This was written by Christine Berg Colorado Field Consultant for Moms Clean Air Force and Jen Clanahan, Head Mom with Colorado Moms Know Best. It originally posted on Mile High Mama:
As moms we are often overwhelmed by the day-to-day minutia: school activities, birthday parties, and…oh my goodness, I forgot we scheduled a dentist appointment! Then there is the big picture stuff, making sure our kids stay healthy and strong for a bright future. We have the expectation that our kids should be able to grow up in a world with clean clear skies, drinkable water and interacting with the world without worry.
The reality is that 40% of people (that’s 125 million!) living in the U.S. live in areas where the air is too unhealthy to breathe because of air pollution. Over 100,000 children living in Colorado suffer from asthma, which is exacerbated by air pollution. This may not just be a number for you and your family as you suffer through respiratory illness. To protect our state’s greatest resources, our children and our outdoor environment, Coloradans have historically supported clean air and clean energy initiatives like the Clean Power Plan. Many of the historic protections for clean air and clean water are being rolled back by the current federal administration. Now, more than ever, it’s time for moms to take action in order to protect our kids!
The city of Aurora spans three counties of which two have “D” and “F” ratings based on the American Lung Association’s 2018 State of the Air Report. That’s why this May Mom’s Clean Air Force members from across the country will celebrate Mother’s Day by holding Mama Summits.
Moms Clean Air Force is teaming up with Colorado Moms Know Best and city leaders on May 7th to host the Aurora Mama Summit and our Moms and Mayors program as a launch pad for families to meet with city council members to advocate for clean air policies and sustainability programs that promote a healthy community!
As the mayor of Lafayette, Christine knows firsthand how critically important it is for parents to engage at the local level to protect our children’s health. Every day decisions are made in our communities from new development to composting and transportation infrastructure that impact our lives. Lafayette is one of 9 Colorado cities and counties that have taken the pledge to transition to 100% clean, renewable energy sources to power the community’s electrical needs. The city also has an active energy sustainability advisory committee to advise City Council on matters related to energy sustainability. The board has successfully implemented a Green Business program, streamlined the process for installing solar panels, and updated the city’s energy sustainability master plan.
The voices of families, whose children are disproportionately affected by air pollution, are a powerful force in creating positive change in their home communities. Attending the Aurora Mama Summit on May 7th is a great opportunity to harness the power of moms to change the world!
Join us for the Aurora Mama Summit on May 7th where we’ll be talking with city council members about creating a healthy, vibrant community.
- What: Kids Activities – Meet with Council Members – Tour City Hall – Food provided by Teal Taco Food Truck
- When: Monday, May 7, 2018 from 3:30-5:30 pm
- Where: Aurora Water-Wise Garden (across from City Hall), 15151 E. Alameda Pkwy, Aurora 80012
What can you do in your community?
Compost
Ask your county or city to join your state’s association on recycling and composting and to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the entire city.Plant Trees
Planting trees and plants along roadways can reduce particle concentrations by acting as a barrier between roadways and schools or playgrounds. They provide shaded space that encourages active transportation (such as walking and bicycling) as an alternative to vehicle use. If your city is not a member, become an active member of Tree City USADon’t Idle
Encourage your city to adopt an Anti-Idling Ordinance to improve air quality in areas frequented by children. Anti-Idling ordinances in areas such as schools, playgrounds, daycares and hospitals reduce the number of respiratory illness, especially in children.Take the Pledge
Ask your city to commit to a municipal clean energy goal; so far there are nine Colorado cities and counties that have taken the pledge to convert to 100% renewable energy!Sustainability Board or Commission
Join your city’s sustainability/climate resiliency board; if one doesn’t exist get it started!
Photo: David Russell at Buffalo Heart Images