UNC Sustainability Update - Upcoming Events

Looking for an exam break? Today's UNC Sustainability Update includes a number of great local sustainable distractions! It also has information on upcoming workshops, conferences, and more!

Click here to read the full UNC Sustainability Update.

Click here to join the UNC Sustainability Listserv.

UNC Chapel Hill Featured in “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 311 Green Colleges" Created in Partnership with U.S. Green Building Council

UNC Chapel Hill is one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S.A. and Canada, according to The Princeton Review (http://www.princetonreview.com/). The well-known education services company selected UNC Chapel Hill for inclusion in the just-released second annual edition of its free downloadable book, “The Princeton Review’s Guide to 311 Green Colleges: 2011 Edition."

Created by The Princeton Review in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) (http://www.usgbc.org/), "The Princeton Review's Guide to 311 Green Colleges” is the only free, comprehensive guidebook profiling institutions of higher education that demonstrate a notable commitment to sustainability in their academic offerings, campus infrastructure, activities and career preparation. The Princeton Review chose the schools for this guide based on a survey of administrators at hundreds of colleges that the Company polled in 2010 about their school's sustainability initiatives.

Today's UNC Earth Week Activities: Thursday, April 21

Calling all creative and hungry students! Earth Week at UNC wraps up today with some great activities - including a one-of-a-kind art exhibit! Click here to download and print the UNC Earth Week 2011 flier. Today's featured activities include:

SOGreen Sustainable Art Exhibit and Awareness Event

The event is a reception at which SOGreen will unveil a sustainable art exhibit. The exhibit will feature local artists (including a UNC MPA Alum) who utilizes sustainable and/or recycled products to create their pieces. Artists will be on hand to speak to the guests about their work. The reception will be catered (free to guests) by a local, sustainable caterer, and will be a Carolina Certified "Green" Event. The event will be held at the Knapp-Sanders Building.

Sponsor/Host: SOGreen and the UNC Sustainability Office

Times: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: Knapp-Sanders Building (School of Government)

Fee: Free of charge. No need to RSVP. Sustainable art will be on display and for sale.

Event Contact and email: Kevin McLaughlin, mclaugkw@email.unc.edu

Event website: see attached flier

ABAN Earth Week Pit Presentations

A week-long celebration of the ways ABAN is impacting our world. Each day is represented by a different step in the process of our program coinciding with fun events and games. Come out to the pit this week to have some fun, learn more about ABAN, and check out our unique and environmentally conscious products.

Sponsor/Host: A Ban Against Neglect (ABAN)

Times: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Location: The Pit

Fee: N/A

Event Contact and email: Diana Lee, diana@aban.org, and Jenny Demarest, jenny@aban.org

Event website: http://www.aban.org/

Libba Cotten Bikeway Litter Clean-up

This service activity is part of the Town of Carrboro "Adopt a Trail" program.

Sponsor/Host: NC Institute for Public Health

Times: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Location: Carrboro (starting at 400 Roberson St.)

Fee: N/A

Event Contact and email: Bev Holt, bev_holt@unc.edu

To find more UNC Earth Week events, visit http://carolinagreen.unc.edu/!

Today's UNC Earth Week Activities: Wednesday, April 20

Today is UNC's big Campus Earth Day celebration! Be sure to join us and lots of other great organizations on Polk Place today! Click here to download and print the UNC Earth Week 2011 flier. Today's featured activities include:

Campus Earth Day

Join us as UNC partakes in its annual campus Earth Day celebration. Tables from all sustainability-related student groups, departments, and community organizations will be exhibited. UNC students and community members will answer trivia questions about sustainability in order to enter their names in a raffle for the chance to win gift cards to local and sustainable business including Weaver Street Market, Maple View ice cream, and Twig.

Sponsor/Host: Environmental Affairs Committee and the UNC Sustainability Office

Times: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Location: Polk Place (Main Quad)

Fee: Free!

Event Contact and email: Emily Chapin, e.chapin@unc.edu

ABAN Earth Week Pit Presentations

A week-long celebration of the ways ABAN is impacting our world. Each day is represented by a different step in the process of our program coinciding with fun events and games. Come out to the pit this week to have some fun, learn more about ABAN, and check out our unique and environmentally conscious products.

Sponsor/Host: A Ban Against Neglect (ABAN)

Times: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Location: The Pit

Fee: N/A

Event Contact and email: Diana Lee, diana@aban.org, and Jenny Demarest, jenny@aban.org

Event website: http://www.aban.org/

Carbon Heel Print Challenge: Weigh-off to award prizes and celebrate completion

Participants in this challenge carry a bag with all of their non-recycled, non-composted garbage throughout their daily activities for one week. The event culminates with a "weigh-off" on the Wednesday before Earth Day to honor the individuals with the lightest "garbage footprints." The top three winners will receive gift certificates. Light snacks provided.

Sponsor/Host: Sustainable Triangle Field Site and the UNC Sustainability Office

Times: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Location: The Pit

Fee: N/A

Event Contact and email: Holly Kuestner, kuestner@email.unc.edu

Event website: http://garbagefootprints.blogspot.com/

"The Big Thirst: The Business of Water"

The golden age of water - where water is unlimited, safe, and free - is over. Award-winning investigative journalist Charles Fishman reports on his three-year odyssey to uncover how the world of water is changing and the enormous implications for each of us, no matter where we live.

Sponsor/Host: Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise, Center for International Business Education and Research, Center for Sustainable Enterprise, Global Research Institute, UNC Global, and Center for Global Initiatives

Times: 5:30 PM with reception to follow

Location: Kenan Center Dining Room

Fee: RSVP to rsvpkenan@unc.edu

Event Contact and email: rsvpkenan@unc.edu

Event website: http://www.kenaninstitute.unc.edu/bigthirst/

To find more UNC Earth Week events, visit http://carolinagreen.unc.edu/!

UNC Sustainability Update - Upcoming Events

Today's UNC Sustainability Update includes the following headlines:

• UNC & Local Events
• Regional & National Events
• Workshops & Classes

Click here to read the full UNC Sustainability Update.
Click here to join the UNC Sustainability Listserv.

Today's UNC Earth Week Activities: Tuesday, April 19

The countdown to Earth Day continues at UNC with activities every day this week! Click here to download and print the UNC Earth Week 2011 flier. Today's featured activities include:

Plant a Rain Garden
Come learn about rain gardens, improve campus water quality and plant some native plants. The rain garden at Kenan Stadium will provide native habitat to support biodiversity and will help remove nutrients that lead to oxygen depleting algae blooms in Jordan Lake. Volunteers who help plant the rain garden will learn about actions that they can personally undertake to reduce water pollution.
Sponsor/Host: Environment, Health and Safety, UNC Sustainability Office, Energy Services, and Grounds Services
Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Next to the Kenan Stadium Football Center (north side)
Fee: N/A
Event Contact and email: Sharon Myers, samyers@ehs.unc.edu
Event website: http://ehs.unc.edu/ehs/docs/rain_garden11.pdf

Carbon Heel Print Challenge: Bag distribution and festivities continue
Participants in this challenge carry a bag with all of their non-recycled, non-composted garbage throughout their daily activities for one week. The event culminates with a "weigh-off" on the Wednesday before Earth Day to honor the individuals with the lightest "garbage footprints." The top three winners will receive gift certificates.
Sponsor/Host: Sustainable Triangle Field Site and the UNC Sustainability Office
Times: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: The Pit
Fee: N/A
Event Contact and email: Holly Kuestner, kuestner@email.unc.edu
Event website: http://garbagefootprints.blogspot.com/

ABAN Earth Week Pit Presentations
A week-long celebration of the ways ABAN is impacting our world. Each day is represented by a different step in the process of our program coinciding with fun events and games. Come out to the pit this week to have some fun, learn more about ABAN, and check out our unique and environmentally conscious products.
Sponsor/Host: A Ban Against Neglect (ABAN)
Times: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: The Pit
Fee: N/A
Event Contact and email: Diana Lee, diana@aban.org, and Jenny Demarest, jenny@aban.org
Event website: http://www.aban.org/

"Defending Our Environment" Panel + Q&A
Join the Sierra Student Coalition, UNC Young Democrats, and the Roosevelt Institute this Earth Week to learn more about the history of the EPA, how current events will impact our progress on environmental issues, and what's going on now in Washington and in Raleigh as lawmakers take apart decades of bipartisan legislation defending our environment. Plus, delicious/sustainable FREE FOOD catered by Med Deli.
Sponsor/Host: Sierra Student Coalition, UNC Young Democrats, and the Roosevelt Institute
Times: 7:00 PM - 8:3 0PM
Location: Union 3205
Fee: Free, no ticket, no RSVP necessary
Event Contact and email: Evan Baker, ebbaker@email.unc.edu
Event website: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114539651959802

To find more UNC Earth Week events, visit http://carolinagreen.unc.edu/!

UNC Earth Week Activities: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, April 15-17

UNC Earth Week Activities: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, April 15-17

The countdown to Earth Day continues at UNC with activities today and all weekend! Click here to download and print the UNC Earth Week 2011 flier. Featured activities are:

Friday

Carbon Heel Print Challenge: Bag distribution and festivities continue Participants in this challenge carry a bag with all of their non-recycled, non-composted garbage throughout their daily activities for one week. The event culminates with a "weigh-off" on the Wednesday before Earth Day to honor the individuals with the lightest "garbage footprints." The top three winners will receive gift certificates. Sponsor/Host: Sustainable Triangle Field Site and the UNC Sustainability Office Times: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: The Pit Fee: N/A Event Contact and email: Holly Kuestner, http://www.blogger.com/kuestner@email.unc.edu Event website: http://garbagefootprints.blogspot.com/

Saturday

An Evening Out at Forest Theater Come out and enjoy FREE locally sourced foods to celebrate spring, kick-off Earth week, and learn about sustainable eating sponsored by Epsilon Eta! We'll have plenty of food and live music free to all those who sign up ahead of time. We only ask that you RSVP via the following Google Form by Friday April 15TH @ 10 PM so we know how much food needs to be prepared. We'll have a checklist from the sign-up page at the event so be sure to reserve your spot ahead of time! Sponsor/Host: Epsilon Eta, UNC Sustainability Office, North Carolina Botanical Garden, and Fair, Local, Organic (FLO) Times: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Location: Forest Theater Fee: Free, RSVP Required Event Contact and email: Hannah Gavin, mailto:hgavin@email.unc.edu Event website: http://tiny.cc/EveningAtForestTheater

Sunday

Celebrate Spring! Wildflowers of Nature Trail Hill Explore a Piedmont hardwood forest and find our earliest spring wildflowers including spring beauties, wild ginger, and star chickweed. We will also see if we can spot lesser-known native plants such as pennywort and dwarf paw paw. Sponsor/Host: North Carolina Botanical Garden Times: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Location: North Carolina Botanical Garden Fee: $5/individual, $10/family (free for NCBG members) Event Contact and email: Lauren Davis, mailto:laurende@unc.edu Event website: http://ncbg.unc.edu/

To find more UNC Earth Week events, visit http://carolinagreen.unc.edu/!

Yellow Pages Unveils National Opt-Out Site

http://www.yellowpagesoptout.com/
Neg Norton, president of the Yellow Pages Association, has launched a website where people will be able to end delivery of paper phone books to their doorsteps for three years. If after three years, you still wish to opt out of delivery, you must opt out on the website again.
Neg Norton believes this new method will keep environmentally-friendly customers happy, while also saving money on distribution and keeping the environment a little healthier.
Norton chose an opt-out site rather than an opt-in site, because their data shows that about 75 percent of adults use print yellow pages. Yellow Pages Association used Burke Marketing, who does work for Hewlett-Packard and Chevron. They took a representative sample of different markets across the country. They track use of their print directories. They often put in special phone numbers, only in yellow pages, that can prove to yellow page advertisers that the directories are being used.
So far it seems that less than 1 percent of households have out opted out. Norton expects that number to increase.

UI GreenMetric 2010 Ranks UNC #10 in World

The University of Indonesia created a world-wide rank system that measures each university participant in its commitment in developing an ‘environment friendly’ infrastructure.
The UI Green Metric is based on three perspectives which are Environment, Economic and Equity (3’Es). The ranking has five indicators: Green Statistics (24%), Energy and Climate Change (28%), waste management (15%), water usage (15%) and transportation facility (24%).

Today's UNC Earth Week Activities: Thursday, April 14

Today's UNC Earth Week Activities: Thursday, April 14

The countdown to Earth Day continues at UNC with activities nearly every day! Click here to download and print the UNC Earth Week 2011 flier. Today's featured activities are:

Carbon Heel Print Challenge: Kick-off and biodegradable garbage bag distribution Participants in this challenge carry a bag with all of their non-recycled, non-composted garbage throughout their daily activities for one week. The event culminates with a "weigh-off" on the Wednesday before Earth Day to honor the individuals with the lightest "garbage footprints." The top three winners will receive gift certificates. Sponsor/Host: Sustainable Triangle Field Site and the UNC Sustainability Office Times: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: The Pit Fee: N/A Event Contact and email: Holly Kuestner, http://www.blogger.com/kuestner@email.unc.edu Event website: http://garbagefootprints.blogspot.com/

Farmers Market Stop by the main quad in front of Wilson to buy delicious locally grown/raised/made food and chat with local farmers! Sponsor/Host: FLO Foods and Carolina Dining Services Times: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: Polk Place Fee: We'll be accepting cash, credit/debit, flex, and expense. Event website: https://www.facebook.com/UNC.EAC?ref=ts#!/event.php?eid=138650036206100

Pi Kappa Phi Green Empathy Dinner Sit-down three course empathy dinner where each guest will either be disabled, or taking care of guest who are disabled, and dinner will be followed by a discussion of disabilities facilitated by experienced PiKapps. Food for the event will be from sustainable local vendors (forthcoming), and will include salad/appetizer, main course, and dessert portions, but due to the formal nature of the event, the guest numbers will be capped at 200 guests. Sponsor/Host: Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and UNC Sustainability Office Times: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Location: Pi Kappa Phi House (216 E. Rosemary St.) Fee: Guests will be able to buy tickets from PiKapps, and/or buy them in the pit April 13th & 14th. Event Contact and email: Will Leimenstoll, http://www.blogger.com/wleimenstoll@gmail.com

To find more UNC Earth Week events, visit http://carolinagreen.unc.edu/!

Summer 2011 Internships!

The Sustainability Office at UNC Chapel Hill works with students, staff, faculty, administrators, and community members to catalyze the development and implementation of sustainable policies, practices, and curricula. Interns will become familiar with the many sustainability practices, policies, and curricula at UNC, while receiving hands-on experience developing communication tools, supporting Sustainability Office initiatives, and assessing sustainable practices at UNC Chapel Hill. All internships are competitive and require an in-person interview.

2 new Summer 2011 internships have been posted - Sustainability Reporting and Peer-to-Peer Education! Review of applications will begin Monday, April 18 and continue until both positions are filled.

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Internship 1: Sustainability Reporting Internship (1 internship position available) Wage: $10/hr Hours: 40 hours/week Term: May 16 – August 19, 2011 Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Location: Giles Horney Building (103 Airport Drive)

Are you passionate about making UNC a more sustainable university? Are you interested in learning what makes our campus so “green?” If so, this is your chance to become an expert on UNC’s green practices. Responsibilities and projects will include:

• Conduct research to update campus sustainability metrics based on AASHE STARS and existing Campus Sustainability Report criteria.


• Manage and update documentation to reflect findings.


• Draft copy for 2011 Campus Sustainability Report based on updated findings.


• Propose and implement new formats and/or layouts to make the 2011 Campus Sustainability Report more reader-friendly.

Required qualifications:

• Must be an undergraduate or graduate student at UNC Chapel Hill in good academic standing.


• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Experience with print layout using Adobe InDesign is a plus, but not required.


• Excellent email and interpersonal skills to support data collection at all levels of the University.


• Demonstrated understanding and interest in sustainability. A strong knowledge of existing sustainability practices and accomplishments at UNC is highly desirable. Previous research, coursework, or internships in sustainability-related areas is a big plus.

To apply, please send the following to Brian Cain, Research and Outreach Manager, at brian.cain@fac.unc.edu:

• Cover Letter highlighting your experience, interests, and goals in this internship


• Resume


• A 1-page writing sample that concisely communicates a complex concept or interprets quantitative data.

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Internship 2: Peer-to-Peer Education Internship (1 internship position available) Wage: $10/hr Hours: 40 hours/week (10 hours/week August 22 – September 2) Term: May 16 – September 2, 2011 Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Flexible schedule August 22 – September 2) Location: Giles Horney Building (103 Airport Drive)

Are you passionate about helping other students, staff, and faculty “go green” at Carolina? If so, this is your chance to help shape the future of peer-to-peer sustainability education at our university! Responsibilities and projects will include:

• Primary responsibility is to serve as the representative of the UNC Sustainability Office at student orientation and select campus community events. This will include setup of informational exhibits, facilitation of activity tables, and creation/delivery of orientation presentations and “green” campus tours.


• Secondary responsibility is to work with the Sustainability Office and the emerging UNC EcoReps program to develop events, materials, and resources that will lay the foundation for future success. This will include recruiting new students to the EcoRep program, developing training materials primarily for students and also for faculty and staff, and coordinating recruitment/training events.


• Continue projects through implementation, including EcoReps recruiting event within first 2 weeks of the fall semester. The possibility may exist for continued involvement in the EcoRep program during the school year.


• Additional responsibilities will include assisting with other Sustainability Office projects and initiatives as needed.

Required qualifications:

• Must be an undergraduate or graduate student at UNC Chapel Hill in good academic standing. Must be available for all First-Year Student Orientation and Transfer Orientation sessions (http://nscpp.unc.edu/first-year-students/orientation/dates/2011-orientation-program-date-fees.html )


• Outgoing personality and excellent interpersonal skills. Must be able to establish rapport with and adapt messaging/delivery to diverse audiences.


• Excellent research and writing skills. Proficient in Microsoft Word. Experience with print layout and/or graphic design using Adobe Creative Suite is a big plus.


• Demonstrated understanding and interest in sustainability. A strong knowledge of existing sustainability practices and accomplishments at UNC is highly desirable. Previous participation in sustainability-related academics or student organizations is highly desirable.


• Ability to work independently, accept constructive criticism, and think creatively to find solutions is a must!

To apply, please send the following to Brian Cain, Research and Outreach Manager, at brian.cain@fac.unc.edu:

• Cover Letter highlighting your experience, interests, and goals in this internship


• Resume


• 1 or more work samples that highlight your ability to develop engaging educational outreach materials. This could be a PowerPoint file, brochure, case study, or pictures of a tabling exhibit.

UNC Earth Week Activities: Tuesday, April 12

Today's UNC Earth Week Activities: Tuesday, April 12

The countdown to Earth Day kicks off today at UNC with activities nearly every day! Click here to download and print the UNC Earth Week 2011 flier. Today's featured activity is:

A conversation with William McDonough, author of Cradle to Cradle
Sponsor/Host: The Center for Sustainable Enterprise at UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, Cherokee Gives Back, the Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise and the UNC Sustainability Office
Times: 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Location: Koury Auditorium, UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School
Fee: Free
Event Contact and email: Jessica Thomas, jessica_thomas@unc.edu
Event website: http://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/cse/events.cfm

To find more UNC Earth Week events, visit http://carolinagreen.unc.edu/!

UNC Sustainability Update - Upcoming Events

Today's UNC Sustainability Update includes the following headlines:

• LOTS of UNC & Local Events


• Regional & National Events


• Workshops & Classes

Click here to read the full UNC Sustainability Update.

Click here to join the UNC Sustainability Listserv.

New Student Chapter of the USGBC (US Green Building Council) at UNC

•Are you interested in green building and/or sustainable design?
•Are you interested in learning more about the US Green Building Council and its LEED Certification System?
•Would you like to pursue a LEED Green Associate Certification?
If any of this sparks an interest with you, and you would like to become a member of the student group and/or take an active role in getting the group started, please e-mail Cade Laverty at claverty@unc.edu.

In your email, please include: your name, degree program, class year, level of interest in the organization and if you would want to take a leadership role, whether you desire to pursue LEED certification, and any prior experience you have with green building or related practice areas.

State Study Shows Strong Growth in Recycling Jobs

The N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources released a study today showing strong growth in recycling jobs in the state despite the effects of the recent recession.
•There are currently almost 15,200 private sector recycling-related jobs in North Carolina.
•Private sector recycling jobs have increased 4.8 percent since 2008.
•The total annual payroll for North Carolina recycling businesses is $395 million.
•Forty-eight percent of recycling businesses surveyed anticipate creating more jobs during the next two years.
•Twenty-five percent of businesses surveyed report manufacturing a product using recycled materials.
•Recycling businesses target a wide variety of recyclables for collection, processing or use in manufacturing. No single recycling commodity dominates the market.
A copy of the study can be found online here.

Environmental Affairs Committee of Student Government Creates Facebook Page & Twitter Account

The Environmental Affairs Committee of Student Government has recently created a Facebook page (UNC Environmental Affairs Committee) and a Twitter account (@UNC_EAC).
The Environmental Affairs Committee is hoping to use these social media sites in order to promote not only things that we are doing but also things that all environmental groups on campus are doing.

Pi Kappa Phi hosts a Carolina Green benefit dinner

Pi Kappa Phi hosted a Carolina Green benefit dinner called “Wingin’ It with Best Buddies and Pi Kappa Phi” on Friday, January 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. They served chicken wings along with sides such as vegan pasta salad and vegetarian coleslaw. The event, which took place at the Pi Kappa Phi house, had over 400 guests and raised over $1,000 for Best Buddies and Push America. Both of these organizations seek to improve the lives of people with physical and mental disabilities from across the country. This first ever fraternity-only sponsored Greek Carolina Green event earned the certification of Light Green and had 1.20% trash, 1.20% recycling and 97.60% of compost. This means that 98.80% of the waste produced was diverted from the landfill and instead, placed in the compost! The brothers of Pi Kappa Phi worked very hard to put on this Carolina Green Event, and their dedication to the environment is very much appreciated.

UNC Sustainability Update - Upcoming Events

Today's UNC Sustainability Update includes the following headlines:

• UNC & Local Events


• Regional & National Events


• Workshops & Classes

Click here to read the full UNC Sustainability Update.

Click here to join the UNC Sustainability Listserv.