MISSION,
Kan., June 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- (Family
Features) Preserving your community for future generations can take
many forms. It might mean volunteering with local organizations and
participating in community improvement initiatives. Taking steps to
protect the environment is another critical way to ensure your
community remains safe and livable for generations to come.
These ideas show that going green can be as simple as making
small modifications to everyday actions you already take.
Donating Unwanted Goods
Landfills are overflowing with items that still have plenty of
useful life. Often, those discarded items could be repurposed to
provide an affordable option to those who can't afford new,
full-price versions. Before loading up your trash can, consider
donating things like household goods and clothing that could still
serve a purpose. Numerous organizations accept gently used goods
that they either distribute directly to those in need or sell to
the general public, with proceeds benefiting a specific cause or
population. Look into the options in your area to find the best fit
for items you have that can be donated.
Rethinking Transportation
Pollution from transportation accounts for 29% of the United States' emissions, according to the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). That's a higher percentage
than any other category measured by the EPA. Carpooling, public
transportation and even carefully planning your route are ways you
can take personal accountability to help reduce the problem.
Another way to improve transportation emissions is by talking to
your school district about its school bus choices. Diesel school
buses are not only expensive to operate, but they are harmful to
children's health, the community and the climate, according to data
compiled by the Propane Education & Research Council.
Conversely, propane reduces harmful emissions that impact student
health and air quality in the community. By advocating for your
district to convert to a more environmentally friendly
transportation option, such as propane, you can help further reduce
harmful emissions in your community.
Find more information about propane-powered buses at
BetterOurBuses.com.
Recycling and Composting
Another way to reduce landfill waste is recycling and
composting. Many of the items you throw away can be recycled into
all-new materials. For example, recycled plastic can be used in a
wide range of products, from sleeping bags and backpacks to dishes
and reusable water bottles. Food waste represents a large share of
landfills, too. Eventually it will biodegrade, but composting what
you can at home gives you nutrient-rich material you can use to
support your garden or lawn with healthier soil and less need for
pesticides.
Cleaning with Natural Products
Keeping your home clean takes more than a little elbow grease,
but the harsh chemicals found in many household cleaners are
actually quite damaging. The chemicals can be poisonous or contain
allergens that negatively impact your home's air quality. Natural
cleaners are often more cost-efficient, so you can enjoy cleaner
air and minimize your impact on the environment.
Taking Advantage of Natural Light
If you're in the habit of flipping on a light switch as you walk
in a room, next time pause and consider whether you really need
additional light. During daylight hours, many rooms offer more than
enough natural light. Sunlight can also help warm spaces naturally
when it's cool outdoors, so throw open the curtains and let those
warm, bright rays shine. If you do need additional light, consider
relying on task lighting to illuminate your project rather than an
overhead light that consumes more electricity.
Benefits of Propane School Buses
Over the last several decades, there have been many advances in
student transportation. However, one area that could still use
improvement is the number of students who ride to school on diesel
buses that pollute the air. Today, there are two meaningful energy
choices for clean student transportation: propane and electric.
While both can achieve clean transportation, propane buses cost
one-third the price of electric, allowing districts to replace
their aging diesel fleet faster.
As an affordable, available and clean energy source, propane
buses make practical sense. The buses reduce harmful emissions by
96% compared to diesel. They can also meet school districts' needs
with a range of up to 400 miles and the resiliency to continue
operating across all terrains and in any weather. In fact, more
than 1,000 school districts have already made the switch. Every
day, 1.3 million children ride to school in 22,000 propane school
buses across the country.
In 2022, the EPA introduced the Clean School Bus Program, which
provides $5 billion over five years
(2022-26) to replace existing diesel school buses with
zero-emission and low-emission models.
Through three rounds of funding, the EPA program has allocated
more than $2.8 billion for 8,427
electric school buses and 440 low-emissions propane buses. However,
for the same amount of money that was distributed for the electric
buses (about $2.77 billion), the
program could have helped fund as many as 92,635 propane buses,
assuming each propane bus received the $30,000 incentive.
When considering full lifecycle emissions, replacing 92,635
diesel buses with propane buses would have reduced harmful nitrogen
oxide (NOx) emissions by 24,664 metric tons over the three years
the program has funded buses. By comparison, replacing just 8,427
diesel buses with electric buses will reduce NOx emissions by just
2,379 metric tons over the three years.
Michael French
mfrench@familyfeatures.com
1-888-824-3337
editors.familyfeatures.com
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