The Houston-Dallas corridor has been a target for privately-funded high-speed rail for some time, but legal challenges have been the primary barrier. Perhaps understandably, landowners are unwilling to sell property along the proposed route, and many Texans are skeptical of using eminent domain. I think that skepticism is at least partially motivated by the fact that high-speed rail is seen as a liberal initiative. (My Republican congressman is not publicly supportive.) In my opinion, as long as high-speed rail is marketed for its environmental benefits, it will get bogged down in the politics of climate change : https://www.texastribune.org/2019/04/03/texas-high-speed-rail-developer-says-senate-budget-could-delay-project/
Zach Epstein
POINTS TOTAL
- 0 TODAY
- 0 THIS WEEK
- 371 TOTAL
participant impact
-
UP TO1.0donationmade
-
UP TO30minutesspent learning
-
UP TO1.0personhelped
-
UP TO291pounds of CO2have been saved
-
UP TO2.0public officials or leaderscontacted
Zach's actions
Food
Keep Track of Wasted Food
#3 Reduced Food Waste
I will keep a daily log of food I throw away during the EcoChallenge, either because it went bad before I ate it, I put too much on my plate, or it was scraps from food preparation.
Action Track: Social Justice
Help Girls Overcome Health Barriers
#6 Educating Girls
I will donate 1 Femme Kit(s) to help girls overcome health and sanitation barriers to being able to attend school.
Action Track: Social Justice
Advocate for Forest Protection
#38 Forest Protection
I will contact 2 congress people or representatives to advocate for public policy that protects forests and the enforcement of existing anti-logging laws.
Electricity Generation
Learn More about Wave and Tidal Energy
#29 Wave and Tidal
I will spend at least 30 minutes learning more about the energy generation potential of wave and tidal energy.
Materials
Install a Low-Flow Showerhead
#46 Water Saving - Home
I will save up to 15 gallons (56 L) of water a day by installing a low-flow showerhead.
Transport
Research and Advocate for High-Speed Rail
#66 High-Speed Rail
I will spend at least 30 minutes researching and advocating for a comprehensive high speed rail network in my country/region.
Transport
Purchase a Carbon Offset
#43 Airplanes
If I buy a plane ticket, I will purchase a carbon offset.
Participant Feed
Reflection, encouragement, and relationship building are all important aspects of getting a new habit to stick.
Share thoughts, encourage others, and reinforce positive new habits on the Feed.
To get started, share “your why.” Why did you join the challenge and choose the actions you did?
-
REFLECTION QUESTIONTransport Research and Advocate for High-Speed RailWhat are the factors that influence your choice of transportation? These can include things like money, time, and convenience, as well as perceptions of danger or safety. What would need to change for you to regularly choose more climate-friendly options?
Zach Epstein 4/24/2019 9:27 AMCost and time. When time was less of a concern, I often used buses to travel between cities in the Northeast Corridor. When timing was tight, I flew. If high-speed rail had been an affordable option, I'd have gladly taken it.
The Houston-Dallas corridor has been a target for privately-funded high-speed rail for some time, but legal challenges have been the primary barrier. Perhaps understandably, landowners are unwilling to sell property along the proposed route, and many Texans are skeptical of using eminent domain. I think that skepticism is at least partially motivated by the fact that high-speed rail is seen as a liberal initiative. (My Republican congressman is not publicly supportive.) In my opinion, as long as high-speed rail is marketed for its environmental benefits, it will get bogged down in the politics of climate change : https://www.texastribune.org/2019/04/03/texas-high-speed-rail-developer-says-senate-budget-could-delay-project/ -
REFLECTION QUESTIONTransport Purchase a Carbon OffsetA round-trip flight from New York City to Los Angeles emits just over 1.5 tons of CO2. What can you do to reduce the number of flights you take per year?
Zach Epstein 4/23/2019 8:32 AMReducing the number of flights I take per year is a real challenge. As a telecommuter, I have to fly for any major client meetings. My immediate family members all live far enough such that flying is the only way to meet up for holidays. Vacation choices might be my best option. Rather than fly to Scotland for a two week vacation (I purchased the carbon offset for that trip), maybe my wife and I should more seriously consider domestic vacation options. I think we under-appreciate vacation destinations that happen to be nearby, or at least a much shorter flight away.
Also...while my carbon offset cost $30 (again, for the round trip flight to the UK), that was apparently the equivalent of 71(!) urban tree plantings. Urban re-forestation really seems inefficient when I think of it that way, but I'd sure appreciate the extra shade...