INTRODUCTIONTipp-ECO-Now

What is the problem? Environmental challenges in Tippecanoe

County are complex and interrelated Forbes ranked Indiana 49th out of 50

states for environmental friendlinessRanking criteria from data from many

sources (EPA, American Lung Association, U.S. Green Buildings Initiative, etc…)

No clear plans on solving the issuesIndiana is one of the most at-risk states for

environmental degradation

How are we going to fix the problem? Create an interactive, engaging website

to educate the citizenryTipp-ECO-Now

Tipp-ECO-Now will have 3 sections designed to show a resident’s impact on the environmentCarbon footprintStormwater runoffBackyard wildlife habitat value

What are these sections? Carbon footprint

Defined as the sum of greenhouse gases produced to support human activities, express and equivalent tons of CO2

Stormwater runoffStormwater runoff is the amount of water that runs

off of one’s property, either from rain or snowmelt Backyard wildlife habitat

A backyard wildlife habitat is an area of land that has all the necessary factors to support populations of plants and animal species (NWF, 2010)

Website Sections Carbon footprint

Allow residents to see how their actions contribute to global climate change in terms of carbon dioxide (CO2)

Stormwater runoffPresent residents with information of how their

stormwater runoff and water use affect the Wabash Backyard wildlife habitat

Demonstrate to users the benefits of creating a wildlife habitat in their backyard as well as the potential of their yard to be converted to a habitat

Why choose carbon, stormwater, and backyard wildlife habitat for evaluation?

These 3 sections represent where individual habits have the most impact on the environment

The 3 sections are also the personal lifestyle choices that are the most easily changed

Each section will have a calculation tool (e.g. carbon footprint calculator) that can show a resident how they personally are impacting the local environment

Why Tippecanoe County? Tippecanoe County has abundant natural

resources and a well-educated population The urban areas of Lafayette and West

Lafayette are next to Purdue UniversityThere are many environmental groups already

in existence the ensure a quality environmental future for the area ○ Boiler Green Initiative, Tippecanoe County Soil

and Water Conservation District, Wabash River Enhancement Corporation, Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission, etc.

Calculators We evaluated many of the websites

currently on the internet that evaluate these 3 criteria (carbon, stormwater, and backyard habitat value)

Based on what was found, we determined the characteristics that we found to be most desirable for our website

CalculatorsCharacteristic Description

Transparent Methodology for calculators available on website (including references and understandable units)

Thorough Comprehensive calculators (all important factors included)

Specific Advice and calculations appropriate to specific region or watershed

Appealing Visually appealing (graphics) and/or easy navigation

Supportive Information and support for “green” projects provided to help user reduce their ecological impact

Encouraging Incentives for participation provided (financial, social and emotional)

Engaging Community engagement and care of watershed/ecosystem promoted by website

Adaptable Customizable for specific address, different levels of user experience or desired complexity level

Why should Tippecanoe County have its own website? Unique and pressing

environmental problems of our state and county

Availability of resources at Purdue may be mobilized to make a lasting impact on the community

How will the website function? Tipp-ECO-Now will be divided into 3 modules,

one module per each designated section Each module will have a calculator specific to

the section that will allow the user to input information to see their current environmental impact

General environmental information and information about Tippecanoe County will also be available

Links to partner websites

How will the website function? Tipp-ECO-Now will be hosted by the

Wabash River Enhancement Corporation (WREC) with assistance from Purdue University

Users can create a profile which will store all their information

Information input by the user will be tracked to record personal progress in reducing environmental impact

Carbon footprint

Carbon Footprint Greenhouse gases emitted due to human

activity Units of tons of CO2 equivalent or land area Contributes large portion of total

environmental impact May connect local residents with the rest of

the world by showing that actions here affect everyone all over the world

Residents can save money through the same practices that save emissions

Main Web Page Two components

Educational material○ What a carbon footprint is and why it matters○ How different activities contribute to it○ Impacts of greenhouse gases on environment○ Tips for reducing emissions and products to assist

Carbon footprint calculator○ Emissions total on individual or household basis○ Includes household energy, transportation, food,

goods & services, and waste○ Simple or detailed questionnaire

Calculator Household

User enters yearly average electric and gas billsCalculator uses EPA data to assign emissions

amount to money spent on energy Transportation

User enters miles traveled by car, motorcycle, airplane, and public transport and type of car

Calculator determines emissions produced per gallon of fuel used based on fuel economy of car and emission factor from EIA

Carbon Calculator Food

User enters servings of each food group he consumes in an average week, and percentages of organic and locally grown foods consumed

Calculator determines total emissions from EPA data on emissions per food group and growing method

Goods & ServicesUser enters dollar amounts spent on a number of goods and servicesCalculator uses EIO-LCA to generate emissions for each good or

service input Waste

User enters amount of trash produced per week and percentages that are recycled and composted

Calculator finds net emissions from landfilled trash and recycled and composted waste

Stormwater

Stormwater Nonpoint source

pollution Urban stormwater

leads to combined sewer overflow events

Need to protect Wabash River

BMP implementation is key

Other Water Calculators Lack region specificity Not stormwater specific No community

Limited motivators for change

Project DX

Our Proposal Information specific

to user Multiple motivators Multiple levels of

complexity and involvement

Partners and sponsors

Backyard Habitat

Definition Backyard Wildlife Habitat- A backyard wildlife

habitat is an area of land that has all the necessary factors to support populations of plants and animal species (NWF, 2010).

A successful habitat area requires an ample water source, food sources, and sheltering structures to attract and maintain wildlife populations.

Backyard habitats not only prevent the current decline of native species, but they also contribute to offsetting carbon and stormwater runoffs (Delaware Nature Society, 2009).

Components of Backyard Section Basic information (e.g. importance of wildlife

habitat) Statistics of Tippecanoe County (e.g. regional

and county wide statistics on species of animals that are located within the area)

Calculator Benefits (create a wildlife habitat, energy bills,

fresh fruit, and aesthetical values ) Tools to accomplish goals

What is your total property area? (sq.ft)House area?(sq.ft)Number of trees or plants?

What kind of food resources do you have?GIS survey (land/ water)Do you have places to raise young?

CalculatorExample Survey

>84-70-3

Artificial food

Artificial food + feeders

Natural fruit trees

Within 1/4 mile

Within 1/2 mile

Within 1 mile

Nonexistence

Artificial nesting places

Natural nesting places

Characteristic

Low (1) Medium (2) High (3) Description

Backyard Wildlife area (area covered with native

plants, shelter, food sources, water)

25% of yard 50% of yard 75% of yard Your Total property area - house or structure area (a)Total available area

- Property not used in wildlife area(large empty yard, concrete courts,etc.)

(b)Total Habitat area available

(b)/(a)x100= % of useable area

Water sources Saucer/bird bath

Small Pond Stream/moving water source

Have link for ideas to create healthy water sources

number of trees or plants 0-3 4-7 >8 Count the diversity in yard; shade trees, tall plants, tall

shrubs Food resources Artificial food Artificial food

+ food advices Natural fruit

trees

Number of animal species with visible activity

0-3 4-7 >8 Each kind of bird should be taken as a different species.

Accommodation of native species vs. invasive species.

Invasive plants present

Making management progress on

invasive

All native species

Places to raise young Nonexistence Artificial nesting sites (e.g. nesting

boxes)

Natural trees, dense shrubs,

native grass land areas

Have link for ideas to create artificial and natural nesting

sources

Shelter for wildlife Nonexistence Artificial cover sites (e.g.

birdhouses)

Natural cover Have link for ideas to create artificial and natural shelter

places Availability of habitat value for water, food and shelter. ( x 3)

Only in summer

Spring, summer, and

fall

All seasons Should be evaluated per each variable (water, food, and

shelter) Management practices Use of

chemicals and artificial fertilizers

Use of artificial and natural fertilizers

Natural fertilizing methods

(compost)

GIS survey (Land) Within 1 mile of land

resource

Within 1/2 mile of land

resource

Within 1/4 mile of land resource

e.g. natural park, forested area.

GIS survey (Water) Within 1 mile of water resource

Within 1/2 mile of water resource

Within 1/4 mile of water resource

e.g. wetland, Wabash river, lake

Characteristic

Low (1) Medium (2) High (3) Description

Backyard Wildlife area (area covered with native

plants, shelter, food sources, water)

25% of yard 50% of yard 75% of yard Your Total property area - house or structure area (a)Total available area

- Property not used in wildlife area(large empty yard, concrete courts,etc.)

(b)Total Habitat area available

(b)/(a)x100= % of useable area

Water sources Saucer/bird bath

Small Pond Stream/moving water source

Have link for ideas to create healthy water sources

number of trees or plants 0-3 4-7 >8 Count the diversity in yard; shade trees, tall plants, tall

shrubs Food resources Artificial food Artificial food

+ food advices Natural fruit

trees

Number of animal species with visible activity

0-3 4-7 >8 Each kind of bird should be taken as a different species.

Accommodation of native species vs. invasive species.

Invasive plants present

Making management progress on

invasive

All native species

Places to raise young Nonexistence Artificial nesting sites (e.g. nesting

boxes)

Natural trees, dense shrubs,

native grass land areas

Have link for ideas to create artificial and natural nesting

sources

Shelter for wildlife Nonexistence Artificial cover sites (e.g.

birdhouses)

Natural cover Have link for ideas to create artificial and natural shelter

places Availability of habitat value for water, food and shelter. ( x 3)

Only in summer

Spring, summer, and

fall

All seasons Should be evaluated per each variable (water, food, and

shelter) Management practices Use of

chemicals and artificial fertilizers

Use of artificial and natural fertilizers

Natural fertilizing methods

(compost)

GIS survey (Land) Within 1 mile of land

resource

Within 1/2 mile of land

resource

Within 1/4 mile of land resource

e.g. natural park, forested area.

GIS survey (Water) Within 1 mile of water resource

Within 1/2 mile of water resource

Within 1/4 mile of water resource

e.g. wetland, Wabash river, lake

Output of Calculator(0-14) (14-28) (28-42)

“You have the basic elements and great opportunities to improve your

backyard wildlife habitat” (suggestions).

“Good job!, continue working in your backyard habitat”

(suggestions)

“Congratulations! you are ready for the backyard habitat

certification process”

MaximumAverage

My score

42

25

20

Output Interactive backyard habitat simulator Visually appealing and engaging

Before After

Who? • No localized footprint website available for Tippecanoe County

•Target audience: Tippecanoe County residents

Property owners Nonproperty owners (students)

Phase 1Promotional campaign

Advertisements• Local newspapers, tv and radio stations•Posters•Links on other websites

Incentives•E-coupons•Discounts

Interactive map•Detailed information about green practices in the neighborhood

Phase 2Continuity campaign

Transactional activities

• Selling and giving away promotional articles•Exclusive events

Informative activities•Workshops, technical support, newsletter, etc.•Online community

Promotion of progress in personal

involvement•Competition for users (pictures, videos)

- How to get people involved

Evaluation-Logic Model

Evaluation

Short – Term Evaluation Metrics

People on websiteNumber of visits to websiteNumber of repeat visitsNumber of profiles created

Community Awareness Pre- and post- launch community surveysNumber of users linking to educational information

Pledges Number of pledges from users

Development of metrics that allow quantifying the progress toward the short, medium, and long term outcomes.

Intermediate – Term Evaluation MetricsPublic transportation Increase in CityBus use

Walking/BikingDecrease in gasoline salesObservationSelf-reported changes

Wildlife habitat Self-reported changesSales in wildlife food and nesting boxes

Certified backyards Number of certifications rewarded

Stormwater BMP useSales in stormwater-reducing productsSales in native plantsSelf-reported changes

Long – Term Evaluation Metrics

Increased biodiversityObservationReported increases by users

Cleaner WabashImproved water qualityDecreased flow to water treatment plants

Involvement in community groups

Reported attendance from group leadersCommunity wide survey

Outdoor recreationObservationCommunity wide surveySelf-reported changes

Conclusion

We propose to develop a website targeting local residents of

Tippecanoe County in order to raise awareness of local

environmental issues and also encourage a change in behavior towards more environmentally

sound decision making.