HELPFUL GREEN TIP:  VAMPIRE ENERGY USE

Looking for a way to reduce your carbon footprint and save some cash at the same time?  An easy way to do this is by paying attention to "vampire" appliances that suck energy while in standby mode or even when turned off.  Try these tips and watch your energy use and your utility bill shrink!  

·         Unplug your appliances and portable tool chargers when not in use. 

·         Plug several appliances in the same area like your computer, fax machine and printer into a power strip and then turn that off.  Smart Power Strips are available, which sense when an appliance is not being used and turn it off.

·         Reduce the brightness on your TV and computer screens by half.  This can reduce their energy usage by 30 percent. 

·         Turn off your computer when you are not using it. 

·         When purchasing appliances, look for the Energy Star labels - they usually use half the amount of energy.

APTA:  $4 Gas Prices Will Drive Millions to Transit

A new study released by the American Public Transit Association (APTA) predicts that if regular gas prices reach $4 a gallon across the nation, (as it already has in California) an additional 670 million passenger trips on public transit could be expected, resulting in more than 10.8 billion trips per year.  If pump prices jump to $5 a gallon, the report predicts an additional 1.5 billion passenger trips can be expected, resulting in more than 11.6 billion trips per year.  "The volatility of the price at the pump is another wake up call for our nation to address the increasing demand for public transportation services," said APTA President William Millar. "We must make significant, long-term investments in public transportation or we will leave our fellow Americans with limited travel options, or in many cases, stranded without travel options. Public transit is the quickest way for people to beat high gas prices if it is available."

Here is a snapshot of increased transit ridership for selected systems so far this year:

You can view the entire report here.

Poll finds disparities in how Californians view their health

Californians who are well off, highly educated, white and insured generally feel good about their health, but others are more likely to say their health is not good, according to a new independent poll.  The survey by the Public Policy Institute of California found that about 8 in 10 state residents describe their health as excellent or good. But those numbers mask a deep disparity within demographic groups.

About 70 percent of Californians who earn $70,000 or more per year say their health is very good or excellent. But only 48 percent of middle income residents and 31 percent of low-income people, earning less than $40,000 a year, describe their health as very good or excellent. 

The same gap can be seen among people with different levels of education. Among college graduates, 67 percent say their health is very good or excellent. For those who have completed some college, the number drops to 56 percent. And only 28 percent of those with a high school education or less are very satisfied with their health.

Most Californians recognize that their health is tied to more than doctors, hospitals and health insurance coverage. They say that jobs, schooling, and safe places to walk, bike and get exercise play a major role. They also cite safety from violent street crime, and access to healthy food choices as important factors in their health.  For a close look at the survey, click here. 

2nd Annual Youth Media Forum for Social Change

The UC Davis Center for Community School Partnerships, in collaboration with Access Sacramento (Cable TV), Sacramento City Unified School District, the Sacramento Bee and a host of community partners wants to recognize the regional work of youth-generated social media projects that have been created and produced for social change.  If you are a teen, interested in new digital media tools, and want to help your community, the Youth Media Council (YMC) may be for you. Teens selected will meet regularly and review digital media projects created by other local youth in the Sacramento Region. Together with youth mentors, selected projects will be featured at the 2011 Youth Media Forum for Social Change to be held at the Sacramento Bee offices on Saturday May 7, 2011.  Click here for more information and an application!

Ubuntu Green Seeks Summer Intern for Youth Team

Ubuntu Green is seeking a talented and motivated person to assist with our Green Youth Leadership Team (GYLT) as a summer intern.  The GYLT is a team of youth in South Sacramento who are focused on being environmental stewards in their community.  The summer intern will coordinate the activities of the youth team, provide programmatic support and assist the youth in implementing projects and activities, including weekly meetings and outreach activities.  The ideal candidate will have experience working with youth, ability to work with diverse populations and fine communications skills.  To apply, send your resume to hr@ubuntugreen.org.