routes, volume 1, issue 1: energy
DESCRIPTION
e-magazine from Ohio University's Office of Sustainability featuring campus-wide sustainability efforts.TRANSCRIPT
Issue 1 March 2012
In This Issue: Focus On Energy
Tech Tips ................................................................... 03
Ecohouse ................................................................... 04
Faculty Research ...................................................... 05
Living Tips .................................................................. 07
Sustainability Plan ..................................................... 08
Perspectives: Edinburgh ......................................... 09
Get Involved ...............................................................12
Expressions: Jon Sabraw ..........................................16
09
04
12
Cover Photo:
Ohio University Lausche Heating Plant © Shannon Wise
Ohio University’s leadership made a strong commitment to sustainability by guaranteeing the transition
away from a coal fired power plant on campus and toward more sustainable choices for energy production.
Lausche Coal Plant, pictured on the cover of this issue, is slated to be out of commission as a coal plant by
2015. A Feasibility Study is being conducted by RMF Engineering and select members of the OU faculty,
staff and student body.
The Routes staff will keep a close eye on new developments and offer future articles on the topic.
Minutes from the Lausche Coal Plant Progress meetings can be found online at: http://www.ohio.edu/sustainability/lausche_info.htm
On The Cover
2
From Our Director Countless opportunities
for the promotion of
sustainability at Ohio University
have presented themselves in my
short time as the Director of
Sustainability. I am delighted to
have already had many engaging
discussions with OU
representatives. I have been
struck by the incredible passion
of OU students, faculty and staff as well as the care
expressed by members of our surrounding communities.
This newsletter is just one of the many exciting
changes that we have been nurturing in the Office of Sustainability this year. Upon the formal adoption of the
Sustainability Plan in Summer 2011, it was decided that the
mission, vision and offerings of the Office of Sustainability
needed to be reexamined so as to better align with the
benchmarks identified in that plan. Change is, in my opinion,
one of the most exciting aspects of sustainability. As we
work to provide consistency and health to our environment,
economy and selves, it is essential that we take great care in
adapting to the many changes occurring around us.
The Office of Sustainability is fortunate to have a
team of extraordinary student staff and volunteers working
diligently to meet the demands of our growing institution and
community. They are charged with the difficult tasks of
measuring institutional impacts on the environment,
nurturing personal well-being and inspiring others to
contribute their time and efforts to our local economy.
I encourage (and challenge) you to use this
newsletter and the many resources provided within it to
explore this topic of “sustainability” so that you, too, can
begin to infuse it into the work you do at Ohio University
and beyond.
Sincerely,
Annie Laurie Cadmus Director of Sustainability, Ohio University
Routes Magazine
Director
Annie Laurie Cadmus
Graduate Assistants
Jessica Bilecki* / Outreach
Alex Snyder* / Technical
Mary Leciejewski / Events
Elaine Goetz / Reporting
Penny Morgan / Web
Writers
Maddie Edminister
Emily Kuzmick
Katie Lasco
Jaymie Tighe
Photographers
Shannon Wise
Layout
Neal Patten
*Indicates editors
Produced by the Ohio University
Office of Sustainability
[email protected] facebook.com/SustainableOU
Twitter @SustainableOU
3
Green Tech Alex Snyder I love my car and I’m not ashamed to say it. Taking care of
your vehicle can go a long way in helping the environment
and Earth Garage is there to take you to the next step! From
the start I was amazed with all of the website’s products that
have sustainability in mind. From oil filters to break pads,
Earth Garage seems to have it all. They understand that not
everyone wants to buy the latest hybrid or electric car but
they still want to do their part — with this site you can! Be
sure to check out their Money Saver fuel cost calculator as
well! www.earthgarage.com
One of my favorite news organizations is quickly branching
out! Yes, at times they can be a bit too radical for my taste
but the Huffington Post is always consistent on providing up
to date and newsworthy information. They occasionally
throw in a cute animal picture here and there… but that
makes me love them all the more! Huff Post Green has been
around for awhile but now the organization has expanded to
Facebook — giving each of their website sections its own
page. This lets you tailor what information you want to see
on your news feed! Be sure to “Like” them to receive up to
date news and tips on sustainability!
http://www.facebook.com/HuffPostGreen
Being a conservation photographer, I have to give credit
when credit is due. The International League of
Conservation Photographers deserves such credit. These
amazingly talented photographers travel the world and
document conservation-related issues. Their mission is to
“further environmental and cultural conservation through
ethical photography.”
http://www.facebook.com/conservationphotography
Track energy use at Ohio University! The Ohio
University Building Dashboard displays electricity
consumed by the University in real time. The
Dashboard breaks energy usage down by kilowatt-
hours, carbon emissions and dollars spent every
hour, week, month or year.
http://buildingdashboard.net/ohiou/campus/
4
Ecohouse
Take a moment to stop and think about your
house. What type of fuel is used to generate your
electricity? How about to heat water for your
faucets and shower? Do you know if your power
comes from coal, natural gas, or some other source?
For many of us, energy is an ordinary
comfort that is never in short supply: we flick on the
lights as we walk in the door, expect steaming hot
water when we take a bath, and use kitchen
appliances every day to make coffee or cook food.
No matter where it comes from or how it was
produced, a monthly payment to an electricity
company is all that is required of us to obtain
seemingly endless light. However, fossil fuels are not
an endless resource, and sooner or later (preferably
sooner!), households will have to make a switch to
using less energy and using alternative sources of
energy.
Many homeowners don’t know where to
start. To remedy this, in 2004 Ohio University
made the decision to design and fund an Ecohouse
to provide a model for how a typical house can be
made sustainable. Today, the Ecohouse is home to
three students, and features a variety of devices that
provide sustainable energy
for living:.
A 2.4 kw solar array provides
a large percentage of the
home’s electricity. These
panels cost $23,000, an
investment that will
eventually be returned by
savings in energy bills.
A solar hot water heater uses
the sun’s energy to warm a
water and glycol solution
which in turn provides hot
water to Ecohouse residents.
This is an especially good
investment; its cost of $4,000
can be returned in as little as five years.
A biomass furnace burns wood and corn
pellets to generate heat for chilly winters. This
system is even carbon neutral, as the carbon
sequestered by the trees and corn is roughly equal
to the amount emitted by the furnace.
In addition to generating energy sustainably,
residents of the Ecohouse also save energy through
various practices. By maintaining an organic garden,
less food is purchased from the industrial agriculture
system, which is extremely energy intensive. The
kitchen of the Ecohouse contains all Energy Star
Appliances that
conserve electricity,
such as an energy
efficient
refrigerator,
dishwasher, washing
machine, and dryer.
And residents
decrease their waste by composting food scraps and
recycling. With these practices, the Ecohouse
residents help demonstrate how energy use can be
decreased. So the next time you turn on the TV or
take a shower, think again about the energy being
used. What changes can you make?
Live at the OHIO Ecohouse! If you are an undergraduate or graduate student interested in this
unique living experience for the 2012-2013 academic year, there is still one spot left. For more
information follow the link above.
By Katie Lasco
Photography by Shannon Wise
5
Ohio, Carbon Emissions and Implications
Ohio is currently ranked as the seventh highest energy
consuming state in the country1, and therefore will be
heavily impacted by Federal climate change or carbon
emissions policies. Recently a groundbreaking new report
examining the effects of climate change and carbon
emissions on Ohio’s environment and economy was
published by experts from both Ohio University and The
Ohio State University.
Dr. Scott Miller, the Director of Energy and
Environmental Programs at OU’s Voinovich School of
Leadership and Public Affairs, recently collaborated with
representatives from The Ohio State University to
produce this comprehensive report, Assuring
Competitiveness in a Carbon-Constrained World.
Ohio is heavily reliant on coal, which is a large
contributing factor to our placement as third highest
polluter of carbon dioxide (CO2) due to electricity
generation2 in the nation. This report takes an in-depth
look at the effects greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) have
on our environment and economy, and works towards
realistic, policy-oriented solutions for these issues. While
the actual work is over seven hundred pages long, the
interactive website and executive summary make it easy to
navigate key areas and take away components. The entire
study can be broken down into four major areas of focus
which are summarized on the following page.
After reading through these broken down segments of
the report, we college students might still find ourselves
asking, “How can I make a difference?” It turns out, you do
not have to be an engineer nor a political lobbyist to start
reducing your carbon footprint. Dr. Miller understands
that completely eliminating your carbon footprint is
unrealistic, yet he makes active choices to limit his
pollution, such as driving a Prius and supporting local
farmer’s markets.
“You have to look at your personal behavior
patterns, really seriously take a step back and look at
the amount of electricity you use, the amount of
vehicle miles you travel, the amount of hot water that
you use – there’s a carbon cost to things that we don’t
even think about. Then, once you understand how
carbon intensive your lifestyle is, are you willing to
commit to reducing that?”
While compressing an extensive report like this can be
a very difficult thing to do, Dr. Miller insists that there are
three key points to take away from the project.
1. This is “the most comprehensive assessment
of Ohio’s carbon profile, potential policy
recommendations and the economic
assessment of those potential policy
recommendations that has ever been
done.” Most previous assessments of the climate
have been done on the national level, which fails to
analyze specifically what needs to be done in Ohio
to best suit our environment and economy.
2. We must be realistic about taking on new
legislation and the potential impacts of that
legislation, both positive and negative. Dr. Miller
says, “Those tradeoffs that are going to come as a
result of that climate change legislation are
important to note, they will be costly, but that’s
not necessarily bad.”
3. We must be committed to preserving our
quality of life and therefore, aware of the
harmful pollutants that come with burning fossil
fuels such as coal. “There are social, health and
quality of life impacts that come from a more
sustainable, lower carbon lifestyle.”
In summary, Assuring Competitiveness in a Carbon-
Constrained World is the most comprehensive report to be
published yet on climate change and potential policy
making in the state of Ohio. It has set forth goals and
objectives to aide in actualizing a more sustainable, clean
and efficient environment, economy and society. While
there are many higher, governmental forces at work with
this plan, we must not fail to apply its core concepts to
our own lives. As Dr. Miller says, “Even though this is a
very large and overarching, complex report – at the end of
the day it all comes down to personal behaviors.”
Research Maddie Edminister
Sources from Assuring Ohio’s Competitiveness: Executive Summary
1 U.S. Energy Information Administration. State Energy Data System (SEDS). (2011, June 30). Table C10. Energy Consumption by End-Use Sector, Ranked by State, 2009. Retrieved from http://www.eia.gov/state/seds/hf.jsp?incfile=sep_sum/html/rank_use.html 2 U.S. Energy Information Administration. State Electricity Profiles: Ohio. (2011, April). Table 1. 2009 Summary Statistics (Ohio). Retrieved from http://www.eia.gov/cneaf/electricity/st_profiles/ohio.html
6
Research Maddie Edminister
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Before we can work
towards enacting
environmental statutes
that address
greenhouse gas
emissions, we must
first identify the major
sources. The report
focuses on three main
sources of pollution,
“Stationary,” “Mobile,”
and “Area,” each of
which emits gasses in
their own unique
ways. To get a better
handle on the
distribution of these
emissions, an
interactive map that
breaks down the
sources and main
hotspots can be found
at
www.ohioghg.com.
In order for Ohio to
best respond to
Federal policies,
regulations and
legislation, lawmakers,
businesspeople and
citizens alike, need to
fully understand them.
The report thoroughly
reviews U.S. climate
change policies that
affect Ohio. Then,
based on these
policies the report
details potential
resulting risks and
opportunities in Ohio
related to the
following; Ohio’s
large manufacturing
sector, carbon offsets,
carbon capture and
sequestration, current
and potential
renewable energy
resources and
business growth.
New legislation is not
something that should
be enacted frivolously.
To ensure the best
possible laws are
enacted, ones that
seize carbon related
opportunities while
reducing economic,
environmental and
overall health risks,
this report reviews
policies and legislation
in other states. From
these outside
examples assessments
for Ohio are made.
This section provides
Ohio’s lawmakers with
a variety of options
and viewpoints on
environmental
legislation to help
them make the most
informed decisions
possible.
The report developed
the “dynamic energy-
economy policy
simulation” (DEEPS)
tool. This tool
provides models that
demonstrate the
potential impacts of
Greenhouse Gas
legislation on the
environment,
economy and society
as a whole. This is a
key instrument for the
report because it
provides a realistic
view of life after
energy and climate
change restrictions,
with both its positive
and negative impacts.
What is your carbon footprint? Find out at http://www.carbonfootprint.com/
Ygo
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7
Living Tips 1. When not in use, unplug any appliances, such as your TV, cell
phone and laptop chargers, etc. Turn off your, heater, A/C, and
lights when you leave a room.
Vampires: The U.S. Department of Energy says that in the
average home nearly 75% of all electricity used by electronics is
when they are powered off or in sleep modes!
2. Use Smart Strips which stop energy consumption of appliances
that are left plugged in.
Money Wasted: Lawrence Berkley National Labs estimate the
average home has 40 electronics in a consistent sleep mode.
Turning all these off when not in use would save you an average of
$100 a year!
3. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth! You can save
approximately 3 gallons of water every time you brush if you do.
Wet The Heck: To produce a single barrel of crude oil it takes
1,851 gallons of water!
4. Study in public spaces - the library, a coffee shop, dorm lounge
- that way you are not creating a need for more energy.
Switcheroo: Buy blinds that have one dark side, one light. That
way the dark will soak in sun and heat during winter but the light
side will keep the sun out and cool in summer.
5. Use cold water when you do your laundry. Not only does this
save energy, but you can also wash any color of clothing together in
cold water without colors bleeding.
Sizzler: Washing clothes in hot water wastes more electricity than
leaving the refrigerator door open 24 hours a day for a year!
Photography by Shannon Wise
Eco Reps is a student organization devoted to educating students about ways to “go green.” They put on dorm programs, help
the Office of Sustainability with RecycleMania and ResChallenge, and participate in various Earth Month events.
To Learn More, Contact: Liz Emley - President
8
Sustainability Plan Elaine Geotz
Update on Implementation
After the Ohio University Sustainability Plan (SP) was
approved by President McDavis and the Board of
Trustees in June, 2011, the plan moved into the
implementation phase. The Ecology and Energy
Conservation Committee (EECC), a committee of
faculty and students, serves as the Plan’s monitoring
agent with support from Ohio University’s Office of
Sustainability (OoS). The SP identifies 35
benchmarks for striving towards sustainability at
OU.
Have you ever tried to measure ecological literacy,
carbon emissions from commuters or food waste
and then compiled all this into an overall
sustainability measure? It is not an easy task but that
is exactly what EECC and the Office of Sustainability
are working on. Teams of faculty, students, staff and
community members have suggested strategies for
achieving these benchmarks and now EECC and OoS
are figuring out how to measure, track and report
the outcomes of implemented strategies.
Some major challenges in this process (heads up
future sustainability professionals, you’ll want to
know this!) include: deciding on appropriate metrics,
coordinating who is responsible for working towards
benchmarks when they may involve multiple
departments or operational units, and ensuring that
the workload of faculty/staff is not added to without
appropriate compensation.
With great challenges come great opportunities.
Many benchmarks can be achieved through simple
behavioral changes and small efforts (This is where
you come in. Yes, you.) due to their commonsense
and economical nature.
Be a winner, review the plan. OK, maybe just the
benchmarks, and decide what you will do to help
OU on its path. Also, be on the lookout for the first
Sustainability Report this June, 2012.!
Top 9 Benchmarks
1.Reduce institutional greenhouse gas emissions
across all campuses.
2.Reduce campus and building energy intensity.
3.Increase renewable energy generation and
sourcing.
4.LEED certify new buildings and major renova-
tions on all campuses.
5.Reduce solid waste
6.Institue annual sustainability profile tracking and
assessment process.
7.Increas recycling rates
8.Improve sustainability literacy of students, facul-
ty and staff.
9.Increase enrollment in sustainability-themed
courses, majors, and programs
Special Thanks to individuals, departments and
operating units who proactively began
implementation of the benchmarks immediately.
Ohioalumni.org
9
Perspectives Abroad Travel to Edinburgh, Scotland
Every issue of Routes will feature a different article commenting on the current issue’s topic
from an international perspective. Articles may be written about how the topic applies to
another place, or can communicate perspectives about the U.S. from an international student’s
perspective. Issue 2 will focus on Sustainability and Food. To submit an article email
Photo: Alex Snyder
10
Study Abroad
Last summer I seized the opportunity of a
lifetime to study abroad in Edinburgh, the capitol of
Scotland and one of it’s most progressive cities.
Balancing all things traditional and contemporary, the
city is a blend of rich history and current sustainable
practices.
I lived and attended school at the University
of Edinburgh for five weeks with 14 fellow Ohio
University students. The program, Edinburgh: City
and Environment, touches on urban ecology,
environmental history, and sustainable urban
planning. According to program director Dr. Geoff
Buckley, “With more than half the world’s
population living “urban” already, and the movement
from rural to urban accelerating rapidly, it is
imperative that we design our new cities, and
retrofit our old ones, so that they are more efficient,
just and livable places.”
Edinburgh has a reputation as a leader in the
worldwide effort to transform cities into “green”
cities. With this reputation, I made observations of
the polarity between Edinburgh and Athens, Ohio.
What I noticed most were the city’s achievements
in transportation, importance of green space, energy
consumption, and recycling amenities.
The first thing I found remarkable about
Edinburgh was the city’s public transportation
system which everyone uses because of its
affordability and efficiency. Bus routes that extend
into the surrounding suburbs help decrease urban
congestion. In addition, Edinburgh is currently
installing an electric tram system that mimics those
in some of Europe’s other progressive cities such as
Amsterdam. With gasoline rising to almost £4.50 or
$9 a gallon, Edinburgh’s efforts to minimize cars on
roadways relieves financial burden’s at the pump, and
has a positive effect on the environment.
When I wasn’t taking the bus every where, I
was walking. The importance of parks and other
recreational green space is apparent in Scotland.
When I say “green space”, I really mean everything
was lush and green! Not only does urban ecology
add aesthetics to a bustling city, but it creates a
Photo: Alex Snyder
Jaymie Tighe
Photography by Alex Snyder
Photo courtesy of Jaymie Tighe
11
yearning for physical activity, and appreciation for the
beautiful geography the country has to offer. Some of
my favorite “green spaces” were Arthur’s Seat in
Holyrood Park, which overlooked my dorm, and the
Botanical Gardens.
Another concept that differs from U.S. mind
set is energy consumption. Some of the daily
appliances we use in our houses, such as washers,
dryers, dishwashers, etc., are considered a luxury in
the UK. Electrical outlets have the option of being
turned on and off with a switch to help conserve
energy. Living in a different country for a few weeks
definitely shed light on what I take for granted in the
U.S. when it comes to energy. It was amazing to
learn how such a formerly industrious city has
revolutionized itself into a sustainable city.
Recycling is big in Scotland. The city believes
everyone should have the access and opportunity to
recycle, so they have created facilities where the
public can take their items, big or small. Large
itemized metal bins hold refrigerators, TVs, and
whatever else you could possibly think of. The facility
also has created a warehouse to hold gently used
items to donate to various organizations.
My experience studying abroad enlightened
me in many ways. It showed me how other’s live
their lives culturally. I also learned how an extremely
old city could transform itself into one that will be
there for many years to come because of their
progressive sustainability efforts. I got a very unique
perspective on international sustainability that I can
use to my advantage in my future. My time in
Scotland sparked a curiosity in me that I will continue
to pursue.
For more information about studying abroad in
Edinburgh, Scotland see page 12.
Photo: Alex Snyder
Photo: Alex Snyder
12
Get Involved Katie Lasco
Student Organizations Emily Kuzmick
Conscious Ohio is a student group that
works towards raising social and
environmental awareness of our actions.
A large part of the organization is
promoting sustainability by emphasizing
the benefits of buying local and organic.
Their weekly event, Vegan Cooking
Workshop, is a fun opportunity for members to work together
to cook good food. Food that is good for our environment,
our health and our taste buds!
Contact: Halie Cousineau—President
Sierra Student Coalition is a
collaboration of students educating the
OU and Athens community about
today’s environmental issues such as
mountaintop removal coal mining,
fracking, sustainability, and local food.
They participate in Power Vote, a
nationwide campaign to engage one million young voters to use
their voices to support polices that will help build a sustainable
future.
Contact: Camille Scott—President
OU Students Against Fracking is a
coalition of students from various political,
social, and economic backgrounds. They
work with the University to create the
safest possible environment for both
students and community members by
integrating themselves in political activities and educating the
public about the least harmful and most sufficient ways in which
we can preserve our surroundings.
Contact: Camille Scott—President
Courses
Environmental and Science Journalism Class
Professor: Dr. Bernhard Debatin
This spring quarter course provides students with skills of
environmental and science journalism through writing
assignments both conceptual (book chapter responses) and
practical (journal articles), as well as field trips that will provide
first-hand knowledge of regional power plants, abandoned coal
mines, hydraulic fracturing sites, and other environmental
issues. Environmental and Science journalism is an increasingly
important discipline that requires a high level of technical and
scientific understanding and the ability to translate complex
issues into everyday language without oversimplifying. This
special course is not offered on a regular basis.
When: Tu,es. Thur. from 1:10 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
What: Call Number: Jour 492 / Jour 792 (graduate)
Requirements: The course is open to students in the MSES
program and students who want to obtain the Environmental
Studies Certificate.
Study Abroad in Edinburgh
Study cities and the environment in Edinburgh, Scotland, a
progressive city whose history and cultural scene provides the
perfect location for students to spend five weeks studying
environmental history, urban ecology, and sustainability
planning. Along with class instruction and lectures, field trips
and guest speakers will introduce students to key concepts
relating to forest and park management, social and
environmental justice issues, and urban provisioning. The
deadline to apply was March 9th so contact Geoff Buckley
immediately if you are interested.
OU Fracking Forums are being held at each of our six
campuses to gather input from members of the Ohio
University community
• Chillicothe Campus: March 12 – 2 p.m. – Bennett Hall 145
• Southern Campus: March 13 – 2 p.m. – Bowman Auditorium
• Eastern Campus: March 14 – 2 p.m. – Shannon Hall 219
• Lancaster Campus: March 15 – 2 p.m. – Brasee Hall 414
• Zanesville Campus: March 26 – 2 p.m. – Elson Hall 176
• Athens Campus: March 27 – 7 p.m. – Baker University
Center, Baker Theater, Second Floor
Photo: Alex Snyder
13
Get Involved cont.
Office of Sustainability
Graduate Assistant Opening
Ohio University’s Office of Sustainability provides services and
support to the campus community; advocates for innovation
and research; and ensures fulfillment of institutional
commitments to environmental, social and economic well-
being. The Graduate Assistant in Sustainability will assist the
Director of Sustainability with communication, education and
outreach programs targeting the campus community and will
coordinate with the campus community to assist with annual
sustainability reporting.
When: 2012 –2013 academic year
Reimbursement: Full tuition waiver, monthly stipend
Contact: [email protected]
Intern or Volunteer
The Office of Sustainability offers volunteer and internship
positions to students in a variety of disciplines, including
communications, marketing, environmental studies, business,
and social media. Develop valuable skills for your future career
and help the Office of Sustainability achieve its mission. To
learn more send an email describing your area(s) of interest to
RecycleMania
OU is currently in the lead (but
not by much!) for this annual
intercollegiate recycling
competition. Last year OU
recycled an average of 39.53% of
total waste, an average of 18.26
pounds per person during
RecycleMania. Help us win the
MAC and beat our old record by
recycling even more these last few
weeks of March!
Residence Challenge
Participate in this annual residence hall competition throughout
April to reduce energy use. Attend weekly programs to learn
what you can do. Every week a different energy related topic
will be highlighted.
April 1—7: Energy Basics
April 8—14: Water & Energy
April 15—21: Materials & Energy
April 22– 28: OU & Athens Energy Use
Ecohouse Community Garden Pilot Program
Want to grow food with methods that are chemical-free and
environmentally sound? The Ecohouse Community Garden
initiative is part of a large movement at Ohio University. In
alignment with the Sustainability Plan, a garden open to the
campus community fosters citizenship, stewardship, and justice.
Gardeners will engage in a healthy lifestyle change, forming
harmonious relationships with the natural world and other
community members. A community garden plot may be
adopted by a student group, a department, or an individual. If
you would like to adopt a plot, fill out the survey at:
www.ohio.edu/sustainability/.
Permaculture Basics for Small Spaces
Think you can’t grow much in small green spaces? Think again.
Learn basic permaculture principles to help you begin designing
productive, low-maintenance and ecologically sound small
spaces. Combining lecture and plenty of hands–on activities,
this is sure to be an engaging learning experience. Space is
limited so register early.
When: April 14th, 15th and 22nd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: The Ridges and OU Ecohouse
Contact: [email protected]
14
Locally
Shagbark Seed & Mill
Intern
Grains and beans are a big
part of a healthy diet but
they are the smallest part
of the local food
movement. For now. We
are looking for student and
community volunteers to
work on public relations
and marketing, sampling,
cooking, doing outreach,
and planning events and
fund raising spring quarter, summer and the 2012-13 school
year. We are looking for all sorts of skills from press/blog
writing to design to event planning, as well as those who are
ready to jump in with helping out at farmers markets and at the
mill. So if you have a big smile and friendly demeanor, come to
our info meeting on Friday April 6 from 2:30-4 pm at Shagbark
Seed & Mill on Columbus Road in Athens (88 Columbus Circle).
For more information write [email protected]
Online
Webinar – Help Your Students and Their Employers
Understand How to Grow Green Jobs
Education for green jobs and careers often requires going
beyond the teaching of technological skills and knowledge. A
successful green business employee also needs an understanding
of how to effectively communicate about the green product and
how to help the employer understand and utilize the successful
green business models. This webinar shares concepts, learning
outcomes, and learning activities that can easily be incorporated
into sales, marketing, and business courses.
When: March 22nd from1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Cost: Free!
Register at: http://www.ceret.us/webinar/webinar.php
Conferences
Northeast Ohio Small Farm Conference: Living Your
Small Farm Dream
Enthusiastic to learn about small farming? Developing
productive small farms that source and sell products locally is
very important to transitioning away from industrial agriculture
to a more sustainable system. This intensive conference will give
you the opportunity to choose from 24 different seminars on
topics including organic production, farm management, livestock,
natural resources, horticulture, aquaculture, and more!
When: Saturday, March 31st beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Where: R.G. Drage Career Center in Massillon, OH
Cost: $50.00
Registration: Deadline to register is March 22, 2012.
International Conference on Materials, Energy and
Environment
This conference includes plenary speakers and presentations on
current research topics such as electronic materials,
nanomaterials, zero band-gap materials, and composites.
Breakthroughs in nano-science and technology have to potential
to change aspects of human life such as energy, biomedicine, and
the environment. Additionally, this forum provides a place for
students to engage in discussion with scientists, engineers, and
other professionals.
When: Wednesday, May 9 to Friday, May 11, 2012
Where: Toledo, OH
Cost: Students $150.00 before March 15 and $250.00 after
2012 Behavior Change for a Sustainable World
Be a part of this gathering to learn how basic principles of
behavior change can help in the fight to preserve our
environment. This program will feature prominent figures in
behavior analysis, environmental organizations, business, and
government. Unique interactive brainstorming sessions will also
give conference attendees a unique opportunity to interact with
people with diverse backgrounds interested in environmental
change.
When: Friday, August 3 to Sunday August 5, 2012
Where: Ohio State University, Columbus OH
Cost: Student cost is $175 before June 18
Get Involved cont.
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Expressions Spotlight on John Sabraw
Every issue of Routes will feature the works of an artist or writer whose work is dedicated
to incorporating sustainability. In this inaugural issue we chose to feature artist John
Sabraw. Sabraw is an Assistant Professor in the Studio Foundations department at Ohio
University. In the following article Sabraw explains how he beautifully integrates
sustainability into his personal and professional life.
Issue 2 will focus on ‘Sustainability and Food’. To submit your creative work and short artist profile email
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Expressions Spotlight on John Sabraw
In my efforts to understand environmental
responsibility, it became clear that the first step was
to examine my own art practice as well as my
personal habits. As it turns out, there was and still is
a lot of work to be done in this regard.
In order to promote this green
consciousness within the arts community, as well as
to the public at large, I have engaged in an ongoing
effort to make my work, and other beloved works
of art, carbon neutral.
I started in small ways: reducing usage,
recycling more, being aware of purchasing from fair
trade organizations, etc. Gradually it became clear
to me that my own practice as an artist had to be
examined within the framework of sustainability to
at least begin to clear my conscience before I ask
this of others. This resulted in the
GreenWorldArt.org project, where I examine
methodologies and materials used to create older
works of art as well as my own works of art. This
art making is processed through energy and
resource usage filters and formulas. Eventually, in
consultation with carbon fund.org, I created an
equation whereby artists can reasonably purchase
carbon-offset credits for production of carbon
resulting from of aspects their practice that are not
ameliorated by sustainable efforts.
The work I do now is always in reference to
how sustainable the practice is. The following
images are of my latest body of work “chroma,”
which relates to natural processes in the Earth's
ecosystem as well as an awareness of sustainability
and my efforts towards it. The list of processes also
tells you something about a few of the practices that
I currently engage in my studio to try to better the
sustainability of my own art artistic practice.
About “chroma”
I have a deep and long-standing captivation with
metaphysical and pragmatic concerns regarding our
universe.
My current research focuses on natural phenomena,
the earth’s ecosystem as a whole, and our role with-
in that. This in turn has driven me to incorporate
ever more sustainable practices in my studio, in my
life, and when possible actively engaging the public
on the matter.
In this body of work, painstaking painting methods
are coaxed into interacting and amalgamating over
durations of up to several months. The result is
complex, luminous, mysterious paintings that strike
a beautiful balance between controlled and organic
processes.
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“It strikes me that the single global issue
that I can have the most impact on is
sustainability. Personally, my ultimate
goal is to develop completely sustainable
art product, practice and process.”
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Ways John Uses Sustainable Sources
90% of all wood used is from local sustainable
sources.
Website is powered by wind 100% of water is
from sustainable supply.
Uses water-based, non-toxic materials whenever
possible and appropriate.
Aluminum Composite: John has several sources
for this material and nearly always obtains slightly
damaged or otherwise imperfect pieces, which he
trims to size. This repurposes material that would
otherwise go to landfill.
How John Reduces Consumption:
Uses lightweight Aluminum Composites to cut
down on shipping fuel and decrease need for
additional support materials.
Reduced electricity, natural gas, and water con-
sumption by more than 50% in the past 2 years.
Shifted to far more locally produced and/or sold
materials.
Preserves paints etc. instead of disposing unused
portions.
Recycles solvents and other VOCs.
Offsets what can’t be eliminated.
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“I Want To Change The World...
But I Don’t Know How.”
Join the Ohio University Office of Sustainability!
http://www.ohio.edu/sustainability/
facebook.com/SustainableOU
Twitter: @SustainableOU