Sustainable UC

A green President

2008-02-28T13:20:00.002-05:00

Well, out of the shear amount of exposure I've had to the Presidential campaign (a shout out at The News Record's new political blog, with contributions from your's truly), I thought something on the green issues was in-store for the blog.

John McCain, most importantly, advocates for the inclusion and expansion of nuclear power into America's energy strategy. Most of the rhetoric I've heard and seen from Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama has been nearly, the same: 80% by 2050 and the like.

The League of Conservation Voters recently released their 2007 scorecard, which rates Senators and Representatives on numerous votes and gives them an overall score.

McCain had a score of zero, Obama had 67 and Clinton had 73.

There is much more information out there on this (for example, here), so when you're deciding who to vote for on March 4, don't forget to do your research first.

Props to Blogs, and Other Stuff

2008-02-15T14:14:00.003-05:00

So, I'll admit I've been a little caught up in the presidential race right now, and with school and work. But I'd like to give a quick shout out to two awesome blogs I have come across recently, for your viewing pleasure when you're not reading mine:

The National Wildlife Foundation's Wildlife Promise blog. They have good coverage not only of the presidential race and candidates, but of other pertinent cool stuff - like this post, "Bush Administration Goes Green?"
Dot Earth, of the New York Times. So, it's not the first time I've mentioned this blog, but I just really enjoy it. For always insightful and up-to-date info check this out.

Additionally, today was installment number two of the UC President's Climate Commitment speaker series. In case you missed it, show up for the next one some time next quarter.

Green Home Products Expo This Weekend

2008-02-08T15:34:00.001-05:00

If you're bored and looking for something to do this weekend check out this expo at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. There is a $10 price tag to get it, but it looks pretty cool.

Peak Oil!

2008-02-06T20:48:00.000-05:00

So, the CEO of Shell has stated that peak oil, the point where demand for oil exceeds supply, may be here as soon as 2015.

Yes, 2015, only seven years from now. So what does this mean...?

You think oil (gas) is expensive now, just wait until then and the years that follow.

In an effort to continuously learn more about this stuff, I came across a MIT report on "The Future of Coal." Because realistically we've got a lot of it and it's not like we are going to take all of our coal plants off-line any time soon.

(I have yet to read the report, and it has remained an open tab in my Firefox browser for about 5 days... I'll get there sooner or later.)

In searching for a cool interactive graphic I saw a week ago I came across 25x25 - Clean Energy of America's Future, which advocates smartly using America's farm and ranch land to install renewable energy infrastructure to supply 25% of America's power by 2025. Now there's an idea.

It Could Happen Here

2008-02-02T18:05:00.001-05:00

I know you've seen them, the green or other naturally colored, reusable cloth bags being sold at grocery stores nowadays. Keller's IGA, Wild Oats and Trader Joe's all carry them - Oh, and Park + Vine does too. I don't know if Meijer or Kroger do, because I haven't shopped there recently.

In 2002 Ireland passed a 33 cent tax per plastic grocery bag. Within a year, plastic bag usage dropped 94 percent, and today nearly EVERYONE uses the cloth bags. So why not do the same thing here?

When I went on "Make Peace with Nature" to talk about sustainability efforts at UC I was asked by the host David Surber why the U.S. couldn't mandate that all light bulbs be Compact Fluorescents like Australia did. My answer was that I didn't know, and then when President Bush signed the Energy Bill a few months ago the U.S. followed suit and mandated that all bulbs sold in the U.S. be CFLs by 2012.

This is progress, be it slow and one step at time.

Focus the Nation Today

2008-01-31T11:27:00.000-05:00

"Remember, remember the fifth of November..." That's when it started at Power Shift, with thousands of students and youth from across the nation in Washington, D.C. Today more than 1,500 schools around the country are holding teach-ins to raise awareness to global warming.

Today's "Focus the Nation" schedule at TUC is as follows:

12 p.m. – Dr. Richard Beck, UC Geography Dept., "Carbon Sequestration"

1:15 p.m. – Larry Falkin from Cincinnati City Government, presenting on "Cincinnati’s Climate Action Plan"

2 p.m. – Todd Portune, Hamilton County Commissioner

2:45 p.m. – Dr. Randall Bruins, US EPA, "Biofuel Impacts on the Midwest" and "Future Midwestern Landscapes," potential ecological consequences, both positive and negative, of growing feedstocks for biofuels.

3:45 p.m. –- Dr. Fran Kremer, US EPA. "Cincinnati's Efforts with Alternative Energy," This includes efforts to develop waste-to-energy technologies and to use waste materials to sequester carbon. It also includes studies that elucidate some of the complexities involved in developing alternative energy sources, such as the potential impacts of alternative fuels on water quality.

4:45 p.m. – James Kinsman, Green Energy Ohio, "Opportunities for Green Energy in Ohio"

Stop by and see us. LEAP will be giving out free organic cookies and granola bars (while they last).

State of the Union

2008-01-28T21:27:00.000-05:00

I'd just like to point out that when President Bush said tonight that "We must pass an agreement that will slow then stop carbon emissions," it was the democratic caucus that stood up in applause first, followed by the other half of the room. I am also curious about a proposed Clean Energy Fund of sorts he proposed tonight to help China, India, and other developing nations become more clean and environmentally friendly.

On another note, stop by and see us this Thursday in the TUC Atrium for Focus the Nation. It's going to be an all-day event with a bunch of different speakers and presenters. Stop by and check it out.

Two Things

2008-01-25T13:49:00.001-05:00

Both form The Enquirer...

1. "Green" classes are catching on in Cincinnati Public Schools. THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED MORE OF! Aside from this being very exciting, I think it's important to note the concept of hooking kids on sustainable practices while they are young... much like they get hooked on Coca-Cola when they're young.

2. The City of Cincinnati is testing out a beet juice mixture in preventing ice and snow buildup on roads. The Enquirer reports that following roads will be used to try out the new solution called "Geo Melt:"

River Road between 6th Street and the city line
Beechmont Avenue between Linwwood and the city line
6th Street Viaduct between River Rd and downtown
Kellogg Avenue between Eastern Avenue and the city line
Columbia Parkway between downtown and the city line
Second Street between Elm and Main Streets

The perk of this is that the beet juice freezes at a lower temperature than salt, making it a great solution to the REALLY frigid days like yesterday and today.

"The Ohio Department of Transportation also plans to try out the stuff this winter in the northwest corner of Summit County and parts of Lake County and western Cuyahoga County."

The Cost of Energy

2008-01-22T18:25:00.000-05:00

So I caught wind of an Enquirer article the other day about how Duke Energy is being sued for some sort of antitrust violation and Hamilton County is considering joining the suit.

The lawyers filing the suit allege Duke Energy of paying $22 million per year to major corporations in the Southwestern Ohio area in exchange for their support of a 30% rate increase in 2004.

Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune said, "I'm all in favor of Duke rebating rates for consumers. I just want to make sure all consumers get the same rebate."

Bottled Water, Again

2008-01-15T20:32:00.000-05:00

I came across this cool article that discusses the benefits of bottled vs. tap. They advocated for Klean Kanteens as they don't have any chemicals that can seep into the water.

The top 4 reasons to get a Klean Kanteen and stop buying bottled water:

1. Tap water is tested daily
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, water suppliers are required to provide an annual report on the quality of your local water and to test tap water daily. By comparison, the FDA examines bottled water only weekly, and consumers can’t get the agency’s results. You can easily get the lowdown on your state’s drinking water quality online.

2. Tap water is a bargain
Bottled water costs about 500 times more than tap. If you’re into really fancy labels, up to 1,000 times more.

3. Tap water is a tooth saver
It has more fluoride than bottled water, which helps prevent tooth decay. (Yes, you never outgrow your need for fluoride.)

4. Tap water is often tasty
Some places (New York City for one) have delicious water, but if you don’t love the flavor of yours, the solution is simple: Run your tap water through a Brita or Pur filter to remove most tastes and odors. The average home filter goes for $8.99 and produces the equivalent of 300 large (16.9 ounce) bottles of water. That’s about $0.03 cents a bottle, versus the $1.25 or so you’d pay in a market.

Hello, 2008

2008-01-02T18:22:00.000-05:00

So, this is what the year 2008 is like. It seems so far away from 2000, or the 1990s, which is about as far back as I can remember. But while watching Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve the other night I thought I should share something...

I don't buy into the whole New Years resolution bit. It just hasn't ever worked for me. I know, it's a bummer, but if you are still pondering a cool resolution for '08, think about going green. Yeah, so I'm probably preaching to the choir on this one (especially considering who reads this), but it's worth a shot.

As one of the reporters on the T.V. the other night was going around asking what everyone's resolution was going to be, and one woman replied "to go green." Well, power to ya sister. Good for you. And once you achieve your goal, your resolution for '09 can be to get your family, friends and co-workers to join you.

There are tons of different ways to go about this. Recycle, or recycle more. Compost, or compost more. Get rid of your car... or if you can't, walk, ride, bike, take the bus, or carpool. Become an advocate for sustainable policies in government - write your Congressman or Senator. The list goes on...

It appears many Americans are jumping on board the green bandwagon (at least, so they say). So do your part and be responsible, jump on board too. Did I sell you? Haha! Check out MakeMeSustainable.com for simple, financially prudent ideas on how to become more sustainable and save money.

Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a safe, happy, and GREEN 2008!

Oh, and as I like to mention from time to time, the price of oil. Today it hit $100 for the first time EVER.

Red Wigglers for XMas

2007-12-21T16:32:00.001-05:00

So I just stumbled upon an advertisement in the coffee house I'm "working" at today for Worm Firm, a local (to Cleveland) family business that sells red wiggler composting kits. So, if you, or anyone on your gift list, has been thinking of starting your own composting set-up, that would beautifully compliment an organic garden, keep this in mind for a gift or for yourself.

Last Minute Gift Ideas

2007-12-21T15:45:00.000-05:00

If you're like me you are scrambling to get a few last minute gifts right now - although I was good this year and got most of my stuff done a few weeks ago.

So here are a few ideas...

1. A rechargeable flashlight from Target, only $8. This is really cool, it will recharge up to 500 times and works for 10-15 minutes on one minute of cranking the handle. I had to have one, because it is just cool.

2. Check out Co-Op America's Green Gift Guide for a ton of cool ideas.

3. Swing over to Park + Vine to check out their regular products and gift ideas - all while supporting local business. (Need I remind you that when you shop at local businesses 70% of the money you spend stays in the local economy versus only 30% when you shop at chains/franchises!)

4. You can send a free holiday e-card (like the cool snow leopard one below) from World Wildlife Federation. Send an E-card and save a tree.

5. Or you can give five gift memberships to Co-Op America for only $40 - a great resource and gift idea.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. Merry Christmas!

Did Your Congressperson Vote for the Energy Bill?

2007-12-19T19:29:00.001-05:00

Yesterday the House voted to send President Bush a "sweeping" energy bill, raising CAFE standards from 25 to 35 MPG on cars and light trucks. How did your Congressman or Congresswoman vote?

OH-1 - Steve Chabot (R) - NO
OH-2 - Jeane Schmidt (R) - YES
OH-3 - Michael Turner (R) - NO
OH-8 - John Boehner (R) - NO
IN-9 - Baron Hill (D) - YES
KY-4 - Geoff Davis (R) - NO

I've taken the liberty of highlighting the YES votes in green and the NO votes in red, in the holiday spirit. The full listing of how all 435 Reps voted is available on Thomas - so you can see how your Rep from home voted, if Cincinnati isn't home. And if they voted against it you should give them a call or send them an email asking them why?

Today the President signed the bill in a ceremony at the Department of Energy. He had this to say: “Today, we make a major step with the Energy Independence and Security Act... We make a major step toward reducing our dependence on oil, confronting global climate change, expanding production of renewable fuels and giving future generations a nation that is stronger, cleaner and more secure."

The Cost of Barley Malt has Soared 88 Percent!

2007-12-18T09:56:00.000-05:00

The true cost of ethanol... is a lot. It has colossal impacts across the board. "Food and Fuel Compete for Land" says it all. I've spoke on corn-based ethanol before, especially on Co-op America's great insights into the issue. But, this new article in The Times, sheds some much needed light on the issue.

"Overall consumer grocery costs up roughly 5 percent in a year and feed costs up more than 20 percent," due in large part to the increase in ethanol production. And the energy bill recently passed by the Senate, and expected to pass the House this week, mandates an increase in ethanol production from 7.5 billion gallons by 2012 to 36 billion gallons per year by 2022.

Yikes! I wonder what that'll do to food/feed prices in 2022. It'll be like inflation times infinity.

“This is like a runaway freight train,” said Scott Faber, a lobbyist for the Grocery Manufacturers Association, who complained that ethanol has the same “magical effect” on politicians as the tooth fairy and Santa Claus have on children. “It’s great news for corn farmers, but terrible news for consumers.”

"Government economists predict grocery prices will jump another 3 to 4 percent in 2008."

I don't think Santa Claus and the tooth fairy really want American citizens to bear the cost of a silly policy because Iowa is the first state to have a presidential caucus. But I guess it isn't what they want, it's what the people demand of their legislators. And even though this energy bill does make great gains, namely increasing fuel economy standards for the first time in 22 years from 25 to 35 MPG, it drops the ball on ethanol mandates. More on the energy bill and ethanol issue from The Times here.

I'll be the first to admit that I make mistakes and that I admit when I'm wrong. But as a country we can't keep on making the same ones over and over. So when America's corn farmers are grinning this Christmas with a feast on the table and cash-stuffed pockets, the poorest of poor to the middle class families will notice a spike in costs of their meals which they frankly can't afford.

So, please don't make the same mistake again. Unfortunately for America, ethanol isn't the answer to our oil problem. It just isn't the answer.

Bali Gets Real

2007-12-15T16:28:00.000-05:00

Just about everyone knows that about a week ago talks began in Bali, Indonesia, about what the heck the world is going to do when the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. The Times had extensive, updated coverage throughout the day today. The biggest news is that the U.S. negotiators agreed to a framework for discussion on the new protocol which will take place over the next few years.

Before we get too in-depth on this, I'd like to point out a few snip-its from the article:

"...the United States delegates were booed and hissed..."
"While accepting the need for a new agreement, in the end the United States retained the flexibility that it had sought at the outset, fending off European attempts to set binding commitments on emission reductions. American negotiators said this was vital to gain global consensus. That success, though, was bemoaned by some observers."
"In all of this, the Bush administration did not, in the end, have to shift substantially from its most staunchly defended goal, which was that a comprehensive new accord would maintain flexibility, allowing nations to agree on a rough goal for global emissions, but using any mix of means at the national level to get there."
"Delegates said seven years of pent-up frustrations over the Bush administration’s standoffish attitude toward global-warming agreements spilled out over the issue of the role of developing nations."
"When the delegate from Papua New Guinea, Kevin Conrad, asked to speak, opposition to the United States had reached a crescendo. 'If for some reason you are not willing to lead, leave it to the rest of us,' he said. 'Please, get out of the way.'"

At the Greening of the Campus Conference this summer, Debra Rowe said that when she gives presentations at international conferences, the first thing she does is apologize for re-electing Bush on behalf of our country. Now, I could go on and on about this, but now is not the time.

From the sounds of it the U.S. negotiators are in line with Bush's lip-service conference he held two months ago, where there was a lot of talk about "aspirational goals," whatever that means. We aspire to do good, to reduce our emissions, to solve this problem before it really hits the fan? I don't know, but hard goals, numbers, limits, and the like sound better to me.

So, in my love of youtube, I wanted to see if I could find some of the President's remarks on the subject... and I found some. It's easy to see why other countries are mad at us for re-electing him. But I guess we only have ourselves to blame. Don't let it happen again.

So, U.S. negotiators have agreed to a framework for talks, but it's up to us to make sure they actually agree to hard goals. You know, numbers that we try not to go over. It's like a limit, that we aspire to achieve...

Power Shift Recap Video

2007-12-13T15:39:00.000-05:00

I just got the email for this and I had to share:

Power Shift 2007 from ada on Vimeo.

Check out the web-site to donate or view the Energy Action Coalition partners.

Cool Classes Next Quarter

2007-12-12T19:55:00.000-05:00

If you haven't yet checked out these courses being offered next quarter, do so now before they fill up:

20 CEE 649 - Intro to Sustainable Urban Engineering (Call # - 510441) - Provides a trans-discipline introduction to topics in engineering, planning, policy, health and environmental studies related to the unique challenges of developing and maintaining economically and environmentally sustainable urban regions.
15 EVST 602 - Global Biodiversity: Law Policy (Call # - 501066; or under Political Science - Call # - 510182) - Seminar examining domestic and international policies and laws relating to biodiversity conservation and management. Addresses relevant laws and regulations (e.g., US Endangered Species Act), international conventions and treaties (e.g., Convention on Biological Diversity), and the key institutions (e.g., International Whaling Commission) involved in biodiversity protection.
15 EVST 620 - Conservation & Economic Development: Developing Countries (Call # - 501067) - As nations of Africa, Asia and Latin America have gained independence they have attempted to combine economic development with environment protection in an effort to halt environmental degradation. These efforts have ranged from community-based initiatives to National Environmental Action Plans. Course examines the lessons of these experiences and introduces the actors involved in international development and conservation.

It's pretty cool to see these sorts of courses integrated into the curriculum, now that I'm about to graduate. My apologies for the lack of postings lately, but there is much more to come over the course of our extended winter break. For instance, check out this cool web-site I came across on a commercial (sponsored by GE's Ecomagination marketing campaign) while watching the National Geographic Channel - where I learned about the future jellyfish invasions which are being hurried along by global warming.

“We are the people we have been waiting for”

2007-12-02T17:29:00.000-05:00

In what Thomas Friedman describes as what gives him hope on climate change, a group of undergraduate engineering students at MIT formed the Vehicle Design Summit. The VDS has a goal “to identify the key characteristics of events like the race to the moon and then transpose this energy, passion, focus and urgency” by working together to build a plug-in electric hybrid within three years. The group has 25 different teams that are working collaboratively toward the goal.

Also, mentioned in his latest column for The Times, "Google said last week that it was going to invest millions in developing its own energy business." Again, I love those guys over at Google. In Friedman's words, "do not underestimate these people."

With efforts like these (and the countless others he hasn't mentioned - including the thousands of efforts occurring on campuses around the country) it easy to see why he loves the tag line of the VDS group:

"We are the people we have been waiting for."

FTN Meeting Today

2007-11-29T11:52:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the late notice, but better than no notice at all.

There will be a brief informational meeting on Focus the Nation activities at UC today at 4:30 in room 100B of the Law School. We are just going to throw some ideas around and make sure everyone is on the same page. Plus, it'll be a good opportunity to find out who is going to be involved in the planning and logistics.

Hope to see everyone there.

LEAP to be in A&S Annual Report

2007-11-27T23:25:00.000-05:00

Leaders for Environmental Awareness & Protection will be featured in McMicken's Annual Report - which goes to pretty much everyone- Nancy Z, alumni and donors, and all faculty. Following the goals of UC|21, under "Placing Students at the Center," LEAP was a notable achievement.

Leaders for Environmental Awareness and Protection (LEAP), the student group affiliated with the Center for Environmental Studies, held their second annual plastics recycling competition. Student teams collected about 1,500 pounds of plastics, to be recycled into organic student backpacks for local students in need. LEAP also held a week-long environmental education event for students and faculty on McMicken Commons, focusing on a different environmental issue each day, and a Clean Energy Film Festival in May.

For more info on LEAP contact yours truly or leapuc@gmail.com.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-20T14:39:00.000-05:00

While you're preparing your feast this Thanksgiving try not to neglect locally grown produce. Use the wonders of the information highway to find a new recipe to incorporate whatever's in season near you into your Turkey Day.

Also, when you're out there shopping on Black Friday. try to stay away from the big boxes and pay your locally owned businesses a vist - you could stumble on something totally worth it and support the local economy! Fun fact of the day - about 30 cents on the dollar stays in the local economy when you shop at a chain or a big box store but 70 cents on the dollar stays when you patronize a locally owned business.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

SUE Secures $10M Earmark

2007-11-19T09:42:00.001-05:00

The Center for Sustainable Urban Engineering has secured a $10 Million earmark in the university-wide capital campaign currently underway.

The money will be used to retrofit one of the residence halls on campus with the makings of a "social sustainability research center" - more details to come later, but I imagine it will include classrooms, labs, studios, common areas, and obviously residences for students - maybe a few for faculty...

Although this is not the original $40M the Center had hoped for, it is a big win in trying to move UC forward in this area. Congrats to everyone at SUE on this achievement!

Yours Truly on "Make Peace With Nature"

2007-11-16T13:49:00.000-05:00

Following Power Shift I had the opportunity to go on a public access television program called "Make Peace With Nature." The host, David Surber, has been at this for 30-something years and is very knowledgeable and good at what he does.

It was an enlightening and interesting experience for me, having never been on T.V. before, so I encourage you all to check out one of the broadcasts below.

The first show goes over the group that attended the conference and what it was, but doesn't go into too much else, or much further detail. But, there are some pictures of the group on there - so tune-in, you might end up on T.V. The second show goes over more solutions to global warming that we offer and what individuals can do to make a difference. Both shows will air on CitiCable, channel 23 on Time Warner.

Schedule for the first show:

Saturday, Nov. 17 - 8:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 18 - 2:00 PM
Monday, Nov. 19 - 6:00 AM (too early)
Wednesday, Nov. 21 - 4:00 AM (WAYYYY too early)
Thursday, Nov. 22 - 7:00 AM & 11:00 PM
Friday, Nov. 23 - 12:00 PM (noon)

Schedule for the second show:

Saturday, Nov. 24 - 8:00 PM
Sunday, Nov. 25 - 2:00 PM
Monday, Nov. 26 - 6:00 AM (too early, again)
Wednesday, Nov. 28 - 4:00 AM (WAYYYY too early, again)
Thursday, Nov. 29 - 7:00 AM & 11:00 PM
Friday, Nov. 30 - 12:00 PM (noon)

Hope you can all tune-in and catch me on this quality, quasi-national (it airs in select markets on public access stations around the county), public television program.

See you on T.V.--

--Jim

The Honorable George Voinovich

2007-11-15T17:04:00.000-05:00

For those of you Ohioans who don't know, although Senator Voinovich is now in the minority in the Senate, his (state) seniority still makes him a very powerful man. Mr. Voinovich sits on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and, within that committee, is the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Clean Air, Climate Change and Nuclear Safety.

The subcommittee oversees "the reauthorization of the Clean Air Act, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, as well as other legislation pertaining to nuclear energy, wetlands, private property and safety." - from the Senator's web site. The whole nuclear issue is one of its own - which we will not get into at this point in time.

While at Power Shift, about 80 students from Ohio (pictured above) met with Legislative Aide Steve Kittredge to find out where the Senator stands on the issue of global warming and the energy bill currently before both chambers of Congress. Being the first meeting I have ever attended with a Senatorial Staffer, it was a pretty interesting experience - a very political one at that - no straight answers, a lot of "we need to look into that more" and the like.

And that's OK, I guess, but it would really be great to see the Senator become a leader on the issue, especially given his position on the committee. I even presented Mr. Kittredge with a T-shirt (pictured below) to give to the Senator on our behalf, to help keep his constituents in mind when he has a day off to relax minus the business suit.

I sent an email to Mr. Kittredge thanking him for taking the time to meet with us on the issue, and he responded today. Worth noting from Mr. Kittredge's remarks in his email...

"It was exciting to see so many students engaged and committed on an issue that they were willing to travel to out to D.C. to make their voice heard. I wish I had been similarly involved in the political process back when I was attending OSU...

The Senator is currently working with Senator Boxer to find some middle ground on her Climate Security Act. Regardless of whether the legislation takes the form of an amendment to Boxer’s bill or a stand alone bill, I’ll forward you a copy as soon as I have language."

Politics is about compromise, so I guess it's a good thing they are working to find common group. I only hope that there is some concrete end result from these negotiations and not just another failed bill. Further, his office on Nov. 15 released an article/press release regarding a study by the Energy Information Administration (within the Dept. of Energy) on the effects that could occur "if Congress adopts carbon mandates but fails to enact policies to increase domestic energy supplies."

I, and hopefully all of you, can only urge the Senator to work this out and to truly become a leader on the issue. A lot of people are talking about the Midwest's role in the renewable-energization of America (and yes, I made up "energization") - but, seriously, see "Governors Join in Creating Regional Pacts on Climate Change" in today's New York Times and the Midwest Governor's Associations new pact to do something about controlling global warming emissions. Please, take a second to send him an email urging him to lead on this issue for the good of Ohio and all of his constituents - let alone to make sure he knows what an important issue this is to all of us.

--Jim

Friedman is 'da man'

2007-11-14T21:49:00.000-05:00

So, sorry for the barrage of posts. But, Thomas Friedman's column today hit a soft spot.

Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda... sums up a lot...

I can’t believe that someone could not win the following debate:

REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE: “My Democratic opponent, true to form, wants to raise your taxes. Yes, now he wants to raise your taxes at the gasoline pump by $1 a gallon. Another tax-and-spend liberal who wants to get into your pocket.”

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE: “Yes, my opponent is right. I do favor a gasoline tax phased in over 12 months. But let’s get one thing straight: My opponent and I are both for a tax. I just prefer that my taxes go to the U.S. Treasury, and he’s ready to see his go to the Russian, Venezuelan, Saudi and Iranian treasuries. His tax finances people who hate us. Mine would offset some of our payroll taxes, pay down our deficit, strengthen our dollar, stimulate energy efficiency and shore up Social Security. It’s called win-win-win-win-win for America. My opponent’s strategy is sit back, let the market work and watch America lose-lose-lose-lose-lose.” If you can’t win that debate, you don’t belong in politics.

The Wind

2007-11-14T21:33:00.001-05:00

I had to share this, mostly because it was a cool commercial. GE, harnessing the wind and putting it to good use - ecomagination!

Definitely worth the watch huh?

--Jim

Green Drinks Tomorrow

2007-11-14T13:25:00.000-05:00

Join us tomorrow for Green Drinks Cincinnati, a group of young professionals and students that meets once a month to discuss everything green and to hear from guest speakers.

This month's speaker - your's truly. And my former co-worker from SUE, Brendan Weaver, who is a senior in Urban Planning. Brendan has, over this past year, started an urban garden in Over-the-Rhine, complete with organic veggies and a rainwater collection system. We will both be addressing efforts at SUE and beyond in addition to Brendan speaking about his garden.

Here is the info for this month's meeting:

November Green Drinks
Thursday, November 15
5:30-7:30
Arnold's Bar and Grill
210 E. 8th St
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Hope to see everyone there!

--Jim

Focus the Nation

2007-11-12T14:43:00.000-05:00

In the wake of Power Shift we are about to begin planning for the largest event ever to happen on UC's campus in this arena. Focus the Nation will take place on Jan. 31, 2008.

We are encouraging all student groups to get active in this event. Email me if you want to help.

Also, there will be an Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting on Friday, Nov. 16 from 8:30 to 9:30 AM in 417 TUC. Everyone is welcome to attend and I hope you can make it.

--Jim

The Green Bandwagon

2007-11-08T21:56:00.000-05:00

Everyone knows how bandwagons go. The latest (maybe greatest)? Going Green!

NBC is hosting a go green awareness week this week. And while picking up something at target tonight I caught eye of this...

I think it was Magnavox, and what a responsible products marketing ploy they have. Interesting concept. It's great that they are packaging their products using recycled materials, but guess where they were made... in the good ol' US of A? Nah, I don't even have to say it.

--Jim

Oil

2007-11-07T21:51:00.001-05:00

Urgh.... That is all I have to say. Read this NYT article - "Markets Jolted by Oil Surge and Worries Over Slowdown."

"Stock markets plummeted and the dollar sank to a record low against the euro today as investors worldwide grew skittish over rising oil prices and the prospect of a substantial economic slowdown in the United States...

The rise in oil prices, which briefly traded above $98 a barrel before closing at $96.70, now appear to be pushing up the cost of gasoline, heating oil and jet fuel as well. That only added to concerns that American consumers may no longer be able to sustain their spending on other goods and services, particularly the large numbers of gas-guzzling vehicles still being turned out by Detroit automakers."

Is this not scary or is it just me?

--Jim

Post Power Shift - Moving Forward

2007-11-07T21:18:00.000-05:00

If you haven't yet done so, check out the post-Power Shift web site for videos and photos from the event. Also, check out the coverage in Politico, The Chronicle of Higher Education, and MTV.com.

24 UC students attended and we had an awesome time. And I think I can speak for everyone when I say we learned a lot, we are motivated, and we are ready to get to work--

--Jim

Power Shift Breaks New Ground

2007-10-31T12:16:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that Power Shift is breaking into unchartered territory with the amount of youth that will be gathering there this weekend.

They've surpassed 5,000 people easily. And somewhere between 24 and 27 University of Cincinnati students will be joining them there.

--Jim

Science Fiction for Real

2007-10-28T18:40:00.001-04:00

Reading the Nov. 1 issue of Rolling Stone magazine, I came across quite the peculiar story, a must-read, a WAY outside-the-box take on global warming. "The Prophet of Climate Change: James Lovelock," will literally give you the shivers.

As depressing as it is to talk about how bad we have it and how drastically we must change our ways to sustain our lives, it's even more depressing to hear this guy talk about how (he thinks) 6 billion people will die before the end of the century as a result of man-induced climate change. And, furthermore, that there isn't a damn thing we can do about it but prepare for the worst.

The science here remains to be debated, but I am by no means a scientist, and will leave that up to people far smarter than I am. I just wanted to share with everyone this interesting read.

On a lighter note, the article brought to my attention that Virgin (the multi-industry behemoth - records, cell phones, airlines) CEO Richard Branson has invested $2.5 billion to fight global warming (in September 06 - kind of dated) and has launched the Virgin Earth Challenge (on 9/2/07 - much more recent!) to award $25 million to someone with the best design to save the earth:

"The Virgin Earth Challenge is a prize of $25m for whoever can demonstrate to the judges' satisfaction a commercially viable design which results in the removal of anthropogenic, atmospheric greenhouse gases so as to contribute materially to the stability of Earth’s climate."

So, that's pretty neat. These guys, coupled with Google's Recharge-It competition - to further the development of plug-in hybrid technology - are sure making some headway. Additionally, there is Google's Innovate or Die Pedal Powered Machine Contest, which seeks creation of "zero emission inventions that transform human energy into unprecedented results and can help save our planet, one pedal stroke at a time." It's definitely good to see that someone with the financial capital is actually doing something--

--Jim

Climate Commitment 101

2007-10-27T14:06:00.000-04:00

On the agenda for this Tuesday's American College and University Presidents Climate Commitment kick-off event...

5:00-5:20 - Beth McGrew/Joe Harrel/Dr. Eric Maurer - Introduction (President’s Climate Commitment)
5:20-5:40 - Dr. Nancy Zimpher - Sustainability at UC
5:40-6:45 - Dr. Thomas Lowell/Dr. Ken Hinkel/Dr. Daniel Oerther - Climate 101 (Discussion & Q/A)
6:45-7:00 - Anima Jain/Shaun Finley - Website

Please join us for what should be an interesting and informative evening. The event is being held in 450 Lindner Center (Varsity Village) from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, Oct. 30.

Also, check out this totally outside of the box commercial...

And a little FYI... the price of oil closed at a new high AGAIN yesterday, $91.86 a barrel.

--Jim

UC Solar Decathlon Team Finishes 15

2007-10-22T22:40:00.000-04:00

Props to the first university-wide entry into the Solar Decathlon for their efforts and a 15th place finish. Congratulations to everyone who participated in this great effort.

We still have a few spots open for Power Shift. Group registration has been extended until this Friday, but spots are filling up fast. Shoot me an email today to sign up before it's too late!

--Jim

UC Sustainability Web Site Launch

2007-10-20T15:01:00.000-04:00

The University of Cincinnati has launched its Sustainability Web site. It's still under construction, but it will sure be a pretty cool resource from now on.

The Environmental Sustainability Committee's first meeting of the year is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 26 at 9:30 AM in TUC 419 A & B. Also, the ACUPCC kickoff event is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 30 from 5 to 7 PM in 450 Lindner Center.

There are still spots remaining to travel to D.C. with us for Power Shift. Contact me if you'd like to come ASAP!

In this morning's New York Times there was a great article on the growing opposition to coal-burning power plants. It's really interesting to see how people who would never even think of calling themselves environmentalists are jumping on the bandwagon to oppose new plants and the expansion of coal power.

--Jim

Green Jobs Initiative

2007-10-16T08:25:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the sporadic posting lately, I will do my best to keep at it more regularly.

The Green For All Initiative, which advocates federal cooperation to create new green jobs and to train the workers, recently launched. It was also featured at the Clinton Global Initiative for some awesome press.

Additionally, if you're interested in green jobs, there's still time to sign up for Power Shift 07 - which will feature a 150-employer green jobs fair. Email me now to sign up. Also, check out this cool article in The Times from this morning on what a model sustainable hotel might be: "A carbon-neutral green-development zone in Libya may serve as a model for environmentally friendly design."

Remember, deadline for Power Shift is pretty much NOW!

--Jim

Wednesday Deadline

2007-10-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone,

I've set a deadline of next Wednesday, Oct. 17, for people to sign up to come to Power Shift - for funding and travel arrangement purposes. So, email me before noon on Oct. 17 to sign up.

LEAP will be active this weekend, volunteering for Hamilton County Solid Waste Management District's compost bin sale. Hamilton County residents can get them while they are cheap (only $35 this Saturday, regular price $80).

In other news, Al Gore has won the Nobel Peace prize for his climate change work. Thomas Friedman's column from Wednesday was awesome. And, see yours truly in The News Record Weekend Edition: "Environmental Programs Need Support"--

--Jim

SW Ohio Heats-Up

2007-10-07T14:59:00.000-04:00

Ha-ha-ha Cincinnati Enquirer, I've got you beat. Props to you for the full page exposé in today's paper on solar energy, but shame on you for not being as awesome as The New York Times and allowing me to share your stories on myblog via a permalink.

And now to the me having you beat part... I "published" a couple of the stories from today's paper on Google Docs, so I can share them with everyone forever!

In one of the articles, Steve Melink is developing something he calls "Solar Power in an Hour," a plug-in system for homeowners that could take a lot of the mystery and cost out of tapping the sun's power.

So, check out these two stories from today's paper:

Pretty cool, interesting stuff. I wonder how many years until solar has taken enough of the energy market share in this country to make it more affordable--

--Jim

Meeting Wednesday at 5 PM

2007-10-07T13:32:00.000-04:00

LEAP (Leaders for Environmental Awareness & Protection) will hold its first meeting this Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 5 to 6 PM at the Center for Community Engagement (2369 Clifton Ave in Stratford Heights). We'll be talking about plans for the year and upcoming events. If you can't make the meeting and want to be involved send me an email.

Also, save the date for Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 5 to 7 PM for the American College & University President's Climate Commitment Kick-off event here at UC. Nancy Zimpher has signed this document with the end goal of reducing UC's carbon emissions to ZERO. More info to follow sometime soon--

--Jim

This is Going to be Very, Very Substantive

2007-10-02T18:24:00.000-04:00

A few things...

1. Very exciting news! ONE THOUSAND students have signed up to attend Power Shift 07 - the first ever student-led, global warming solutions conference, according to the Facebook event page and an email from a Power Shift coordinator this afternoon. And I think I've figured out a way to get the trip entirely paid for (less food) for 50 UC students to go. This, needless to say, is very exciting! Sign up today by emailing me and telling me you want to come! Also, check out the Facebook group (which has nearly 1,300 members!) and Power Shift web site for more info on the green jobs fair, rally, workshops, speakers and much more!

2. LEAP (Leaders for Environmental Awareness & Protection), the award winning awesome student environmental group is back! We are getting our meeting times and locations ironed out right now and should hold our first general meeting next week. For more info on the group or if you'd like to join, let me know.

3. Scary and awesome all at the same time. In The New York Times this morning, there were a few cool things. First, an interactive diagram that shows an "Arctic Melt that Unnerves the Experts." Apparently the arctic ice sheet lost more this summer than it ever has before... scary stuff. Also, a great story, "Fair Trade in Bloom," on the benefits of fair trade practices - all in time for October which is Fair Trade Month.

4. I don't know if you've seen the 30-second spot on tv, but this commercial is intriguing. Give it a watch.

OK. So what do you think - "Not corporate tycoons, but people who are trying to find newer, cleaner ways to power the world?" I am kind of mixed on this. You know how scared the oil companies have to be since we are rapidly running out of oil. Imagine a nation-wide moratorium on oil now - it would be economic catastrophe. So these guys at the oil companies are covering their backs and trying to get acclimated to renewable energy sources. Doesn't it just feel weird?

The same from Exxon Mobil...

Although a little less direct. And then there's BP - British Petroleum, oops, I mean "Beyond Petroleum."

In the time that I have been writing this, I've seen the Chevron spot above mentioned and an add for a Marathon Oil refinery expansion in Garyville, Louisiana. I couldn't find the video on YouTube but it is available on the Marathon press release page.

All the same gist, right? The Chevron add is my favorite, maybe it is the irresistible soundtrack. Anyways, just thought I'd point out that all of these guys are playing serious spin doctor, which isn't hard if you are a multi-billion dollar company (I'm looking at you Exxon, with your "Largest Quarterly Profit in the History of the World" trophy). In the end, the fact remains that these guys still make their money from oil, not renewable energy sources, and they alone are not going to make alternative energy the reality it needs to become for America.

That's all for now.

Ethanol Boom & Bust; Bush Plays Politics Brilliantly

2007-09-30T21:02:00.000-04:00

''By setting this goal, we acknowledge there is a problem, and by setting this goal, we commit ourselves to doing something about it. We share a common responsibility: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while keeping our economies growing.''

The goal, as stated by President Bush at the White House Climate Conference last week, are to kind-of, sort-of, maybe aspire to think of doing something about reducing carbon emission and facing the monumental task of stopping global warming. Ummmm, yeah... this really is Bush trying to establish a new "image" on global warming.

In other news, the ethanol "boom" has caused corn prices to soar, and in turn has contributed in part to the U.S. buying less in food aid. On top of this, ethanol prices are going down because supply is going up. More and more distilleries are opening up and the price of ethanol is going down, down, down. Perhaps this boom and bust will spur the investment in researching and perfection cellulosic ethanol versus the corn-based brethren.

What Happened?

2007-09-26T19:37:00.000-04:00

Great article in The New York Times this morning by Thomas Friedman. In "Lead, Follow or Move Aside," he markedly points out how un-American-like it is of our nation to take the approach we have taken to global climate change - think Bush's "Summit" held this week.

I've been following Friedman's writings for a few months now, and it is always a worth-while read. Check it out--

--Jim

SUE in the Limelight

2007-09-25T10:39:00.000-04:00

This morning, UC President Nancy Zimpher mentioned SUE as an example of Goal 2 in UC|21: "Grow our Research Excellence."

"Environmentally Friendly – UC's new sustainable Urban Engineering (SUE) education and research center works to break down disciplinary silos to solve the challenges of modern urban centers without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.

Good to see that our efforts aren't going unnoticed--

--Jim

Bush "takes action" on climate change

2007-09-24T19:50:00.000-04:00

Highlighted in an article in the Washington Post on Sunday, President Bush laid out some goals for climate change:

come up with standard "harmonized" tools for measuring carbon dioxide emissions
review current climate policies around the world
kick off talks about ways to cut greenhouse gases in specific sectors of the economy
and aim for a "solid hand-off to the next president, regardless of party"

Sounds like a start, I guess, but not quite enough... And that's why we need to go to Power Shift - to make Washington get serious about this.

Anyways, I hope you'll join me tomorrow morning bright and early at the Board of Trustees meeting in the Myers Alumni Center to hear Nancy Zimpher talk about SUE efforts in her Report Card. See you then--

--Jim

Zimpher to Mention SUE in Address on Tuesday

2007-09-21T15:22:00.001-04:00

Just a reminder, UC President Nancy Zimpher will mention the efforts of SUE in her annual report card to the Board of Trustees on Tuesday. The meeting is scheduled for 8:30 in the Myers Alumni/Faculty Center and I welcome anyone who would like to join me to come - I am really interested to hear what she has to say.

Also, the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment has surpassed 400 signatories (Zimpher has signed this pledge). And St. Lawrence University in New York has implemented a green grading system for students to understand how "green" their dorm room is, which seems like an interesting concept.

My trip in Austin is almost over, so I will be back in the Nati before you know it. Then I will really be able to get the efforts for Power Shift underway!!! Email me if you want to help--

--Jim

Next Conference - Washington, DC (Way Better than Muncie!!!)

2007-09-17T19:01:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to announce that UC will be represented at the first ever student run, global warming solutions conference, Power Shift 07! I will be coordinating the group that goes, so contact me for more info. Our goal is to bring a busload of students to show a national audience that UC students recognize this is a problem and that WE want to be part of the solution.

Registration is DIRT CHEAP! Before Oct. 1, registration is only $20 per person - you really can't beat that. After Oct. 1, it jumps to $40. So REGISTER NOW to save money. I hope to do a few fundraisers to cover the costs of transportation, at the very least, and registration and maybe a per diem for food/lodging at best - more details to come.

In all seriousness, I can use all the help I can get on setting this thing up. We will be reaching out to students and student groups to recruit people to come experience this once in a lifetime expereience. So email me now and let me know you've registered and want to come - space is limited!

This is going to be a very exciting year for the University of Cincinnati. The President's Climate Commitment, the potential of a new recycling program, and increased student participation and activism. It is going to be great and I'm really looking forward to being a part of it!

I am in sunny Austin, TX right now on vacation, but I will try to keep this updated throughout the week--

--Jim

Welcome the Freshmen

2007-09-13T09:36:00.001-04:00

If you didn't already hear or receive the email in you BOL account, Utilities is doing something extra special this year to welcome freshmen - dubbed "Operation Move-in Recycle." Here is an email I received the other day from Shaun Finley, UC's new Energy Sustainability Coordinator (I bet none of you knew such a position existed!):

Hello:

My name is Shaun Finley, UC's new Energy Sustainability Coordinator. I'm in search for volunteers to assist me with Operation Move-in Recycle. On Friday Sept. 14th, this week from 9-5pm and on the following day Saturday 9-2pm residents are moving in to their resident's halls. I've organized a project to have two box trucks provided by Facilities Management on these dates. On Friday the 14th, one truck will be placed at Siddall Hall to capture and recycle all the corrugated cardboard boxes from Siddall & Calhoun that the students bring with them for move-in and another will be located next to Turner/CRC/Dabney. On Saturday, there will only be one truck parked by Daniels to capture the cardboard.

Signs will be placed all over to insure resident's know where to drop their boxes. I need volunteers to assist me, guiding students to drop their boxes, and breaking boxes down for compact. Lunch will be provided to all volunteers. It’ll be a simple day, with a huge impact. This will keep approx. 60% of what students throw away during move-in out of our landfill. What an opportunity to be a part of, as it's the first time UC has ever moved forward to allow this type of project. Please contact me by phone or email as soon as possible to confirm. Thank you for being apart of UC's Sustainability movement.

Shaun Finley

Shaun R. Finley
Energy Sustainability Coordinator
Utilities Services
Facilities Management
Division of Administration and Finance
University of Cincinnati
(office) 513.556.3909
(mobile) 513.652.6237

I'd like to strongly encourage everyone to get involved with this, it is a cool, effective, and nearly effortless way to make a difference--

--Jim

Realizing That Adding Highway Lanes Doesn't Solve the Problem

2007-09-13T09:20:00.000-04:00

Good article on Cincinnnati.com about the ongoing OKI (Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana) Regional Council of Governments' 2030 transportation master plan yesterday. The title, "Traffic bad, will get worse," pretty much sums it up.

Anyways, this is a problem. But, we have a chance to solve it. OKI is holding hearings to seek public comment on their plan. I have not yet read it, but I think we should do something else besides adding another lane to 75.

Here are the upcoming dates and locations where you can go to make your voice heard:

Monday, September 17, 2007 The Schiff Conference & Banquet CenterCintas Center - Xavier University1624 Herald Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45207
Monday, September 24, 2007Crestview Hills Administration Building50 Crestview Hills Mall RoadCrestview Hills, KY 41017
Tuesday, September 25, 2007Butler Tech Regional Public Safety Education Complex - Forum Auditorium5140 Princeton-GlendaleRoad Hamilton, Ohio 45011
Wednesday, September 26, 2007Union Township Administration Complex4350 Aicholtz RoadCincinnati, OH 45245

Or, if you are unable to attend a public open house, you can e-mail comments or questions to Robyn Bancroft or call OKI at (513) 621-6300. You know the light rail talk that's been thrown around Southwest Ohio for some time now? Maybe it's time we do something about it.

Solar House Showing Tonight

2007-09-12T11:21:00.001-04:00

One more thing, the UC Solar Decathlon team is presenting their product tonight from 5:00 to 8:00 PM in front of Braunstein Hall. I think it is free but I heard they are asking for donations. They sent out a Facebook invitation, so you can respond that way if you want to go.

PPT and News Updates

2007-09-12T09:52:00.000-04:00

As you can see, I've uploaded the two slides regarding the sustainable residence hall from a power point the Dean of Engineering will present to the Council of Deans this Friday. I hope they live up to everyone's standards - sorry if they are hard to read, it's as large as I could make them. And as always, any feedback is welcome.

There were a few items that caught my eye in the last few days that I'd like to share with everyone:

The New York Times is featured in these first three items today.

"'Feel Good' vs. 'Do Good' on Climate"

This guy, Dr. Bjorn Lomborg, a Danish Political Scientist and skeptical believer of global warming, seems like a fairly interesting character. Most interesting is that the article advocates people shore up their coastlines (as they did in NYC) with landfills to protect themselves against rising sea levels that may result from global warming (at least that's how I understood the article, maybe I'm wrong). Whatever, it doesn't sound quite right.

"Sustainability Takes Center Stage at Frankfurt Auto Show"

Bottom line, the Europeans are brilliant at engineering these things. Just something cool to check out.

A quick note, oil futures closed at a new ALL TIME HIGH yesterday, at $78.23 a barrel and OPEC graciously decided to boost output by half a million barrels per day as of Nov. 1 to ease the demand. OPEC believes $80/barrel is too expensive, but $70 is in the best interest of their members.

Hmmm. I hate paying $3.09 for gas, so I try not to drive unless I have to. The Iraqi Oil Minister, Hussain al-Shahristani (pictured left), smiled for the camera's after Tuesday's OPEC meeting in Vienna. Iraq doesn't have a quota to fill, given the sectarian violence that is plaguing the nation, but Mr. al-Shahristani seems quite pleased, doesn't he?

Right here in Cincinnati, Mayor Mallory, a signatory to the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement, has set a goal of saving 10 percent off the city's energy bills over four years, equal to $286,000 in savings for the taxpayers, or the equivalent $$$ to power 239 homes. Check out the article before The Enquirer takes it off their website.

And lastly for today, a great resource for you avid recyclers out there. Co-op America has compiled a list of 21 Things You Didn't Know You Can Recycle. Aside from more traditional things like batteries and cardboard, they talk about appliances, CDs/DVDs/Video Games, compact fluorescent light bulbs, cell phones and even phone packaging peanuts. Cool.

I may post again later or tomorrow with more results from the survey. Until then--

--Jim

Moving on up!

2007-09-11T17:03:00.001-04:00

So info on the Sustainable Residence Hall Initiative is being presented at the Dean's Council on Sept. 14. They will see an Executive Summary and a short power point presentation on what we have been working on. Check them out. More info to come tomorrow and some prelimenary survey findings, so check back then--

--Jim

There is Just So Much

2007-09-10T17:50:00.000-04:00

Well I've returned from Muncie and I'm back in the office hard at work. And now for a few updates...

We are currently processing the initial results from our student survey - we will do this again at a later date in case we receive more responses, so if you haven't take it yet, do so now. I'd like to thank, very much, the nearly 1,500 students at UC that participated! We greatly value your opinion and are grateful you chose to participate in shaping the future of sustainability at UC.

I'm happy to say this blog is going to continue through the fall (at the very least) as SUE Director Dr. Daniel Oerther has opted to retain our services on the project. We are all very excited about the future of this project and are looking forward to continuing on.

I plan on posting the Executive Summary for our document tomorrow when it is complete as well as a slide from the power point presentation that is going to be given to the Dean's Council at their upcoming meeting. Any feedback on these items would be MUCH appreciated. And I promise I will have it up tomorrow.

As for the Greening of the Campus VII Conference, there is so much I would like to share, but there is just no time right now. I've tentatively decided on incorporating the massive amount of information into future posts when relevant, or if I don't have anything else to say. For now, let me say two things:

If you have never been to a conference like this, it is definitely worth your time to go. I learned SO much in such a short time frame. If you did miss it, it's not too late to check out the paper abstracts (1.4MB pdf).
For Ohio State being Ohio's flagship institution for higher education, it was very sad to see that we beat them in sheer numbers at the conference. UC had six students and two faculty members present. Ohio State had NONE. Where you at Ohio State?

At some point, I'm going to put up a reading list which should be a great resource for those interested. It will also serve as a "need to read" list for me, as I am terribly slow at reading. So look for that at some point in the distant future.

One last thing, and this is awesome. In the TreeHugger newsletter this afternoon, they highlighted the Windspire by Mariah Power, a propeller-less wind turbine that is only 2 feet wide and 30 feet tall. This is cool. It is a little pricey (at $4,000), but it can produce approximately 1,900 kWh a year at an average wind speed of 12mph - a return on your investment in about 20 years at 10 cents/kWh. But hey, like they pointed out in TreeHugger, it sure beats coal fired power plants "which pretty much suck."

The Windspire by Mariah Power

There are plenty of other exciting things I'd like to talk about and share with you, but for now it's back to work. Until next time--

--Jim

Greening of the Campus Thus Far

2007-09-07T11:25:00.000-04:00

As this is my first academic conference, I didn't really know what to expect. These things are marathons, from 8 AM to 9 PM, every day. But, it has been highly rewarding thus far.

Some of my favorite parts of the first half of the conference include:

Seeing David Orr for the first time. This guy is brilliant. Favorite quote: "We are playing Russian roulette with the planet but all of the chambers are loaded."
I have never seen someone so fired up and passionate about sustainability as Debra Rowe. She was by far the most enthusiastic and entertaining (and, I think effective) presenter so far. She highly encourages everyone to guilt other people into this movement, as guilt is a very effective way to get people involved.
Michael Shuman, the economist/lawyer and author of "The Small-Mart Revolution" was the only economist I have ever seen give a presentation that actually made sense - I got a "C" in Micro-Econ and I hated the class, it made no sense. I want to see this guy debate his most ardent opponents and drive them into the ground because his arguments just made sense.

David Letterman is going to be at Ball State for a dedication ceremony for a new (to -be) LEED Silver Communications building later today. We plan on going over to see him, but I really wonder how he has a new episode this evening and a new one last night as well. I don't know.

There are a ton of other exciting things I'd like to talk about, but there is simply not enough time right now. I'll try to check in later and keep you posted--

--Jim

Look out Muncie, Here We Come

2007-09-05T09:42:00.001-04:00

So we've got a great group together to head up to Muncie for the "Greening of the Campus VII" Conference. We have students going from Biomedical Engineering, Architecture, Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Political Science (that's me). So, we have a diverse representation from UC which will make for a great trip.

I got my first installment of the Tree Hugger newsletter this morning and I immediately formed an opinion: Tree Hugger is awesome! With headlines like "Natural Light Gives You Smartypants" and "Top 10 Sexiest Green Cars," who could resist this informative and appealing source of knowledge. Anyways, it was a pretty interesting read.

The Tesla Roadster

Number 1 on their Top 10 list, the Tesla Roadster, (they are awesome). How I do wish I could afford one, (lacking $100K, this is really not going to be a reality for me any time soon).

The Zap-X

Although it came in at number 8, the Zap-X, too, looks awesome. And will be much more affordable (you can reserve one for a mere $25K).

To my dismay, I haven't gotten any feedback on the sneak peak of our "Day in the Life" report from my last post. I really want to know what you think. Otherwise, I'm just going to keep on doing what I'm doing and hope it is good, or, in other words, I will assume a lack of responses means I am doing a good job.

We leave for the conference tonight and I plan on bringing my laptop. So, I will make an effort to keep you posted on how the conference is going and any other info worth making note of. 'Til then--

--Jim

Sneak Peak - "Sustainability 101"

2007-08-31T16:46:00.000-04:00

As the results from our student and faculty surveys flow in, we are hard at work putting together our "Day in the Life" document. I thought I'd put a little teaser on here to get some input on if we are just crazy or stupid, or maybe we hit the nail right on the head. (Let us know!)

To set up the "clip," our student, "Susie," is getting ready to go to her first class of the day:

Sustainability 101

"Susie doesn't have to go far to get to her first class, which is in one of the 25-person classrooms in the SRH (Sustainable Residence Hall). Her first class of the day is Sustainability 101, an introductory course on the principles of sustainability and the idea of working toward the triple bottom line in all aspects of life. In the class there are mostly freshmen with a few upperclassmen. As the course is required of all students per the university's Breadth of Knowledge requirement, students of all different majors are in Susie's class.

The class is taught by an Environmental Studies faculty member and also is a required course for the Sustainability Certificate, which is available to any undergraduate student. Today in class the students are having a discussion on the the principle of buying local goods versus those from other parts of the country or world.

On its face, the principle of buying locally produced items is reasonably a good one, but after some investigation, it might not always be the best option, the students learned in class. For example, it would be better to buy organic, free-range chicken that was shipped 100 miles to Cincinnati versus chicken that ate feed laced with herbicides and pesticides, was treated poorly (eg. locked up in a tiny coup) and was only shipped 25 miles to Cincinnati. The discussion gives Susie and her fellow students some good insights into determining the best choice to make when faced with such a dilemma."

So what do you think? Are we totally missing the mark or does this sound OK? Seriously, tell us! Because what we put in this document is going to influence the decisions of a bunch of Civil Engineering seniors on their capstone project this year.

Hope everyone enjoys the weekend and that you let us know what you think of "Sustainability 101"--

--Jim

New Energy for Ohio

2007-08-29T16:05:00.000-04:00

Gov. Ted Strickland announced his energy plan today in Columbus. Highlights of the Governor's plan from an article in The Columbus Dispatch include:

"Re-regulating" utility companies
Requiring 25 percent of Ohio's energy come from "advanced energy technologies" by 2025
Requiring that of that 25 percent, half would be from renewable sources like wind, water and solar

A copy of the Governor's plan and his full remarks were made available online.

I wonder what kind of implications this will have for UC, especially given that UC's Central Utility Plant is ultra-efficient using a process called co-generation.

Also, I received an email newsletter from Duke Energy this afternoon. Sounds dull enough, but it did present the opportunity to receive a FREE Energy Efficiency Starter Kit for completing an online energy audit. The free kit includes compact fluorescent light bulbs, weather stripping, faucet aerators and other cool energy efficient items.

P.S. - We are still looking for a few more students to go to the "Greening of the Campus VII" Conference at Ball State University in Muncie, IN, September 6 to 8. We've set a deadline of Friday by 12:00, noon, for students to express their interest in attending (practically for FREE) So let me know ASAP if you'd like to attend!--

--Jim

Eco-Friendly School Supplies

2007-08-29T09:54:00.000-04:00

The Green Guide had a cool installment this morning on environmentally friendly school supplies and where you can get them.

I did find it rather silly that in the same issue where they advocate buying locally produced meat and veggies, they tell you to buy a eco-friendly, steel water bottle that is "responsibly made in China."

What?

To put it in perspective, as I like to do, Shanghai, China (for example, and because it's a city in China that I am aware of) is 7,320 miles (11,781 kilometers) from Cincinnati. That's pretty far to ship an eco-friendly water bottle. Can we say hypocrites? Sorry, not to be too harsh on The Green Guide (because they advocate a good cause), but what the heck?

I'd rather walk down to Park + Vine and reuse a plastic or glass bottle I bought from there, all while supporting a local business.

Anyways, there were a lot of other insightful and useful suggestions on other back-to-school products. Some of my favorites were:

My favorite item is the Earthpak Side Saddle Computer Bag, which is most definately going to be my next bag purchase.

So, when you are out shopping for school supplies in the coming weeks, think about how many of the thinga you bought were "Made in China!"

Who wants to go to Muncie, Indiana?

2007-08-27T15:00:00.000-04:00

SUE is getting a group of students together to attend "Greening of the Campus VII" at Ball State University in Muncie, IN, September 6 to 8.

The conference sounds pretty cool. It looks like one of the largest held on sustainability principles nationally, let alone sustainability in higher-ed. More info on the conference can be found on BSU's web site, or you can download a copy of the brochure/program.

We are looking for a good group of interested students to take to the conference. We will cover registration and transportation (in a UC van - and we will be purchasing carbon credits to offset the travel). We should be able to cover most of the remaining costs through a $35 per diem to cover food and lodging for each student attending.

Overall it should be a great event and we want to make sure UC has a good student presence there. We are only going to be bringing five or ten students (as funds allow), so express your interest ASAP! Send me an email at sustainablyuc@gmail.com as soon as you can as the conference is rapidly approaching--

--Jim

Face Lift

2007-08-24T12:42:00.001-04:00

I've given the blog a bit of a face lift this morning.

Included in this superior revamping are:

The Blogger poll feature - This month's question: What kind of car do you drive? (And, rhetorically, is that the most sustainable car you should be driving?)
A pretty decent links section, including links to Cincinnati organizations as well as national and international ones - all having to do with sustainability
A fairly concise list of newsletters worth signing up for. My favorites are Co-op America, The Green Guide, and AASHE Bulletin. (SUE will have a newsletter this fall, more info to come)

I'll be updating later today with some more fun stuff and some new info on our project.

Until then--

--Jim

ANWR, Cellulosic Ethanol and Plug-in Hybrids

2007-08-21T16:00:00.000-04:00

Drilling in ANWR

Some things just really irk me.

While on a camping trip in PA this weekend, I got into a short but heated discussion with a friend on drilling for oil in ANWR, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. This issue is one of the things I'm talking about, it really irks me.

Arctic Power, a non-profit advocacy group for drilling in the refuge, states that based on a 1998 U.S. Geological Survey report, there are 5.7 to 16 billion barrels or recoverable oil in ANWR. And an update by the USGS in 2005 claims there may be even more.

Let's put that in perspective. According to the CIA World Factbook, the U.S. consumed approximately 20.73 million barrels of oil per day in 2005 - a total (after some quick math) of 7.6 billion barrels of oil per year.

Assume, on the high end of estimates, that there are 16 billion barrels of recoverable oil in ANWR. That is only enough to satisfy the addiction for 2 years (assuming no other oil imports). You can't honestly tell me it is worth it.

These people who think it's worth it are missing the point. The solution to ending our addiction to oil is not more oil. It is reduction of the amount we drive (mass transit, biking, or walking) and renewable energy sources.

Corn vs. Other Plants

I read a great newsletter installment by Co-Op America this morning about cellulosic ethanol and its efficiency compared to its corn-based brethren. "Corn Ethanol Isn't the Answer." That is the end of that, and they made some great arguments.

On this note, I retract my previous statement about the five new ethanol plants opening in Ohio. It is not cool, it should be cellulosic ethanol processing plants. My apologies.

Plug-in Hybrids

The same issue of the newsletter has an interactive rating system for alternative fuels/new vehicle technologies, which ranks plug-in hybrids as "our brightest hope for curbing global warming while matching the performance of today’s cars." Hopeful but practical. I like it.

They went into more detail about how great the PHEVs (plug-in electric vehicles) could be some day. It's unfortunate that this technology isn't being fully utilized and developed.

I think I'll go into a little more detail tomorrow. Until then--

--Jim

Back to School

2007-08-16T14:21:00.000-04:00

Well it's almost that time again Bearcats. As semster schools are getting back this week and next, we still have a few weeks left to enjoy.

The media is making a bigger fuss than usual about sustainability efforts on campuses this back-to-school season. Both Time and Newsweek had sustainable campus features. And Girst Magazine ranked the top 15 green colleges and universities (unfortunately, UC didn't make the list).

Our survey for UC faculty and staff should be up by early next week, I will keep you posted. UC students, don't forget to take the student survey.

Student Survey is DONE! Take it NOW!

2007-08-13T15:11:00.001-04:00

So the student survey is finally done. Take it NOW!

UC students, we need to know what you think. Stop reading. Take the survey NOW! It will only take a few minutes!

If you are finished with the survey, thank you very much for your participation, and please read on...

A few things for the day...

1. Cool article in the Enquirer this morning about five new ethanol plants opening in Ohio. This will raise the amount of ethanol plants in Ohio from zero to five. Cool.

2. An interesting op-ed piece in the Times this morning as well, which led me to a Science Magazine article from June which had this image of humanities' global environmental footprint in it:

It is a crazy image to get your head around. I like the red color, too, for added emphasis.

3. Check out our friends' blog over at Green Drinks Cincinnati or on MySpace or Facebook! They are a pretty cool group who are concerned about sustainability. Their next meeting is Thursday, August 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 at Arnold's Bar and Grill (located at 210 E. 8th St, dowtown Cincinnati).

For all you UC faculty and staff members that feel left out because you didn't get to participate in the student survey, fear not. We are putting the finishing touches on a survey just for you.

Details to come so stay tuned--

--Jim

49 cents, Fiji Islands, and 1.5 million barrels of oil

2007-08-08T13:49:00.000-04:00

I love it when the Times tells it like it is!

Over the last week they have had two editorials on water. An Aug. 1 editorial, "In Praise of Tap Water," on the high quality of tap water in the U.S. and an Aug. 8 editorial, "Give Bottles a Second Life," on the ridiculous amount of bottled water we use, and fail to recycle.

Here are the highlights from the two editorials:

If you drink the recommended 8 cups of water per day, you could spend up to $1,400 annually on bottled water, or, a mere 49 cents to drink from the tap

It takes about 1.5 million barrels of oil to make the water bottles Americans use each year, enough to fuel 100,000 cars a year

Americans drink more than seven billion gallons of commercially bottled water a year

Only about 23% of the water bottles Americans use are recycled

Recycled water bottles "can be turned into anything from fleece jackets to a very durable set of luggage"
San Francisco's water is “some of the most pristine on the planet," according to Mayor Gavin Newsom

Bottom line: Whereas I used to pick up a 24-pack or two of bottled water when I made my grocery trips for the convenience and relative inexpensiveness (when compared to buying from a vending machine or market on a per bottle basis), I've reconsidered, and now I drink from the tap. Only 49 cents.

Local food is Sustainable, NOT!

2007-08-06T08:37:00.001-04:00

I came across this intersting op-ed piece in the NY Times this morning about eating locally grown vs. imported or non-locally grown food. The guy makes some good points, check it out.

We're putting the finishing touches on our survey, look for it to be live later this week.

--Jim

Solar, Hydrogen, and... Air, and... Bikes!

2007-08-01T08:55:00.000-04:00

So everyone knows about hybrids, E85, solar and hydrogen powered cars. But have you heard about the air car? Basically, it is what it sounds like - a car powered completely by air - compressed air. Developed by crazy Frenchman Guy Negre, the air car has a range of 2,000+ km (or, 1,200+ miles). The air has to be compressed by using electricity, but I heard on the Discovery Channel's Future Car series that they are currently working on a compressed air-powered air compressor, which would make for zero emissions entirely!

Pretty cool. Although a little tangent from the Sustainable residence hall project we are working on, I wanted to share because from my experience many people have not heard of this. Also, because UC does have some E85 service vehicles, and all of those golf carts, and a police car fleet (of who knows how many cars) including those new, gas-guzzling Dodge Chargers... and, as a commuter school, thousands of students driving in every day. An air powered car is certainly something to keep an eye on.

Oberlin College in North East Ohio has a car-share program with a Toyota Prius and a Scion xB, where students and faculty can borrow a car when they NEED to at a fairly reasonable rate. And A LOT of the students there ride their bikes! When Brendan and I visited we saw bike racks at the entrance of every single building, and most of them were full. They even have a bike co-op program, where students can rent bikes for a small fee.

Just something to think about--

--Jim

Update: We've been published!

2007-07-30T14:39:00.000-04:00

We've published some of our intro/backgroud research on Google Docs. Now available: a fairly concise backgroud on sustainability and a spread sheet on existing "sustainable," er, "green" residence halls on campuses around the country. These docs are not flashy nor very well presented, but they are effective and have a lot of good information. Check them out!

Also, we are putting the finishing touches on our survey. We will be sending out a link to complete it in the coming weeks, so check you Bearcat Online account (or, other email account if you have your UC email forwarded) so you can complete the survey and have a chance to win one of four UC Bookstore gift cards for $50 each!

And, of course, we want to know what you think! Simply comment on one of our posts or email us at sustainablyuc@gmail.com! We want all of the input we can get!

Until next time--

--Jim

Welcome to our new blog!

2007-07-19T16:19:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the new Sustainable UC blog! We will keep you up to date with what we are working on and other cool stuff we come across for the rest of the summer. We want to view this blog as a chance to give us input on a possible sustainable residence hall at UC.

We want to know what it is like to live a day in the life of a sustainable student, and what the day would look like for a student living in a new sustainable residence hall. Would it be any different? Would the student have to drastically change his or her lifestyle? Let us know what you think. How should it be?

For a local feel of things on the campus of UC, here is a copy of a UC administrative memo on sustainability and the UC architect's Process Guide for Applying Sustainability to UC Projects.

We will do our best to keep this as up to date as possible with new info. In the meantime, here are a few cool things we have come across already:

For those of you who are new to sustainability, or just enjoy messing around on wikipedia, check out what they have to say about it here.
We have come across a variety of awesome sustainable campus projects or completed residence halls. The West Quad at the University of South Carolina, the Off-Grid Zero Emissions Building Project at the Florida State University and The Home Depot Smart Home at Duke University are worth looking into.

By the way, the blog will be maintained by myself, Jim, and my co-worker, Brendan. Check out Sustainable UC on Facebook and MySpace, too! Add us as a friend on MySpace, join our MySpace group OR join our Facebook group.