How do I love thee sustainably? Go green this Valentine’s Day and consider eco-conscious gifts such as organic flowers and ethical chocolate. Or, skip the gifts and plan a memorable experience such as: cook a home-cooked dinner with fresh local ingredients; go out to a restaurant featuring seasonal, regional cuisine; look for nature-made hearts on an outdoor adventure; or buy tickets to a local play or concert. Read more »
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Learn to Lead Staff Sustainability Efforts, Tuesday, February 19, and Thursday, February 21
Sustainability is a core value and top-level priority at Carolina. Success depends on each of us taking an active role. Be the leader in your workplace by learning practical steps to become more economically, environmentally, and socially responsible. “Making the Workplace More Sustainable,” a staff sustainability workshop, will help participants identify, measure, and promote sustainable change opportunities in their areas. Participants will learn about sustainability goals and initiatives at UNC, become “green events” certified, and learn how to conduct a Workplace Sustainability Assessment. Training is scheduled for two, four-hour sessions, Tuesday, February 19, and Thursday, February 21, from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, at the Administrative Office Building. Register soon, space is limited. Read more »
Have a Sustainability Idea that Needs Additional Support?
Do you have an idea for a sustainability-related campus initiative, program or project? Need some help identifying the next steps or overcoming existing barriers? Students, faculty, and staff with sustainability-related ideas are encouraged to share them with the Sustainability Advisory Committee (SAC). The SAC wants to learn more about the innovative sustainability ideas circulating on campus. If the Committee receives suggestions it can help advance, it will provide direct guidance and feedback to help implement specific initiatives. Submittals received by February 20 will be considered at the next SAC meeting. Send a short description (no more than 500 words) of the initiative that you think would advance sustainability on campus to sustainability@unc.edu. Read more »
Hard-to-Recycle Drive Marks Start of RecycleMania 2013
Carolina goes head-to-head with more than 500 colleges and universities in a friendly competition to see who can recycle the most during an 8-week period through March 20. In addition to normal bottles, cans, cardboard, and paper collection, the Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling will offer expanded recycling opportunities for plastic film and electronics during the competition. Kick off the RecycleMania competition this Friday, February 15, by bringing electronic waste, batteries, and plastic bags to the Pit between 11am to 2pm, for a Hard-to-Recycle Drive. Don’t miss recycling trivia, games, and limited-edition RecycleMania prizes! Read more for upcoming campus RecycleMania events.
Carolina Wins Energy Award
The Association of Energy Engineers’ 2012 Region II Energy Award recognized the achievements of the University’s Energy Conservation Measures (ECM) program, which has resulted in avoided energy costs of $11.4 million over a two and a half year period. The program avoided the costs by cutting energy use by 24.5% and through accumulated savings of 212.75 GWh of power, 69,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide and 44.4 million gallons of water. The ECM program includes seven specific conservation measures that focus on the reduction of the campus’ energy use and carbon footprint, such as reducing or eliminating the heating or cooling of spaces during unoccupied times and establishing appropriate temperature standards for facilities. Read more »
Kenan-Flagler Ranked 7th Best Business School for Sustainability
As part of the 2012 Best B-Schools ranking, Bloomberg Businessweek asked MBAs from the Class of 2012 about the full range of their business school experience, including green business and sustainability offerings. UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School was ranked 7th in the nation for sustainability with a score of 5.43. The average green business score for the 82 rated U.S. and international schools was 4.25.
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Join the Sustainability Living-Learning Community
The Sustainability Living-Learning Community is committed to exploring the concept of sustainability and engaging in sustainable service. Members will attend weekly seminars and contribute 12 service hours per semester. Preference is given to first-year students, but returning students are also encouraged to apply. Applications are open through March 8.
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Orange County Ranks Best in State for Waste Reduction
The Orange County Solid Waste Management Department topped the state in recycling last fiscal year and is recognized as the best in state for waste reduction. Orange County landfilled an average of 0.60 tons per person per year or 3.3 pounds per day in fiscal 2009-10, down 56% compared to the 1991-92 base year of measurement, when the county landfilled 1.36 tons per person annually or 7.5 pounds per day. In 1997, the county adopted a waste-reduction goal of 61% per capita and has made steady progress. The county’s solid waste manager, Gayle Wilson, credits proactive residents and innovative waste reduction services. Read more »
Town of Chapel Hill Sustainability Committee Seeking New Members
Chapel Hill residents interested in sustainability should consider applying to the Town of Chapel Hill Sustainability Committee. Ideal committee members will have education or experience in social justice, environmental protection, or economic vitality. The Committee meets at 6:30 pm on the second Tuesday of each month at Town Hall. Read more »
Elite Pete Energy Volunteers Help Save Energy and Money
Chapel Hill and Carrboro's WISE home energy upgrade program is adopting the Pete Street community energy education program. An Elite Pete energy volunteer learns about household energy use, low-cost ways to reduce home energy bills, and do-it-yourself projects such as wrapping a water heater and sealing cracks around doors and windows. Elite Pete energy volunteers then hold workshops for their neighborhood network to help others save energy and money. Apply for Elite Pete training by Monday, February 25 to wise@petestreet.org. Read more »
North Carolina Cuts Fossil Fuel Use by 19.9%
Universities and other state government agencies have cut their use of fossil fuels in vehicles by 19.9% since 2004, according to an analysis by the Clean Transportation Program at N.C. State University’s Solar Center. Much of the reduction has been due to a switch from diesel fuel to B20, a blend of 20% biodiesel fuel and 80% traditional diesel, and E10, a blend of traditional gasoline and 10% ethanol, for state vehicles. About half of the reductions are due to more efficient use of existing fuels and conservation. The Solar Center estimated those savings at $8 million annually. Read more »
“Freeing the Grid” Grades Issued for North Carolina
The “Freeing the Grid” policy guide grades all 50 states on two key renewable energy policies: net metering and interconnection procedures. Together these policies empower energy customers to use rooftop solar and other small-scale renewables to meet their own electricity needs. Net metering allows a renewable customer’s electric meter to “spin backwards” ensuring that they receive fair credit for clean power they put back on the grid, like roll over minutes on a cell phone bill. Interconnection standards are the legal rules and procedures for “plugging” a renewable energy system into the power grid. North Carolina received a “D” for net metering policies and a “B” for interconnection procedures. The guide suggests that poor net metering policies will discourage customers from installing renewable energy systems due to decreased economic value. Read more »
Nature Explorers Summer Camp at the North Carolina Botanical Garden
Nature Explorers Summer Camp offers an opportunity for children to explore North Carolina's ecology and natural history of gardens, forest, and wetlands at the North Carolina Botanical Garden. Weeklong sessions include hands-on activities, nature hikes, science experiments, games, stories, and craft projects. All seven sessions are taught by experienced environmental educators and supported by Counselors-in-Training (CIT). Register early as space is limited.
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Climate Change to Make America Hotter, Drier, and More Disaster-Prone
A recent draft report of the National Climate Assessment (NCA) provides the fullest picture to date of the real-time effects of climate change. The report links climate change to extreme weather events and projects an increased risk of asthma and other public health emergencies, widespread power blackouts, mass transit shutdowns, and possible shortages of food by the end of the 21st century. More than 300 government scientists and outside experts contributed to the report, which will guide federal, state, and city governments in making long-term plans. Read more »
Campus Sustainability Case Studies Feature Best Practices
The National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology Sustainability Case Studies highlight efforts to reduce pollution, waste, and costs through recycling, energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy installations, and green jobs training programs. An online database includes 800 case studies from colleges and universities across the U.S. and Canada spanning more than two decades.
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Enrollment Open for New Urban Farm School Program
The Urban Farm School, located at the Ashevillage Institute in Asheville, NC, is a comprehensive, 28-week program that covers design, budgeting, soil fertility, harvesting, preservation, aquaponics, animal husbandry, herbal medicine, forest gardens, and more. Permaculture Design Certificate included. Registration is open until filled. Read more »
IDEA Research Opportunities for Undergraduate Students
The IDEA program provides paid research opportunities to full-time undergraduate students attending UNC-Chapel Hill, Elizabeth City State, North Carolina Central University, and other North Carolina HBCUs to increase the participation of underrepresented minority students in the geosciences and provide the support and training necessary to pursue a graduate degree. Apply by Friday, February 15 for Summer 2013 opportunities. Read more »
Marine Technology Society (MTS) Student Scholarship Program
A professional society of ocean engineers, policy makers, and educators, MTS offers scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students studying marine sciences. Applications must be postmarked by April 15 and are available for MTS student members only. Student Membership for full-time college students and high school seniors and is only $25 per year. Click here to apply for membership.
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North Carolina Farmworker Institute Summit Call for Proposals
The North Carolina Farmworker Institute Summit provides a venue for information sharing and collaboration among advocates for North Carolina farmworkers. Summit participants share skills, knowledge, and resources through presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities. Presentations or skill share proposals are due by February 28. Contact Magdalena Fernandez regarding submission details. The Summit will take place on April 17.
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Carolina in the News
Check out the recent media mentions of sustainability-related programs, practices, and people at UNC:
Students Want UNC to Drop Coal Investments
The Herald-Sun (Durham)
A student group at UNC is calling on the university to divest its $2.1 billion endowment from the coal industry over the next five years. The UNC Sierra Student Coalition is campaigning to convince the university to divest from what it calls the “Filthy Fifteen,” or the worst major coal mining and coal-fired utility companies in the U.S. “We [UNC] really pride ourselves on sustainability,” said Erin McAnulty, a sophomore from Charlotte and a spokesperson for the coalition. “Passing the resolution would send a real large message to the entire nation that climate change is the greatest threat we have in this generation.” The student coalition, like other such student groups that have launched similar efforts on campuses across America, is concerned about the environmental and public health impacts of burning coal.
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Research to Examine Neighborhoods Still Dependent on Well Water
The News and Observer (Raleigh)
Rogers-Eubanks is a residential neighborhood surrounded by the thriving towns of Carrboro and Chapel Hill, yet residents there lack the most basic of services: public water and sewer. That these residents must rely on wells and septic tanks isn’t just an oversight of planning. It is part of a pattern that pops up repeatedly in poor and minority communities, said Jacqueline MacDonald Gibson, assistant professor and environmental scientist who studies disparities in access to public water and sanitation at UNC-Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health. Gibson recently received a $100,000 grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to examine public water access issues, health consequences, and potential links to race and socio-economic status in North Carolina neighborhoods. Some of the communities she will study have had problems with contaminated wells and failing septic tanks.
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Universities Team Up to Assess Health Impacts of Gas Drilling
The New York Times
A coalition of academic researchers in the United States is preparing to shine a rigorous scientific light on the polarized and often emotional debate over whether using hydraulic fracturing to drill for natural gas is hazardous to human health. ... The University of Pennsylvania’s Center of Excellence in Environmental Toxicology has organized a working group with researchers at other top universities including Columbia, Johns Hopkins and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to investigate and analyze reports of nausea, headaches, breathing difficulties and other ills from people who live near natural gas drilling sites, compressor stations or wastewater pits.
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Thanks to UNC News Services for finding these great stories AND compiling the summaries! You can find more UNC media coverage and stories online at http://uncnews.unc.edu.
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