Pollution Solution + Social Networking - Google 2008 Power of 10 project

This was my submission to the 'Google Power of 10' project in 2008. My idea addresses air and urban runoff pollution from traffic congestion. A program or app can be created to connect people in their schools and jobs by databases determining zip codes of employees, students, etc., and further refine who are neighbors (within a 5 mile radius or so) or travel along the same route. Using existing databases to aggregate this information, carpooling can be more effective and efficient. Programs will determine who lives within a certain radius and connect these people online or through the app, cell, Blackberries, online, etc.

The advantage of using existing databases includes the safety issue of knowing who you're riding with. People can connect to go to events, shopping, etc. and redefine community - actually knowing your neighbors.

Vehicles don't just contribute to air pollution. They also release cadmium, lead, and other toxins into the environment that contribute to the worst nonpoint source pollution - urban runoff.

Power of 10 - This idea combines community, environment, energy, and health aspects - all affected by our choices.

and it looks like Zimride took notice in the US - hopefully other countries will develop a similar program

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• environment
• global
• warming
• pollution
• community
• CO2
• reduction
• emissions
• health
• energy
• conservation
• tech
• social
• networking
• urban
• runoff

[dogonaut]

Great idea. Like all ideas it seems so obvious which means it'll achieve a high take up once implemented.

How you technically implement it all is the challenge but one worth the effort so hope it works out!

[artysci101]

Technically implemented by writing programs that aggregate location info (DRUPAL alert!) starting with zip code, then further refining and sorting through streets (possibly by integrating map tech) and creating lists of people in this area. They can connect through cells, online, handhelds, etc. to determine time, location, destination.

[tomcatlizzy]

very good idea....you're right, it would take some sacrificing...but the western world needs to start sacrificing a little :)

[coni2k]

Nice one artysci101, we need that kind of project, it is obvious.

And I wonder your opinion about "office pool", did you check it?

[jeannem5074]

Great idea! Let's do it.

[sanfranllama]

Cool! :^)