Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Purdue University – Department of Forestry and Natural Resources – Summer Field Technician Internships – IN
Contact jenkinma@purdue.edu if interested.
University of Minnesota Duluth – Project Baseline Seed Collection – Summer Field Technician Internships – MN
Contact sope0007@d.umn.edu if interested.
Boston University – Flight Behaviors of Bats – Summer Field Technician Internships – TX
Contact nwfuller@bu.edu if interested.
Michigan State University –Tropical Ecology Field Assistant Internship – Puerto Rico
Contact umanamar@msu.edu if interested.
Stony Brook University – Tropical Botany Field Assistant Internship – Ecuador
Contact bweinste@life.bio.sunysb.edu if interested.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Still planning for Spring Break? Consider planning a camping trip with friends. Camping options in the Triangle include Eno River State Park and Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. While you’re outdoors, do a day of service and join volunteers for the annual Haw River Clean-Up-A-Thon, Saturday, March 16. Remember: pack-in, pack-out; take only photos; and safety first!
Green Energy Fee Reauthorized by Student Vote
A $4.00 per semester student fee that funds renewable energy and energy efficiency projects on campus was reauthorized and converted to a permanent fee following the recent student body president runoff election. The referendum passed with 83% approval from voting students, paving the way for many energy projects at UNC. The Renewable Energy Special Projects Committee (RESPC), a student-led organization, appropriates the funds, and has financed over $1 million worth of renewable energy, energy efficiency and conservation, and energy education projects since its inception in 2004. Read more »
University Equipment Exchange Made Easy
The Asset Management Trading Post is an informal online marketplace that allows University employees to find or make available both office and lab equipment. By extending the life of functional equipment, the program helps University departments save money and promotes sustainability and re-use.
Read more »
Kenan-Flagler Ranked 3rd for Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics
UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School was ranked 3rd globally for corporate social responsibility and ethics in the Financial Times Global MBA Rankings 2013, in which 155 business schools from 28 countries participated. The annual Financial Times ranking is based on surveys of alumni who graduated in 2009 and data provided by the business schools. Read more »
"Work Well, Live Well" Expo Just Around the Corner
The annual Wellness Expo will be held on March 13 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm in the Rams Head Recreation Center. Organized by the University Wellness Committee, the event will feature interactive exhibits on nutrition, fitness, recreation, and other aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Stop by the Sustainability Office table to learn about choices you can make to sustain health and wellness! Take the Carolina Green Pledge in advance to pick up one of the coveted Carolina Green water bottles, while supplies last. Read more »
Melting Permafrost Could Double Amount of Greenhouse Gas
For the past decade, much of the focus in the Arctic has centered on the rate at which ice is melting and the ecological, social, and economic impacts of that melting. In a new study, researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reveal that carbon that has been stored in the frozen tundra for thousands of years is creeping up to the surface. This newly exposed carbon could double the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere – and profoundly change the trajectory of the climate change debate.
Read more »
Volunteers Needed for Art Installation Featuring Recycled Materials
Volunteers are needed to participate in the creation of a large, collaborative installation with Nigerian artist Bright Ugochukwu Eke, UNC’s Hanes Visiting Artist-in-Residence. In conjunction with the “Water in our World” theme, this work will utilize recycled and reassembled materials to explore the political, ethical, and ecological issues of water. This work will be one of three components in the FedEx Global Education Center’s exhibit entitled “The Water of Life: Artistic Expressions,” which opens at 6pm on March 21. Read more »
Fifteen New Hybrid Buses Join Chapel Hill Transit Fleet
More than a third of Chapel Hill Transit’s large buses are now hybrids thanks to a recent acquisition of 15 new hybrid vehicles. The new, diesel-electric buses are powered by an internal combustion, clean diesel engine paired with a generator, electric motor, and electric storage system. The hybrid buses will reduce emissions and save money on fuel. The acquisition was made possible through a $7.47 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration and $1.53 million from the NC Department of Transportation and Chapel Hill Transit Partners (UNC-Chapel Hill, Town of Chapel Hill, and Town of Carrboro). Read more »
UNC Science Expo Features Sustainability Center
The Town of Chapel Hill Parks & Recreation Department is collaborating with the NC Science Festival to feature a Sustainability Center at the UNC Science Expo, Saturday, April 13. Organizations committed to sustainable living and education will provide information, demonstrations, and entertainment from 10am-3pm. Exhibitors may apply for space to Stephanie Yeatts.
Read more »
Cherokee-McDonough Challenge Supports High Impact Environmental StartUps
The Cherokee-McDonough Challenge identifies, funds, and develops high-impact environmental business ventures. Ventures will receive $20,000 in seed funding and an invitation to participate in an intensive three month accelerator. Apply by April 30. Read more »
Solar Energy Division Graduate Student Award
The Solar Energy Division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) recognizes outstanding graduate work in solar energy. Graduate students may apply for recognition, $1000, and registration at the ASME 7th Energy Sustainability Conference to be held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 14-19. Apply by April 15. Read more »
Social Entrepreneurs Program
The Yoshiyama Young Entrepreneur Program provides financial and business support for entrepreneurs who create quality jobs, produce new products, or devise management strategies to improve the lives of low-wealth individuals. Successful applicants will receive $40,000 over two years, mentoring, and technical assistance to strengthen their business. Apply by March 28. Read more »
Carolina in the News
Check out the recent media mentions of sustainability-related programs, practices, and people at UNC
Referendum on coal a success at UNC
The Herald-Sun (Durham)
Seventy-seven percent of UNC students who voted in a recent referendum agreed with the UNC Sierra Student Coalition that the university should divest its $2.1 billion endowment from the coal industry. More than 4,200 of the students who voted supported the non-binding referendum. The coalition wanted to give university officials a clear picture about how students feel about the university’s investments in the coal industry, which the student coalition places at about $100 million.
Read more »
Thorp honored with first Nourish International Impact Award
The Herald-Sun (Durham)
Over the group’s signature Hunger Lunch of beans, rice and cornbread on Tuesday, Nourish International presented its first Impact Award to Chancellor Holden Thorp of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The group honored Thorp, and co-founder Sindhura Citineni, as part of the celebration of its 10th anniversary. Thorp was recognized for his work with innovation and student entrepreneurs. Nourish International began at UNC as Hunger Lunch, founded by students Citenini and Joel Thomas in 2003. The students sold an inexpensive meal of rice, beans and cornbread and used the profits to fund a nutrition initiative in Hyderabad, India.
Read more »
Christie won't consider climate change in rebuilding after Sandy; scientists say he should (Blog)
The Philadelphia Inquirer
While scientists acknowledge that evidence doesn't yet exist to say climate change caused Sandy, they do know that sea levels are rising - maybe an additional four feet in New Jersey by 2100, according to a Rutgers University estimate. Research also shows that climate change may be making storms more intense. That means that, if there's another storm surge of the kind that swept houses off foundations during Sandy, even more water may rush ashore. All of this must be evaluated before the state rebuilds, scientists say. "How do you balance those issues, when there's intensive pressure to show that you're taking decisive action to help alleviate community suffering?" asked Gavin Smith, who runs the Center for the Study of Natural Hazards and Disasters at the University of North Carolina. "It's very difficult, but it happens routinely." Smith has worked on storm recovery for two governors and is sympathetic to Christie's plight. He knows that making "hazard mitigation" part of disaster recovery is "not as sexy" as repaving roads, reopening schools, and restarting electricity.
Read more »
Harnett County farmer uses hog waste to create renewable energy
News 14
Carolina
Farmer Tom Butler of Butler Farms, located an hour southeast of Raleigh, traps methane gas, a byproduct of hog waste, in order to create renewable energy. ...Most hog farmers keep the waste in open pits called lagoons, where the methane escapes. UNC professor Mike Aitken says the farm industry has not adopted technology to deal with this pollution. “We still manage most waste, including hog waste, in a way that we were dealing with human waste over a century ago. We have never entered the 20th century with animal waste management, never mind the 21st century," said Aitken.
Read more »
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.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Carolina Competes in Environmental March Madness
UNC has been selected as a “Sustainable 16” school in the Enviance March Madness Environmental Tournament! Help UNC advance to the next round, the “Environmental 8,” by submitting a short video, essay, or photos highlighting UNC’s environmental curriculum and sustainability achievements. Entries are due by March 8. Participating students with the most compelling supporting materials at “Finest 4” schools can score a tablet. Follow tournament updates @EnvironmentUNC and learn about submission details.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
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 »
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.
Read more »
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.
Read more »
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.
Read more »
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.
Read more »
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.
Read more »
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.
Read more »
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.
Read more »
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.
Read more »
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.
Read more »
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)