Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Activists have long maintained that if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. Through consumer education, programs, action plans and lobbying efforts, AAA's century-long record on environmental advocacy is unquestionably part of the solution.

For example, in 1919, alarmed by rapid destruction of the state's giant redwood trees at the hands of commercial loggers, AAA's California State Automobile Association launched a multiyear publicity and lobbying campaign. Working with the Save the Redwoods League, CSAA continued promoting awareness and, in 1927, a bill creating a state park system that protected redwoods became law.

Often, the most heartfelt activism begins in our own backyards. Recognizing this, AAA clubs across the country have launched grassroots efforts that practice and promote conservation. Recent examples include:

• For its "Green Shop" program, AAA Arizona was honored at the 2006 Governor's Pride in Arizona Awards Conference and Luncheon for achievements in pollution prevention. As the certifying authority for the Arizona Green Business Program, AAA Arizona inspects shops that have applied for Green Business certification. The facilities must demonstrate they are voluntarily reducing hazardous waste and pollution through use of specialized equipment and cleaning methods. Shops meeting these criteria are certified "Green Shops" by the club and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Facilities not receiving certification are advised on ways to improve their rating.

• AAA Washington works with the state's Department of Ecology to assist with programs that help minimize the impact of automobile emissions, and the club's fleet services operations were named a county "EnviroStar" business in recognition of environment-friendly practices.

• Since 1991, the California State Automobile Association and Bay Area Air Quality Management District have co-sponsored a "Spare the Air" campaign designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. CSAA also sponsors the "AAA Outdoor Corps," a group of employee volunteers who clean beaches, clear park trails and plant trees in wetlands.

• AAA Missouri representatives serve on the region's Air Quality Advisory Committee. The club has helped enact environmental policies to reduce motor vehicle emissions such as emission inspection, stage II vapor recovery, reformulated gasoline, emission program funding and carpool and vanpool programs. 

• AAA Michigan sponsors "Detroit Clean Sweep," an ongoing program through which club employees help promote a cleaner environment through volunteer activities such as collecting litter. In addition, the club's Freeway Courtesy Patrol vans cruise local roadways to assist motorists and help reduce congestion.

• AAA Mid-Atlantic was lead sponsor of a U.S. Department of Transportation "Livable Communities" workshop in Philadelphia that brought together bicycle, pedestrian, transit and safety groups regarding safe and efficient travel.

• AAA Oregon/Idaho is closely associated with SOLV - a group dedicated to "protect this treasure called Oregon." The group is best known for its annual beach clean-up, during which thousands of Oregonians volunteer to clean litter and debris off Oregon's coastline. The club also has partnered with the Oregon Environmental Council and the Northwest Automotive Trades Association in an effort to replace -- free of charge -- hazardous mercury light switches found in hoods and trunks of many automobiles. The ounce of mercury contained in each can contaminate a 20-acre lake.

• AAA Lancaster County earned an Outstanding Partner Award from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection for its Ozone Action Program. The club also belongs to an advisory committee that promotes to multiple modes of transportation systems that conform to federal air quality standards.

• The Automobile Club of Southern California helped establish the Southern California Rideshare program. The club has supported dozens of transit projects that provide an appropriate benefit for their expense, including commuter transit services in the Inland Empire.

• Battery recycling. AAA clubs continue to increase public awareness of the need to properly recycle car batteries. Each year, almost millions of batteries are disposed of improperly. Environmental threats can easily be removed by adhering to AAA's disposal guidelines. During AAA's Great Battery Roundup in 2003, nearly 17,000 old batteries were collected and sent for recycling, with proceeds benefiting various environmental groups. AAA donated more than $18,000 to environmental causes and charities including Operation Clean Stream and the American Lung Association, among others.

What can you do? See AAA's tips for recycling.

AAA/CAA Great Battery Roundup Fact Sheet

Need More Information? To find out more about AAA's environmental positions and activities, contact your local AAA club.