CONTENTS
Mission Statement: We are attempting to strengthen and unify the young environmental community in the Bay Area by sharing interests, information, and calls to action between 1,500 local youth. We seek to inspire participation in projects and events between groups, strengthen journalistic skills, and foster career exploration.
Volume 1, Issue 5
"What is the good of having a nice house without a decent planet
to put it on?" - Henry David Thoreau
Submitted by Lea Bond, San Lorenzo High School
Question of the Month
What do you plan to do to honor Earth Day?
Here are two responses and what they're doing. EarthTeam will be posting some Earth Day ideas. Let us know about you.
Las Lomas High School environmental group is fundraising for the entire
week. All funds will go to the purchase of rain forest land in south america
- the land will be protected from logging, grazing and any other human
interference. Fundraising events include a bachelor/ette auction, car
wash, lollipop sales and a possible charity conert.
Zach Bjornson-Hooper, Las Lomas High School
I plan to take public transportation instead of driving and encourage
my family and friends to do so as well.
Wendy Kung, Oakland High School
Question of the Month for May - Answers Invited
"What advice would you like to give President Bush about the environment?"
Please send your answer to the editor. Be sure to include your name and school.
I - YEL Interview
Editor: Sarah Stoller, College
Prepatory High School
The I-YEL program is located in San Francisco. It is sponsored and
trained by Crissy Field. Students are admitted by application. Nick Lapis
is one of the current members of the group.
How long has your program been in existence?
Our program is in its second year. I feel like we have done a lot in these
first two years.
What are your programs goals?
Our Mission statement is: Inspiring Young Emerging Leaders (I-YEL) encourages,
prepares, and challenges young people from diverse backgrounds to be advocates
for environmental and social change. I-YEL is initiated, designed, and
coordinated by youth, who receive support and training in planning and
implementing projects that create positive change in their communities.
Through leadership development, career exploration, and goal setting,
I-YEL participants acquire the skills necessary to be the teachers and
leaders of today and the future.
How many are in your program?
We currently have 11 members ranging from 14 to 18 years old, representing
7 San Francisco high schools, living in 7 different communities.
What projects are you working on? Are they going well? Are there major challenges
with the projects and what are they?
I-YEL does many projects each year including, field trips, environmental
leadership training’s, community service projects, future planning
workshops, as well as the annual YEL projects, and I-YEL projects for
the more experienced interns. The YEL project is one of the most important
parts of the I-YEL program and it takes up a majority of our time. It
gives us an opportunity to choose one issue, as a group, and to organize
a project about it. Last year we decided to do a project on renewable
energy. We made a video and did workshops around the city that helped
teach others about this important topic. This year we decided to choose
environmental justice and to do a play. Not only are we acting in this
play, we are also writing the script, making the set, and renting a theater
space. Our biggest challenge is a lack of experience. Although we have
never collectively done any acting, we have hired a professional drama
coach. Also, some members of our program have been involved in acting
prior to this.
What do you like best about your program?
There are many things I like about our program. First, I love the flexibility
of it. We get to choose the issues that we feel strongly about and make
a positive change. Second, I enjoy the people in the program. We get along
like a family, and are very close. Lastly, we usually have an attitude
of, "We can do anything!" Although we have never made a play,
for instance, we have taken on this challenge and I think we will be successful.What
specific experience with your program was a highlight for you?
That is a difficult question to answer. I love everything about the program.
If I had to choose one experience, it would have to be our end of the
year celebration last year. Every year in August, we have a huge event
called the YEL OUT, where we invite our families, friends, coworkers,
and everybody who we have come to work with during the course of the year.
It is our chance to show off all of our accomplishments. Last year, we
went all out for this event. We spent a lot of time planning, and it was
also our first showing of the video that we made about renewable energy.
What are you programs biggest challenges?
Our biggest challenge is that we do not have enough time. There are so
many things that we want to do, but there is never enough time to do them
all. As a group, we tend to make very big plans for events, trips, and
projects. It is very difficult to find time for everything.
What would you like help with?
Well, right now the most important thing for us is to see full houses
for our play. We will be showing it in late June and you can check out
www.iyel.org closer to the date to see specifics.
Do you feel like your program is making a difference? In what way?
I know that we are making a difference. When we teach others about any
issue, I often see the other people's reactions to our message. They understand
what we are trying to explain and they think about the issues involved.
To me this is a success. I-YEL is also making a difference in the lives
of its participants. After I-YEL, we become the leaders of tomorrow and
we have a better understanding of our roles in society and in the environment.
Which environmental issues does your program care most about?
That is what is so cool about our program; we don't focus on only one
issue. Every year we choose a different issue. This lets the group focus
on whatever it feels is important at the time.
Is your program completely student run, supported by an involved teacher or assistant,
etc.? What kind of structure does it have and how is it working?
I-YEL Interns make a minimum commitment of one year (October to August).
They meet every Wednesday after school and three full Saturdays per month.
Participants also have the opportunity to participate in many optional
activities such as teaching drop-in programs at the Center, outreaching
in communities, attending conferences, or creating their own community
service project. I-YEL Interns earn an hourly stipend of $6.75 based on
full participation in the program. During the year, participants have
the opportunity to increase their responsibilities and stipend amount.
We are youth initiated and youth run. I-YEL was started by youth and youth
make every single decision in the group. We decide where to go for trips,
how to use our budget, who to hire, what projects to do, and any other
decisions that need to be made. We even made our own logo and website.
I-YEL also has to adults that assist us -- a program coordinator and an
advisor. Although we make the decisions, we would not be able to implement
them or even have a program without our coordinator and advisor. They
lead the group in many ways and they are also our friends outside of work.
When it comes to making decisions our coordinator and advisor share one
vote, whereas each other member of the group has one vote each. This system
works very well for us, and we would highly recommend it to any other
group.
How to Combat Global Warming
By Rena Zarah - Acalanes High School
"Renewable Energy Policies Americans can Implement to Combat Global
Warming"
American troops are shipped. Missiles are loaded. Millions of people are beginning to fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones. The war on Iraq, through President BushÍs words, is necessary for a peaceful world environment. However, others are able to see more motives, one being petroleum. The Middle East possesses about forty percent of the worldÍs oil reserves, forcing America to depend on their exports. The administration is willing to risk the lives of American and Iraqi people instead of searching for more sources of energy. As a fossil fuel, petroleum (along with coal) emits nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide, both leading factors in global warming. Global warming occurs when the global temperature rises in the atmosphere near the earthÍs surface. Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, CFCs and nitrous oxide all contribute to this effect. The twentieth century was recorded to be the hottest in temperature compared to all centuries. If changes fail to take place, future generations will be left with an unbearable environment to live in.
A major step in reducing global warming is to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels. Currently, there is no motive to stop the consumption of fossil fuels because they remain cheap. Government subsides keep the prices artificially low, amounting to $300 billion each year globally. If subsides are lifted, many consumers will no longer be able to afford fossil fuels and will turn to other new sources, which can be researched with the surplus of money. Gas emission limits can be put on industries, while taxing can be used as a way to enforce them.
Most importantly, if all citizens slightly alter their day to day routines, there could be a drastic reduction in pollutants. Increasing the efficiency in housing can save energy and reduce the need for fossil fuels. Insulation, overhangs, solar heating, efficient windows, and changing incandescent lighting in a house can all cut the amount of energy used. In America, most people find it difficult to get by without a vehicle. Between 1985 to 1999, the average fuel efficiency of new automobiles decreased from 11 kilometers/ liter to 10 kilometers/ liter. Increasing regulations and research into fuel cell, hybrid, and hydropower cars can all lead to a better environment.
Deforestation releases carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, all the while destroying the few precious forests that remain. Not only would ending de- forestation decrease global warming gases, but also preserve an environment for our heir to see. Organic farming also decreases emissions and provides better health.
Everywhere one looks, there is another method to save energy, which decreases global warming gases into the atmosphere. However, it is time for the government to start making changes, before time runs out.
By Tamara Presser - Acalanes High School
"Policies to Conquer Global Warming"
The 20th century was the hottest century in the past 1,000 years! The
concentration of CO2 in the troposphere is rising by 0.5% per year! The
15 warmest years on record since 1860 have occurred in the last two decades!
Sea levels and ocean temperatures are rising! All this is occurring due
to global warming. Global warming is when the global temperature rises
as a result of increased concentrations of the greenhouse gases. The change
in lifestyle over the last century has meant increased greenhouse gases.
In addition to the American public contributing to this unfortunate occurrence,
the US government is encouraging these increases with its current economic
and political policies. Although America is currently reaping the benefits
of its materialistic-driven society, soon the government must change its
policies before global warming becomes too extreme. These policies may
include stricter regulations on activities contributing to global warming
and encouragement to the exploration of renewable energy.
Regulations on industries, activities, and people contributing to global
warming must be made. Currently, car emissions and coal burning are leading
causes to global warming. The US government should implement regulations
on fuel emissions of cars and planes. The government could easily set
standards for automobile companies to meet. This policy contradicts the
current actions of the US government. With the war in Iraq, which is really
a war over oil, the government is encouraging the growth of the oil industry.
Another method to reduce the CO2 emissions would be to tax fuel prices
more. This policy would encourage drivers to carpool more, decrease the
number of sports utility vehicles, and to drive slower. Policies such
as these are hopeful. A worldwide treaty was made at Kyoto, which America
agreed to on its own terms. America agreed to cut its greenhouse emissions
to 7% below their 1990 level by the year 2010 under the treaty.
The US government should implement policies, which reward and encourage
the use of renewable energy to decrease global warming. The government
could easily subsidize renewable energy industries. This economic policy could
be implemented by transferring money, which is currently subsidizing the
oil and coal industries, to provide financial aid to those environmentally
friendly industries. For example subsidize research of electric, hybrid,
or fuel cell cars. Also focus on encouraging the development of renewable
energy such as solar or windmill power to replace coal burning. Another
policy could be to devote more tax money to this area and spend fewer
taxes on the military expenditures.
With new policies encouraging the use of renewable energy policies to
reduce greenhouse emissions, there is hope for America’s future and
for that matter, the world’s future. It is essential we make nation-wide
policies,
but equally important we must focus these environmental issues locally.
A greater difference will be made in smaller regional areas because it
is easier to enforce small-scale policies and have punishments. Otherwise,
in
the big scheme it is almost impossible to enforce worldwide environmental
regulations and nationwide is possible if the government is willing to
follow through with their threats.
Carpool
By Lucy Wu, Oakland High SchoolOn a recent field trip, I saw something that opened my eyes. It was between 7and 8 on a Tuesday morning. We were going to cross the Bay Bridge from Oakland. As we approached the toll plaza, the conversation instantly changed:
"Whoa!"
"I didn't know it's like that!"
"They're hardly moving!"
The number of cars lined up at the toll plaza drew everyone's attention. However, there were two lanes open for buses and people that carpool. We went past the massive pack of cars and were on our way to San Francisco in a few minutes. I couldn't believe the number of people that drive alone in a car that could take up to 4 or 5 people.
I saw for the first time, how beneficial it is to carpool. If everyone had carpooled, there would be at least half as many cars. This would mean less traffic, less commute time, and less pollution. Next time, consider carpooling or taking the bus. Help spare the air.
Poetry: "Moonlight Majesty"
Editor: Rebecca Smith , California High School
Moonlight Majesty
A pair of swans sailed out from the shadows onto the night-laden lake.
The moon's rays embracing them in a nimbus of light, their reflections
shimmered and danced on the glassy surface.
Bank side trees, enthralled by these majestic waterfowl, edged in closer.
Gracefully gliding by, the swans' wakes fanned out behind them like wide-sweeping
trains of royalty.
Far-traveling ripples spread out until they met the farthest reaches of
shoreline, gently caressing the bare roots in blessing.
The swans rounded a bend and were soon lost from sight.
Shaking off the mantle of awe that had weighed down their limbs, the trees
sighed with pleasure.
Only the track across the moon's reflection remained of the swans' silent
procession.
"Why I Keep Going to the Restoration Work Days"
Editor: Jeff Gustafson , San Ramon Valley High School
It was recently called to my attention that the Earth Team Restoration Initiative, which has proven to be a successful program incorporating restoration, education, enjoyment, and community, was looking to expand itÍs reach to more sites around the bay area to further the healing of bay ecosystems and to attract a more diverse attending population. I was asked to share what I wrote in a letter of recommendation in support of a grant:
Subject: Letter of Recommendation for the Earth Team Restoration Initiative
There is no question in my mind that could possibly challenge the fact that the youth of the world have the greatest ability to mold our present society and that of the future. Since the beginning, I have been an active participant in the Earth Team Restoration Initiative projects all around the bay area and it is at these events that the true power of the young emerges. I have been part of these Restoration Program where desolate, polluted areas have been restored to thriving wetlands and large fields of thick, invasive ice plant have been removed with native coyote brush and pickle weed planted in its place. In the present day, when environmental destruction surrounds us and our voice seems to be trapped or ignored, the Restoration Initiative has given me, my group, and hundreds of other students not only a voice, but something to physically impact, something that we have directly reformed, influenced, and restored.
I am a junior at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville, California and have founded and presided over the environmental club, S.A.V.E (Student Activists for a Viable Environment.) The many Restoration Program, at Dow Wetlands, Arrowhead Marsh, Fort Funston, or HeronÍs Head Park have become cornerstone events that my group participates in as many times as we can each month. In the process of building our message of a sustainable future to fellow high school and middle school students, every group leader comes to the dilemma of coming up with new ideas and acquiring more people to be involved. The restoration initiative, stretching and reaching students and community members across the bay area and bringing them together to work side by side provides the ideal setting in which one can meet and connect with a diverse population of people and exchange ideas and create bonds of friendship and partnership for future inter-school/organizational campaigns. Personally, I have met with students from many bay area high schools and middle schools in Oakland, San Francisco, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and Pittsburg and started working friendships between our groups to further our progress through the initiative.
The education of the general population, I believe, is the absolute key to forming an environmentally friendly society. We must come together and work for a better tomorrow and I cannot stress how important programs such as the Earth Team Restoration Initiative are for all students to be exposed to. Not only does everyone walk away with a great feeling of accomplishment and the knowledge that they did make a difference, they leave with what they were taught by both the naturalists that lead the projects and our own experiences. Not once have I left a restoration without a new thought to contemplate about the progress or the threats to the habitats that I had just worked in. We become just a bit more empowered with every bit of information that we can absorb and I strongly believe that through the introduction activities demanding participation or the pure restoration work completed at each restoration initiative event, not a single person walks away with the same sense of power or success that they arrived with Å it will only grow. I knew nothing of a tidal march ecosystems when first attending a restoration through Earth Team, but now I can easily identify most any plant species and understand exactly how they are individually important in the full bay environment and beyond. Whether or not one lives in a place where he or she can directly apply the details of the marsh ecosystem is not important. What makes the initiative so important and successful is that you are taught to see that the entire world works in a similar fashion; you cut one part of the circle away, other parts will fall away until collapse and destruction is inevitable.
In summary, the Earth Team Restoration Initiative has provided hundreds and hundreds of students with a very effective way of doing something in the common pursuit of an environmentally just world. It is programs such as the initiative that have the influence to educate the environmentally conscience and even the average citizen so that we will be better suited to act and make a dramatic impact for reform. I hope that you will understand the importance of this initiative being expanded and the deep and needed effects that it promises to spread throughout the greater bay area.
Sincerely,
Jeff Gustafson
President, S.A.V.E
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