Saving the environment one car ride at a time!
Eco-Protectors Team Members
Liam Noonan- I am a Freshman majoring in Early Childhood Education.
Michael Thalassinos-I am a Freshman. I enjoy video games and baseball.
Owen Grove-I am a first year student, majoring in Business.
We are the Eco-Protectors and we are here to protect the environment. We are not only teammates for the environment but we are teammates on the baseball diamond too.
What is Commute PA?
Commute PA is a program designed to reduce traffic, cut pollution, and make traveling easier across Pennsylvania. It encourages people to use greener options like carpooling, biking, walking, or taking public transit instead of driving alone. By helping commuters find smarter travel choices, Commute PA aims to lower greenhouse-gas emissions and improve air quality in local communities. The program also offers tools and rewards that motivate people to build long-term sustainable commuting habits.
Research
Our team found that the number 1 contributor to global warming and climate change is air pollution. These particles and gases can come from many sources. These include exhaust from cars and trucks, pollution from factories, and smoke from wildfires. It also includes ash from volcanic eruptions, dust from deserts, sea spray, pollen, and mold spores. However, the number 1 contributor is pollution from the vehicles we drive. Carbon Dioxide is the primary green house gas emitted from cars and trucks. Other greenhouse gases include methane, nitrous oxide, but in smaller amounts. Green house gases contribute to global warming trapping heat in the atmosphere. Not only can the air be polluted from the burning of gasoline, but noncombustion sources like tire wear, brake dust, and road surface particles contribute to air pollution. Motor Vehicles are the largest source of air pollution in the US.
Consequences of Air Pollution
- Disrupts aviation including flight paths of birds, but also airplanes causing turbulence while traveling.
- Contributes to climate change leading to global warming
- Pollutes the water we drink
- Respiratory sickness
- Increase water-borne diseases from flooding and warmer waters, and the spread diseases like Lyme and Malaria
How Can You Help?
- Decrease the amount of time you are traveling alone.
- Increase your exercise and walk or bike whenever possible
- Download the app and earn rewards.
Follow Along with Commute.PA on Instagram.
OR
Psuberks.commute.pa
Head on over to commute.pa.org
REFLECTION
Working with Commute PA helped us understand how everyday travel choices can make a real difference for the environment and our communities. We learned how small changes like carpooling or using public transit can reduce pollution and save money. Participating in the program also made us more aware of how transportation impacts air quality and traffic. Overall, it encouraged us to think more sustainably about how we get around.