The Clean Air Campaign Receives $50,000 Grant from The UPS Foundation

The Clean Air Campaign received a $50,000 grant from The UPS Foundation, the charitable arm of UPS (NYSE: UPS). The grant will be used to expand Get There Green, an educational high school program introduced in 2011, and to further efforts for The Clean Air Campaign’s No-Idling Program.

The Get There Green program is designed to educate students about ‘green’ transportation planning in relation to air pollution and health. The goal is to reduce air pollution by teaching green driving habits and empowering students to make smart choices. Through the program, students compete with other area schools to develop the best school-specific action plan to reduce vehicle trips coming into and out of their school campus and execute the plan within the school year.

Get There Green was introduced on as a pilot program in 10 high schools within metro Atlanta for the 2011-2012 school year. Due to a successful introduction, the program expanded its reach to include 20 high schools in 10 school districts this year.

“Get There Green allows for a hands-on educational experience and establishes an opportunity for high school students to take leadership in improving the air quality at their school and in their community,” said Gretchen Gigley, director of education for The Clean Air Campaign. “This grant ensures that we will be able to continue to educate our future leaders on the importance of sustainable driving habits and reducing air pollution.”

The UPS Foundation grant will also bring more capacity to The Clean Air Campaign’s ongoing outreach efforts with Georgia schools, employers and property managers to reduce air pollution through the No-Idling program. This includes developing best practices and policies for reducing unnecessary engine idling, providing “no-idle zone” signage, distributing educational materials and providing the tools necessary to measure the impact and success of idling reduction programs.  To date, some 200 Georgia employers and over 300 schools have signed on to participate in voluntary idling reduction initiatives through The Clean Air Campaign.

Established in 1951 and based in Atlanta, Ga., The UPS Foundation identifies specific areas where its backing clearly impacts social issues. In support of this strategic approach, The UPS Foundation has identified the following focus areas for giving: nonprofit effectiveness, encouraging diversity, community safety and environmental sustainability. 

In 2012, The UPS Foundation distributed more than $46.6 million worldwide through grants that benefit organizations or programs such as The Clean Air Campaign that provide support for building stronger communities. 

“The UPS Foundation is honored to support The Clean Air Campaign’s efforts to reduce air pollution by teaching 'green' driving habits and empowering smart choices among students,” said Eduardo Martinez, president of The UPS Foundation.  “Our goal is to fund powerful programs that make a lasting difference to the global community.”

For more on air quality, visit CleanAirCampaign.org.  For exclusive information about The Clean Air Campaign, follow @CleanAirGa on Twitter and find The Clean Air Campaign on Facebook at Facebook.com/CleanAirCampaign.

About The Clean Air Campaign

The Clean Air Campaign is a not-for-profit organization that works with Georgia employers, commuters and K-12 schools to encourage actions that result in better air quality and less traffic congestion. The Clean Air Campaign, along with its partner organizations, facilitates Georgia Commute Options, a program that helps employers and commuters choose alternatives to driving alone. Through its Clean Air Schools program, the non-profit also empowers students, parents and teachers to play a positive role in reducing traffic and improving air quality through an action-oriented education program. The Clean Air Campaign also protects public health by distributing Smog Alert notifications. In conducting these programs, The Clean Air Campaign works in partnership with The Georgia Department of Transportation.

For more information, call 1-877-CLEANAIR (1-877-253-2624) or visit CleanAirCampaign.org. The Clean Air Campaign is also on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About The UPS Foundation

UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight, the facilitation of international trade, and the deployment of advanced technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. Since its founding in 1907, UPS has built a legacy as a caring and responsible corporate citizen, supporting programs that provide long-term solutions to community needs. Founded in 1951, The UPS Foundation, which celebrated its 60^th anniversary in 2011, is responsible for facilitating community involvement to local, national, and global communities. In 2012, UPS and its employees, active and retired, invested more than $97.5 million in charitable giving around the world. The UPS Foundation can be found on the web at UPS.com/foundation. To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS.