This is a petition to improve the quality of Millcreek residents lives to implement green infrastructure ordinances that are in place in municipalities and states throughout the country.

AIR QUALITY

One gallon of gas produces 20 pounds of carlbon dioxide. Without street trees, and trees in parking lots, we expose our families to noxious toxins. AIR QUALITY IS IMPROVED AND POLLUTANTS REDUCED.

CONTAMINANTS ARE REDUCED.One tree absorbs 48 pounds of Carbon Dioxide.

Trees also filter airborne pollutants and reduce the conditions that cause asthma and other respiratory problems.

STORM WATER MITIGATION

One tree can hold up to 100 gallons of water in a rainstorm and can tremendously benefit our township in storm water mitigation. Trees reduce urban runoff and amount of sediment and pollutants that can reach out streams. In a study by Penn State University, tracts of trees in municipal watersheds were used to purify partly treated sewage and protect surface water.

Reducing Heat Island Effect - Cement / asphalt create Heat Islands
Shaded surfaces of cement and asphalt can be 20 - 45 F degrees cooler during peak temperatures through evopotranspiration. Millcreek has acres of asphalt parking that rises our heat island index.

HEALTH IN THE COMMUNITY

Visual exposure to settings with trees also helps recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension.

A study on children with ADD function better after activities with green settings.

NOISE POLLUTION

Trees reduce noise pollution by absorbing sounds. A belt of trees 98 ft wide and 48 ft tall can reduce highway noise by 6 to 10 decibels.

REDUCING ROAD MAINTENANCE COSTS

Tree shade has been proven to reduce pavement fatigue, cracking rutting, shoving and other distress, saving repair costs. Shade provided by trees reduces need for maintenance and repaving. 20% shade on streets improves pavement condition by 11%

BUSINESS BENEFITS

Studies show shoppers will travel further and stay longer in districts with high quality trees, Overall, studies have found property values up 37% in properties with well managed trees and vegetation.

Energy cost reduction

Three strategically placed trees can decrease utility bills by 50%

See www.actrees.org for further information on energy savings.

Pittsburgh and other Pennsylvana communities has been actively implementing green infrastructure

http://www.treepittsburgh.org/resources/city-trees...

http://saveourlandsaveourtowns.org/treesparks.html

TO BECOME PROACTIVE IN YOUR COMMUNITY:

Facebook: Find this petition to sign on facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Plant-It-Forward-An...