by the organization, the award was given to Salt Lake City for the Clear the Air Challenge initiative which is aimed at improving city livability and the quality of urban life.

Established in 2009, the Clear the Air Challenge is a collaborative effort with local and state governments, businesses, faith‐based organizations and non‐profit groups. The program challenges residents to commit to “Drive Less and Drive Smarter” using TravelWise strategies, such as biking, walking, utilizing public transit, teleworking and trip chaining.

During the 2009 Clear the Air Challenge, 4500 drivers eliminated nearly 111,000 single‐occupant vehicle car trips, saved over 1 million vehicle miles, and cut over 1.7 million pounds of motor vehicle emissions.

“We are excited to be recognized for our efforts to improve air quality in Salt Lake City as we continue to look at ways to improve the livability of Utah’s Capital City,” said Mayor Ralph Becker. “Improving our air quality is integral to our elevated quality of life. We are proud to share this award with our residents, who are so willing to do their part to clear the air.”

Following last year’s success, the Clear the Air Challenge is now gearing up for its second campaign, which will run from July 1 to July 31, 2010. This summer’s Challenge has loftier goals, aiming to eliminate 300,000 vehicle trips, 2 million vehicle miles, and cut 3.4 million pounds of emissions.

To register for the Challenge and find more information visit http://www.cleartheairchallenge.org. You can also follow the Challenge on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About the Clear the Air Challenge
The 2010 Clear the Air Challenge is a Salt Lake Solutions project created by a Partners Team made up of government entities already working on air quality issues; as well as business, faith, education and other community groups interested in motivating behavior changes to improve Utah’s air quality. For questions about the 2010 Clear the Air Challenge, contact Kate Lilja from the Salt Lake City Division of Sustainability at (801) 535‐7755 or kate.lilja@slcgov.com

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Governor Herbert, Mayor Becker and Mayor Corroon To Issue 2010 Clear the Air Challenge

June 14th, 2010
Governor Herbert, Mayor Becker and Mayor Corroon To Issue 2010 Clear the Air Challenge
Program Challenges Residents to do Their Part this July by Reducing Vehicle Emissions
SALT LAKE CITY –Utah Governor Gary Herbert, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon will kick off the 2010 Clear the Air Challenge on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub. The Challenge, which runs from July 1 to July 31, 2010, enlists residents to “drive less and drive smarter” using Utah’s TravelWise strategies to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.
Several counties in Utah frequently rank among the worst for air quality in the nation. At least 50 percent of emissions contributing to poor air quality and red air days comes from individual motor vehicles, which emphasizes the importance of everyone doing their part to drive down their miles through TravelWise strategies like teleworking, biking, using public transportation, carpooling and trip chaining.
To register for the Challenge and find more information visit http://www.cleartheairchallenge.org.
Who: Governor Gary Herbert
Mayor Peter Corroon
Mayor Ralph Becker
UTA Managing Director Mike Allegra
What: Media kick-off event to issue the 2010 Clear the Air Challenge to Utah residents.
When: Tuesday, June 15, 2010
10:00 a.m.
Where: Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub
250 South 600 West
Salt Lake City, Utah
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Governor Herbert, Mayor Becker and Mayor Corroon To Issue 2010 Clear the Air Challenge

Program Challenges Residents to do Their Part this July by Reducing Vehicle Emissions

SALT LAKE CITY –Utah Governor Gary Herbert, Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker and Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon will kick off the 2010 Clear the Air Challenge on Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at the Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub. The Challenge, which runs from July 1 to July 31, 2010, enlists residents to “drive less and drive smarter” using Utah’s TravelWise strategies to reduce vehicle emissions and improve air quality.

Several counties in Utah frequently rank among the worst for air quality in the nation. At least 50 percent of emissions contributing to poor air quality and red air days comes from individual motor vehicles, which emphasizes the importance of everyone doing their part to drive down their miles through TravelWise strategies like teleworking, biking, using public transportation, carpooling and trip chaining.

To register for the Challenge and find more information visit http://www.cleartheairchallenge.org.

Who:

Governor Gary Herbert

Mayor Peter Corroon

Mayor Ralph Becker

UTA Managing Director Mike Allegra

What:

Media kick-off event to issue the 2010 Clear the Air Challenge to Utah residents.

When:

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

10:00 a.m.

Where:

Salt Lake City Intermodal Hub

250 South 600 West

Salt Lake City, Utah

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Let’s Keep This Perfectly Clear. . .

June 3rd, 2010

'Let's Keep This Perfectly Clear' Header

If you haven’t already noticed, air pollution in Utah is becoming an unwelcome reality. Poor air quality means increased illness, and other health complications along with environmental problems and diminished quality of life in our communities. The good news is that this summer you can compete in the Clear the Air Challenge. Enter as an individual, team or company – there are tons of great prizes, but with clearer air, we’re all winners.

The Clear the Air Challenge, issued by Governor Herbert, Mayor Becker and Mayor Corroon, is all about improving air quality, reducing traffic congestion and conserving energy in Utah by eliminating unnecessary vehicle trips. By simply eliminating a few vehicle trips throughout your week, you can make a big difference in your community while competing for weekly prizes, grand prizes and statewide recognition.

Register at ClearTheAirChallenge.org to take the challenge and start making a difference.

Challenge Goals

The challenge is open to all traveler excited about smarter alternatives to driving alone. Whether you’re completely new to TravelWise strategies, or a seasoned veteran, we encourage you to participate.

The goal of the challenge is to:

  • Eliminate 300,000 vehicle miles,
  • Save 2 million miles,
  • Reduce 3.4 million lbs. of emissions.

A reduction of 3.4 million lbs. of emissions equals roughly 1.1 million dollars saved in total vehicle costs and 91,000 units of energy saved.

Register at ClearTheAirChallenge.org to take the challenge and become part of the solution.

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News Article From Salt Lake Tribune Friday, March 26th 2010

March 28th, 2010

That cheap home might cost you

The Salt Lake Tribune

Updated: 03/26/2010 10:48:51 PM MDT

Don’t let the low listing price or rent fool you.
That starter home in Magna looks attractive on the mortgage sheet, but chances are you’ll drive twice as many miles as if you paid a little more up front to live near downtown Salt Lake City.
Housing prices are only part of a neighborhood’s affordability equation, and a study of 337 U.S. metropolitan regions finds that 61 percent of them — including the Salt Lake-Ogden and Provo-Orem areas — fail the test because residents spend so much money driving to wherever they’re going.
The old standard for affordability pegs housing costs at no more than 30 percent of household income. A truer reflection accounts for both housing and transportation, and the Chicago-based nonprofit Center for Neighborhood Technology recommends that combination should not exceed 45 percent of income.
Yet a new online CNT database using Census Bureau and other measures of car ownership, transit ridership and other cost factors finds that the households in the Salt Lake-Ogden area spend 47 percent of their income on the housing-transportation combo. The number is worse in Provo-Orem: 50.5 percent.
But the real eye-openers are in the city and neighborhood comparisons. If you live in Salt Lake City, where there’s closer access to jobs and mass transit, chances are good you’ll maintain fewer cars and spend less than the recommended maximum. In the far-south suburb of Herriman, meanwhile, the road miles help add up to average costs at 63.89 percent of the metro region’s household income median.
“This helps people understand some of the tradeoffs about being farther away,” said Kathryn Tholin, chief executive officer of CNT, an organization dedicated to promoting neighborhoods that are economically and environmentally sustainable.
The numbers key off of a median household income of $48,594 for Salt Lake-Ogden and $45,833 for Provo-Orem.
If you had your eye on that cheaper home in Magna — or just about anywhere else on the valley’s west side — the database can help illustrate some unfavorable dollar tradeoffs. Say you buy just north of Main Street Magna, where the index predicts monthly homeowner costs of $963. The household average there is 1.9 cars, and 26,961 vehicle miles per year, while only 4 percent of working residents ride mass transit. It adds up to households bumping right up against the recommended level: 45 percent of household income spent on housing and transportation.
Compare that to 41.14 percent for Salt Lake City as a whole, and Magna doesn’t seem such a bargain.
Magna resident Laura McDermaid is unconvinced. The township of her birth remains affordable, she said, and many new developments along 5600 West — “There’s a Wal-Mart, a new strip mall” — keep shoppers close to home. For those who have to go elsewhere, she said, state routes 201 and 111 are easily accessible.
She acknowledged, though, that she doesn’t know anyone who rides the bus to work.
There are reasons less tangible than costs to choose the relatively quiet life, she noted.
“Once [people] come out here they stay,” she said. “They just like the people, the area, the accessibility.”
If, instead of the suburbs, you considered moving a couple of blocks south of the TRAX station at 900 East in Salt Lake City, average monthly home ownership costs would be $1,191. But your neighbors on average would keep just 1.3 cars per home and drive only 11,010 miles per year, while 14 percent would ride mass transit. As a result, housing and transportation costs combine for just 35 percent of the region’s household income median.
The disparity holds true for many suburbs. Kearns [45.35 percent of household income], Taylorsville [44.38 percent], West Jordan [49.81 percent], West Valley City [44.08 percent] and Sandy [53.53 percent] all come up less affordable than Salt Lake City [41.14 percent]. While expensive homes can warp the findings in individual neighborhoods — Salt Lake’s upper Avenues and Federal Heights are off the charts — generally the valley’s core and a spine along the TRAX system score best on the index. It’s not just the central city that rate, well, though. Anyplace with solid transit ridership and many jobs fares well.
“We’re making the point that these kinds of choices about where amenities are — where people go — have significant impact on the cost of living,” Tholin said.
It’s a point that the region’s nonprofit planning cooperative, Envision Utah, has spent a decade promoting. While officials with Envision Utah can’t endorse the CNT database, one who looked it over on Friday said its estimates look right.
Planner Ryan Beck said his cousin moved to Eagle Mountain, one of the state’s fastest-growing towns in western Utah County, with full knowledge of the costs but a desire for the quiet life. The CNT database could help other families weigh the same issues, he said. It shows that Eagle Mountain residents spend 69.37 percent of the metro Provo-Orem household income median on housing and transportation.
“The scary thing is when people make that trade-off and they don’t realize it,” Beck said. It’s part of what’s driving foreclosure rates higher in the far suburbs than in the cities, he said.

 

By Brandon Loomis

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Rand Study Highlights High Costs of Air Pollution for Hospitals in California

March 8th, 2010

(March 2, 2010)-A study of hospital-based medical costs resulting from poor air quality in California shows that air pollution caused $193 million in expenditures over a two-year period. This would be equal to the cost of providing flu vaccines to 85 percent of children under age 15 in California. In the study entitled, The Impact of Air Quality on Hospital Spending, which was carried out by a division of the RAND Corporation, researchers estimated the amount of medical spending on the part of private health insurers and public programs, such as Medicare, related to air pollution. They calculated that ozone and particulate matter caused almost 30,000 emergency room visits and hospital admissions for asthma, pneumonia, acute bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and other ailments. The estimate is conservative because it did not account for outpatient care in medical offices or clinics. Most of the costs were shouldered by Medicare and the state-run program. The study’s authors conclude that insurers, employers and the public all have a financial stake in improving air quality. 

 www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/TR777/

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New Year’s Resolutions to Clear The Air:

March 4th, 2010

Abbie Vianes
combine errands even more tightly or not go.
walk to church every Sunday and for other meetings when possible.
talk about idling.

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