Carolina in the News

Check out the recent media mention of sustainability-related programs, practices, and people at UNC:

Students Offer Microloans to Help Campus Neighbors Start Small Businesses

The Chronicle of Higher Education

In the last four years, about a dozen student groups have begun offering loans to local residents who want to start businesses but are unlikely to qualify for traditional bank loans… Few volunteers who run microloan programs are studying business. A chance to develop teaching and documentary-filmmaking skills drew Alexis Seccombe, a graduate student in comparative literature at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, to the campus's Community Empowerment Fund. Read more »

Poverty Tour of NC Begins in Beaufort County

The Associated Press

A two-day tour of poverty-stricken areas in northeastern North Carolina is getting underway with its first stop in Beaufort County. ...The UNC Center on Poverty, Work, and Opportunity, North Carolina NAACP, and the N.C. Justice Center are sponsoring the tour. The tour will go to other parts of the state later this year, examining both rural counties and inner city neighborhoods. Read more »

Thanks to UNC News Services for finding these great stories AND compiling the summary! You can find more UNC media coverage and stories online at http://uncnews.unc.edu/

Job- NC

Guilford College has two openings for Energy Data Specialists. Read more »

Job- NC

Bull City Forward is seeking a Director of Community Relations. Read more »

Job- NC

Triangle J Council of Governments is hiring for a full-time permanent Senior Planner and a full-time temporary Planner II. Read more »

Job- NY

Union College is seeking a Sustainability Coordinator. Read more »

Job- FL

Florida Atlantic University is seeking a Director for the Pine Jog Environmental Education Center. Read more »

Internship- UNC

The North Carolina Botanical Garden is accepting applications from UNC undergraduates for summer internships in conservation, habitat restoration, sustainability and native plant studies. Read more »

Internship- NC

The North Carolina Sustainability Center is seeking an undergraduate student to help with website research projects.

Internship- NC

The Center for Environmental Farming Systems seeks undergraduate students interested in sustainable agriculture to participate in an 8-week summer internship. Read more »

Internship- NC

The Outer Banks Office of the Nature Conservatory seeks an intern to monitor a Climate Adaptation Project on conservation lands in the Albemarle-Pamlico region.

Internship- NC

The Tar River Land Conservancy is seeking a Land Stewardship Intern for the summer of 2012.

Internship- DC

EPA's Climate Ready Water Utilities (CRWU) initiative team is looking for a postgraduate intern to assist on CRWU related efforts. Read more »

Internship- DC

The U.S. Green Building Council is accepting applications for multiple internship positions. Read more »

Internship- MD

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) seeks undergraduate and beginning graduate student interns in environmental research and education. Read more »

Internship- MA

Cricket Creek Farm is seeking interns to learn and help in cheese making and general farm work for their small grass-based dairy farm. Read more »

Internship- OR

The Conservation Research Program at the Institute for Applied Ecology is hiring for summer field work in conservation biology or restoration ecology.

The Year of the Dragon started last week – celebrate by becoming a member of the Bring Your Own Sticks (B.Y.O.S.) movement! The B.Y.O.S. movement is growing in popularity in Asia. The Chinese government estimates that China cuts down 25 million trees a year to make 45 billion disposable chopsticks.

Two Solar-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Unveiled in Raleigh

The City of Raleigh and Progress Energy Carolinas recently unveiled two solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations at 616 South Salisbury Street in Raleigh. The Level 2, or 240-volt, charging stations are connected to a solar photovoltaic (PV) array and battery system. When the sun shines, the PV array produces electricity and charges either a plugged-in vehicle or the on-site battery. The battery stores this solar energy to charge plug-in vehicles when the sun is not shining.

The City of Raleigh and Progress Energy Carolinas will use the two stations to charge their respective fleets of plug-in electric vehicles. Raleigh has installed 18 charging stations, nine for public use, and intends to install 15 additional public charging stations soon. Progress Energy plans to install 200 public and private charging stations through a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Read more »

NC Certified-Organic Cotton Is First for the State

The first ever certified-organic cotton harvest in North Carolina concluded in December. Though told it could not be done, two farms in eastern North Carolina grew the cotton without using pesticides. One sustainably-minded, local T-shirt manufacturer aims to go from “dirt to (sustainable) shirt” entirely within North Carolina. Read more »

“It's Time to Shine the Spotlight on Energy Education,” Op-Ed Piece by Michael E. Webber and Sheril R. Kirshenbaum, The Chronicle of Higher Education

“Today, for the most part, higher education for students interested in energy lacks the cross-disciplinary curriculum that they critically need, and so we propose the adoption of energy departments on college campuses, departments that would tie seemingly disconnected fields of the sector together…. Graduates entering the work force with such interdisciplinary skills would be ideally suited for leadership positions with strategic responsibilities, armed with a firm grasp of the challenges ahead and the experience to act as truly global citizens.” Read more »

EPA Releases Searchable Map of Green House Gas Emitters

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled a searchable computerized map tool that allows users to identify the nation’s major stationary sources of carbon dioxide and other climate-changing gases, including power plants, refineries, chemical factories, and paper mills. The data was drawn from 6,157 sources, is current through 2010, and covers nearly 80% of the country’s greenhouse gases emitted from large industrial sources. Officials hope that making such information available, in searchable online form, will eventually lead to pressure for decreasing emissions. Read more »

Call for Abstracts for the 2012 Water and Health Conference: Science, Policy and Innovation

Abstracts for academic presentations may now be submitted for the third annual “Water and Health Conference: Science, Policy and Innovation.” The submission deadline is April 30, 2012. This year's conference will take place October 29 - November 2, 2012. Read more »

The Vimy Global Team Award

The Vimy Global Team Award supports UNC students in completing self-directed international projects. The award provides funding for travel as well as supplies needed to implement the project. The first application deadline is February 15. Read more »

2012 City of Raleigh Environmental Awards Program and PSA Competition

The City of Raleigh announces its fifth annual Environmental Awards Program to recognize outstanding environmental stewardship. Award nominations will be accepted through January 31. Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony, April 24, 2012, at 6:00 p.m. in the soon-to-open Nature Resource Center at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh.

Local students can participate in the awards program by submitting a 30-second original Public Service Announcement (PSA). The theme of the PSA should include the “Our Water, Our Future” Raleigh Public Utilities’ slogan and focus on water conservation and efficiency or promote “fat-free” sewers. See the competition website for prizes, deadlines and application process.

“To Frac or Not to Frac? Risks and Rewards of Natural Gas Production from Shale,” Presented by Dr. Larry Murdoch

The Institute for the Environment will host Dr. Larry Murdoch, Professor of Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, to give a public talk on hydraulic fracturing for natural gas production in North Carolina. Dr. Murdoch will talk about the environmental and economic issues of “fracking” on Tuesday, January 31st, at 5:00 pm in the Tate-Turner-Kuralt Auditorium.

Keep NC Beautiful

Keep NC Beautiful, in partnership with the NC Coca-Cola Bottlers Council, is accepting Community Improvement grant applications to address litter prevention and clean-up, waste reduction and recycling, and beautification. Read more »

Recycling on Campus Easier, More Streamlined

In addition to bottles and cans, the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling (OWRR) now collects #2 and #5 plastic tubs. Plastic tubs differ from plastic bottles as the opening is larger than the base. Look at the bottom of your plastic tubs for a #2 or #5, then rinse and place the tub in the bottles and cans recycling bin. You can also toss lab plastics (such as pipette tip boxes) in with the bottles and cans. They no longer require a separate bin. And, instead of separate bins for office and mixed paper, all recyclable paper may now be placed in the mixed paper bin. All bins on campus have been relabeled to reflect these changes. For more information, visit OWRR.

America’s Next Eco-Star

Smart Power is looking for America’s Next Eco-Star, someone who improves the environment and energy use either on campus, through an organization, or in their personal life. Nominate someone you know who has the capacity to lead the next energy-efficient generation. The winning Eco-Star will attend the 2012 Sustainable Futures Academy at the Salzburg Global Seminar in Austria and a fellowship in the Washington, DC, office of SmartPower. Nominations are due by January 31 and other contest details can be found on the Eco-Star facebook page.

Internship - CO

The University of California - Berkeley and Merced are accepting applications for field ecology summer research assistant positions in the Rockies.

Internship - PR

The Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a summer intern interested in coral reef conservation.

University Gazette Includes Stories on Campus Energy Initiatives

The January 11 issue of the University Gazette is full of energy. Stories include a profile of the new campus energy dashboards that show how much energy your building is using in real time, the $10 million in energy savings accomplished since the campus energy policy was implemented in summer 2009, and how to apply for funding from the new green revolving fund that creates a stable financing stream for energy efficiency. Read more »

The Environmental Finance Center Receives Funding to Assist Water Utilities

The Environmental Finance Center has been awarded $250,000 by the Water Research Foundation to study new approaches to and models of financial challenges at water utilities. The center supports local governments and focuses on water resources, energy and solid waste management, air quality, and land conservation. The Water Research Foundation sponsors research to provide safe and affordable drinking water. Read more »

Student Research Poster Session for Shared Tables Conference

The 2012 Shared Tables symposium at UNC and Duke will feature experts in local and global food issues, including activist and urban farmer Will Allen and author Tom Philpott. Symposium activities at UNC will also feature a student research poster session. Students in all disciplines are encouraged to submit poster proposals that address food’s varied meanings, including its roles in the pursuit of political, economic, environmental, and human sustainability. Poster proposals are due Friday, February 3rd. All symposium events, February 28-29, are free and open to the public, however, space is limited. Please register in advance.

Summer Undergraduate Research - NC

The Center for the Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology is offering NSF-funded summer Research Experience for Undergraduates positions at Duke University. Read more »

Summer Undergraduate Research - LA

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) invites undergraduates to apply for NSF-funded summer Research Experience for Undergraduates in changing coastal environments. Read more »

Summer Undergraduate Research - IL

The Chicago Botanic Garden is offering 10 NSF-funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates to conduct research in plant biology and conservation. Read more »

Summer Undergraduate Research - KS

Kansas State University invites undergraduates to apply for NSF-funded summer Research Experience for Undergraduates in ecological and evolutionary responses to short- and long-term responses to changing environments. Read more »

Summer Undergraduate Research - AZ

The Archer/Breshears Labs in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Arizona seeks an undergraduate student to participate in the Research Experience for Undergraduates program for the summer of 2011. Read more »

Summer Undergraduate Research - AZ

The University of Arizona is offering a Research Experiences for Undergraduates program this summer in environmental and Earth system sciences at Biosphere 2. Read more »

Summer Undergraduate Research - HI

The Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES) is currently accepting applications for summer research in environmental issues. Read more »

Fellowship - VA

The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) offers an experiential education program for college students and recent graduates interested in environmental topics. The PEC Fellowship program is conducted from June 11-July 27, 2012, in the Shenandoah Valley region of Warrenton, VA. Fellows receive a $200 weekly stipend, local housing, and all program-related costs are included. Read more »

Scholarship

C2C Fellows is a new national network for undergraduates and recent graduates aspiring to sustainability leadership. C2C Fellows will be holding training workshops at the University of Georgia in February and Oberlin College in April. The workshops focus on effective leadership skills for a sustainable future. Additionally, C2C Fellows are eligible to apply for $1,000 Sustainability Leaders scholarships to fund follow-up, multi-day leadership trainings. Read more »

“Can We Heal Our Local Waterways?” A Symposium and Community Exchange

Friends of Bolin Creek and the Institute for the Environment will host “Can We Heal Our Local Waterways?” an event to address current water quality problems and actions needed to restore urban streams. The community exchange will connect individuals interested in making a difference for water quality and the environment with many local organizations. A concurrent track will edutain the kids. The event will take place from 9:00am – 1:30pm, February 11th, at the UNC Botanical Garden. Read more »

Go Green in the City- a Case Challenge

Go Green in the City is an international case challenge for university students around the world to create innovative energy management solutions. The 100 best teams will be asked to create a synopsis of their idea with the help of a mentor from Schneider Electric. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2012. For more information on the competition, visit www.GoGreenintheCity.com or follow @GoGreenCity on Twitter.

NC DOT Unveils Electric Vehicle Charging Station

The NC Department of Transportation held a ribbon-cutting Wednesday, January 11th, to celebrate one of the state’s first electric vehicle charging stations. The charging station is located at a rest area in Alamance County. Read more »

Local Farmers’ Markets Are Now Accepting Applications for the 2012 Market Season

The Chapel Hill and Hillsborough Farmers’ Markets are currently accepting applications for the 2012 Market Season. The Chapel Hill Farmer’s Market, entering its fourth year at University Mall is accepting applications until January 31, 2012. The Hillsborough Farmer’s Market, entering its 26th year, is accepting applications until February 15, 2012.

Backyard Composting and Vermi-Composting Train the Trainer Workshops

The NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Assistance and Outreach program and Carolina Recycling Association are sponsoring workshops on backyard composting. The workshops will train communities on how to implement composting programs. Participants will receive training on the science and practice of backyard composting and vermi-composting and tips on how to publicize their programs. Cost is $25.00. For more information and to register, visit the website.

It’s not too late to add a new year’s resolution, why not make it a green one? Resolve to make one of your habits more environmentally-friendly: walk or bicycle instead of taking the car to do at least one errand per week; write or call decision makers to let them know how you feel about environmental, social, and economic issues; use biodegradable laundry soap; or compost. Stay sustainable throughout the year!

Carolina in the News

Check out the recent media mention of sustainability-related programs, practices, and people at UNC:

Time for UNC to divest from a dirty business (Opinion-Editorial Column by Professor Emeritus Robert Cox)

The Chapel Hill News (Chapel Hill)

A year and a half ago, Chancellor Holden Thorp stood atop the green roof of Rams Head Plaza and announced that UNC would end its use of coal by 2020. It was an inspiring moment. "Universities must lead the transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy," Thorp said. Read more » 

UNC Recycles Methane from Landfill

WUNC-FM (Chapel Hill)

Orange County and UNC Chapel Hill are working together to make productive use of landfill gas. Methane originates from the decomposition of organic materials such as food. The collaboration will collect methane from the county's landfill and use it to produce electricity using a generator at UNC. Read more »

Thanks to UNC News Services for finding these great stories AND compiling the summary! You can find more UNC media coverage and stories online at http://uncnews.unc.edu/

Job- UNC

The Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks a tenured full professor, also holding a sustainability chair, or a tenured associate professor, also holding an appointment as a sustainability fellow. Read more »

Job- NC

The University of North Carolina - Wilmington seeks an assistant professor in environmental sustainability. Read more »

Job- VA

The School of Sciences at Lynchburg College invites applicants for a tenure-track assistant/associate professor in environmental science to begin in fall 2012. Read more »

Job- GA

National Wildlife Federation is seeking a Southeast Campus Field Coordinator to support climate leadership and sustainability among colleges and universities in the Southeast. Read more »

Job- PA

Chatham University's School of Sustainability and the Environment seeks a faculty member in food studies with an emphasis on food systems. Read more »

Job- FL

Leon County is seeking a Sustainability Coordinator to manage the implementation of all aspects of the Sustainability program. Read more »

Job- MA

Bunker Hill Community College (MA) seeks full-time faculty responsible for teaching and developing sustainability-related curriculum and coordinating new degree and certificate sustainability programs. Read more »

Job- CO

The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) seeks a Membership Coordinator to coordinate and execute memberships and report membership data. Read more »

Internship- NC

The Tar River Land Conservancy is seeking a Land Stewardship Intern for the summer of 2012.

Internship- RI

The Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting applications for summer field work in coastal invasive plant species.

Internship- OR

The Conservation Research Program at the Institute for Applied Ecology is hiring for summer field work in conservation biology or restoration ecology.

Internship- CO

The University of California Berkeley and Merced are accepting applications for field ecology summer research assistant positions in the Rockies.

Summer Undergraduate Research- NC

The Center for the Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology is offering NSF-funded summer Research Experience for Undergraduates positions at Duke University. Read more »

Summer Undergraduate Research- HI

The Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Science (PIPES) is currently accepting applications for summer research in environmental issues. Read more »