Transportation & Air

Prerequisite:

Prerequisite Action: Watch Educational Videos on Air Quality

Description: Watch all three videos to learn more about Utah's unique geography which causes an inversion, why we should care about air pollution, and why we shouldn't idle. Below you can find all three videos.

• "Causes of Inversion" (1:28)
• "Summer Ozone" (1:28)
• "Smart Energy Choices For Your Home" (1:36)
• "Stop Idling" (3:07)

Time Commitment: 15-20 mins

Required Documentation: Write 3-4 sentences for each video about what you learned.

Choose at Least Two of the Following Actions:

Action 1: Attend the UCAIR Clear the Air Fair (Sept. 7th)

Description: Join UCAIR on Saturday, September 7 at the Clear the Air Fair to learn more about how air quality impacts the health and well-being of every Utahn. This outdoor event is open to the public from 9 AM - 3 PM and will offer educational booths, demonstrations, free resources, giveaways, and other family-friendly activities. Learn more here.

• When: Sept. 7th from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Where: South Redwood Public Health Center: 7971 S 1825 W, West Jordan, UT 84088

Time Commitment: 1 hour+

Required Documentation: Write 3-4 sentences on what you did at the fair and what you learned.

Action 2: Attend the Sustainability Screenings with SPARC (Sept. 26th)

Description: Attend this month's Sustainability Screenings with SPARC featuring "AWAiRE - What's Beneath the Clouds". Learn about air quality in our cities and find effective ways to address air pollution in your local area. Everyone is welcome to attend and there will be free popcorn! See details below:

• When: September 26th from 12:00 pm - 1:15 pm
• Where: Shepherd Union, Wildcat Theater (Room 208)

Time Commitment: 1 hour+

Required Documentation: Check in at the event and write 3-4 sentences about what you learned from the film.

Action 3: For at Least One Trip, Utilize Alternative Transportation

Description: Instead of driving alone, consider utilizing alternative (OGX, bus, carpool, TRAX, etc.) transportation to a common destination you travel to. WSU provides a variety of resources and options to make using alternative or transportation a little easier. Visit our Sustainability Map to learn more about Transportation at WSU and to view the location of many resources.

Time Commitment: varies

Required Documentation:  Submit a recent photo of yourself utilizing alternative transportation. *The photo must be one that you specifically took for this action, not an old photo.

Action 4: For at Least One Trip, Utilize Active Transportation

Description: Instead of driving alone, consider utilizing active (biking, walking, etc.) transportation to a common destination you travel to. WSU provides a variety of resources and options to make using active transportation a little easier. Visit our Sustainability Map to learn more about Transportation at WSU and to view the location of many resources.

Time Commitment: varies

Required Documentation:  Submit a recent photo of yourself utilizing active transportation. *The photo must be one that you specifically took for this action, not an old photo.

Action 5: Register Your Bike Through WSU PD

Description: If you will be riding your bicycle to and on campus, we encourage you to register your bike with the Weber State Police Department. This allows us to keep a record of your property if your bike happens to be stolen on or off campus. Find the form here. 

Time Commitment: 5 mins

Required Documentation: Upload a screenshot of your registration confirmation.

Action 6: Offset Your Carbon Emissions

Description: Offset your commuting carbon footprint by contributing to WSU's carbon offset fund. You can choose to purchase enough offsets to reduce your full annual carbon footprint, offset your emissions and those of another student, or contribute what you can. If your parking pass purchase is on auto-renewal, or if you do not purchase a parking pass but would like to help purchase carbon offsets, you can still contribute. All contributions will be matched by WSU's Energy and Sustainability Office! Learn more about the carbon offset project and how to contribute here. 

Time Commitment: 5 mins

Required Documentation: Upload a screenshot of your contribution.

Action 7: Go Electric for Mowers, Trimmers, and/or Other Yard Equipment

Description: Swap out at least one of your gas-powered equipment for an electric one. the Division of Air Quality provides a great overview of the impact that yard equipment has on air quality. They state "... using a gas-powered leaf blower for one hour is the same as driving the average vehicle 727 miles!" 

Time Commitment: varies

Required Documentation: Upload a photo of your electric yard equipment. *Must have been purchased within the last 3 months to qualify.

Action 8: Call for Action to Rescue the GSL by Contacting Your Representatives

Description: There are many environmental concerns that need to be addressed as the Great Salt Lake (GSL) continues to dry up. Read the "Emergency measures needed to Rescue the Great Salt Lake from ongoing collapse" by downloading the full report here. Afterward, contact your state and/or federal representatives to call for action to prioritize getting water into the lake now. Contact your federal, state, and local elected leaders here. 

Time Commitment: varies

Required Documentation: Submit a screenshot of your email to your representative.

Innovation Action:

Description: Innovative actions are welcome, but please email greenbadge@weber.edu for approval before submitting this as one of your actions.

Time Commitment: varies

Required Documentation: varies