Reflection: Weeks 8-14

During the second part of Environmental we very interested for me. I really enjoyed the activities that we did. Visiting Goodwill was one highlight from this semester, I did know that I would take so much from that experience. I always just had in mind that Goodwill was just some where to leave your junk but that junk can go a long way. I found it awesome that  they try to recycle a lot of items that are not sold and make into materials that can be used later on. I also thought it was awesome the employment  opportunities that they provide for people. Another activity that I enjoyed was  making my our jewelry out of things that I had around that house, which ended up being really fun! Overall this semester has really opened my eyes to how I can physically help out our environment. Also sharing my knowledge about the things that I have learned to the people around me will go a long way!!!

Share and Voice

http://sewing.about.com/od/freeprojects/tp/Use-Your-Fabric-Scraps-To-Make-Your-Own-Fabric-Jewelry.htm
This is a website where you can learn how to make jewelry out of things that are just lying around your house. I have gotten hooked on this ever since I did my project for class. I never realized how easy and cheap this is. As the holidays are coming and I do not have much in my wallet I have figured out a few gift idea without anyone having to know that I had make it myself :)

Advocacy Project: Letter to an Elected Official

Dec 12, 2011

Senator Al Fraken

U.S. Senate

309 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20500

VOTE YES ON H.R 404 2011: Renewable Fuel for America's Future Act

The proposal of Renewable Fuel for America’s Future Act is a statewide and countrywide proposal that will benefit our world we live in. To put this action into play we need to start with Minnesota. As a resident and community health student at the University of Minnesota Duluth, I strongly believe and push for the Renewable Fuel for America’s Future Act. This Act will not only benefit us in the present but also the future and their environment that they will be living in.

The Renewable Fuel for America’s Future Act will provide us the opportunity to make a change for the better for our environment and try to undo the damage that we have already done to our earth. If we make a change now, not only use will benefit for us but generations to come. Duel fuel does not have to be a thing of the future but rather the present. We just need to take a step forward and use this fuel that is being provided to us. Not only the environment will benefit but so will our local economy. It will give our local farmers the opportunity to provide the grains necessary to produce this fuel. This will spread countrywide giving our economy the boost that it has been craving.

Opponents of this bill might ague the cost of implementing duel fuel into our motor vehicles. A cost will be prevalent but in the long run will turn into a benefit for us as citizen and a benefit for the world we live in and take so much from. Its time to return the favor.

We appreciate your past support of the bill for renewable fuel for America’s future act. Implementing duel fuel in motor vehicle and providing ethanol fuel for our vehicles will not only help you and I but America. We hope that you realize the benefits of this act and vote “yes” to H.R 404. If you can provide any further information, please contact me at 444-444-4444 or healthed@helpenvironment.org.

Jamie Lakatos

Advocacy Project: Fact Sheet

FACT SHEET

What is Ethanol?

Ethanol or ethyl-alcohol is a high octane. This renewable fuel is produced by plant sugars. Ethanol in the United States is typically made from corn and other grain products.

Types of Ethanol blends:

E10: Gasoline-ethanol combination that contains up to 10% of ethanol. This fuel may be used in ANY gasoline dependent powered vehicle.

E85: Gasoline-ethanol combination that contains up to 85% of ethanol. Ethanol fuel burns much cleaner than pure gasoline plus it is totally renewable, which makes it environmentally friendly fuel. E85 must be used only in flex fuel or duel fuel vehicles.

What is duel fuel or flex fuel vehicle (FFV)?

These type of vehicles are designed by the manufacture to use any percent of ethanol in the gasoline, any where from 85% ethanol to 100% of pure gasoline. Minnesota is a national leader in the use of alternative fuels.

How can someone tell whether or not their vehicle is a FFV or is capable of duel fuel?

• Check owner's manual
• Check inside the fuel cap door
• Visit www.e85fuel.com

Sources

Sources: Renewable Fuels Association, www.ethanolrfa.org/ 

National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition/Growth Energy, www.E85fuel.com 

Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center, www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/ethanol/

EPAct Launches Fleets Toward Minnesota’s Alternative Fuel Future, http://www.afdc.energy.gov/afdc/pdfs/37132.pdf