Synthesis Group Proposal (so far) Taylor Hurt, Leila Nyberg and Kate Mulvaney

Proposal (so far)* Preliminary Introduction Preliminary Literature Cited Preliminary Objectives * Everything depends on what is written in each of the three sections for wildlife habitat, stormwater runoff and carbon footprint, so modifications to all of these will probably be necessary.

Introduction

General Outline: –Environmental challenges require environmental education to address them –Indiana ranked 49 th in the country for environmental friendliness –Description of Tippecanoe County: One of the best places to start improving IN Wabash River—iconic natural resource Lafayette/West Lafayette area ranked 6 th smartest town Has the resources/drive to make significant change

Introduction (2) Tipp-ECO-Now Project : –Purpose: to educate Tippecanoe County on global and local environmental issues and promote environmental stewardship. –Goal: To increase environmental awareness in Tippecanoe County Approach: three-faceted approach to environmental education based on carbon footprint, stormwater runoff and backyard wildlife habitat –Short description of each component –Importance of approach

Introduction (3) Why we need funding –Why a web tool is a good option –Short description of how this website is unique (interactive, participatory, feedback) How we will promote the program/website –Visual presence with logo –Community outreach/advertising?

Literature Review

General Approach We cited the papers provided on Blackboard for each section we covered in class, along with original paper that defines “carbon footprint” We also cited a selection of websites that each group found in our initial review We discussed pros and cons of existing websites, based on each group’s report

Literature Review Starts with a brief introductory paragraph Then we discuss carbon footprint websites in two paragraphs First, we cite literature, then begin our assessment of websites Issues we have with current calculators: omitting important aspects of a carbon footprint, such as eating habits and transportation Lack of methodology information on existing calculators is problematic and we intend to provide this on our website

Literature Review Three paragraphs about ecological footprint calculators Lack of methodological transparency emphasized again Omission of water usage is an issue with many of these calculators Discusses the many strengths of Project DX Transition to section about stormwater and water usage

Literature Review Three paragraphs about water calculators We decided that stormwater is only one important aspect of this (also water consumption and wastewater) Because of stormwater taxes and regulations, our calculator should be specific to Tipp county Information about “Green Interventions” to reduce the stormwater footprint We talk about websites that include these efforts in their calculators

Literature Review Three paragraphs about backyard wildlife habitat Highlights importance of providing geographically appropriate information, to avoid introducing invasive species Discusses lack of quantitative basis Includes information about incentives and certification programs One concluding paragraph highlights features of our website to include best aspects, avoid worst aspects of existing websites

Objectives

Based on the two sets of objectives that were outlined in class Also based on the objectives referred to in the RFP (based on Goal 5-Compliance and Environmental Stewardship) Clarified with “significance” section

Objective 1 1) Develop Tipp-Eco-Now, an interactive and educational website, to help the Tippecanoe County community better understand their individual ecological impacts. Significance: Currently, there is no localized website available for Tippecanoe County residents to calculate their carbon footprints, stormwater runoff or backyard wildlife habitat potential based on locally-relevant criteria. Each of these three has significant impact on the Wabash River watershed and the ecological integrity of the ecosystem. We would work with local partners to promote the website and to provide a website that best facilitates education for the community residents about their ecological impacts.

Objective 2 2) Provide access to and promote the use of Tipp- Eco-Now to Tippecanoe County residents. Significance: The website will be available for all Tippecanoe County residents and will be promoted and monitored to encourage use of the educational tools. Residents will have the opportunity to pledge to reduce their carbon footprint and stormwater runoff or to increase their backyard wildlife habitat.

Objective 3 3) Evaluate the impact of Tipp-Eco- Now website on the Tippecanoe County community. Significance: The website can be evaluated for improvement based on how many residents access the site, what information is provided to residents and actions that users take.

Things We Need From You In the lit review, put your references in APA format from the original website reviews Add any references that you have used to the Wiki references page Please post your latest summaries and Powerpoints on Wiki

Any Questions?