green

AThanksgiving to New Years Day, household waste increases by more than 25 %.

Stephenie Presseller — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:02:53 +0000

8 Easy Green Thanksgiving Tips

(repost by S Presseller, 11/20/2009) originally by Lauren Hasler

The holiday season is officially in full-swing, and Thanksgiving marks the beginning of big family dinners, extensive gift shopping and elaborate decorations.

But the season isn’t all turkey, stuffing and pie. According to RecycleWorks, from Thanksgiving to New Years Day, household waste increases by more than 25 percent.

So, start off your holiday season on the green foot by making a few small, eco-friendly changes this Turkey Day. It’s easy to get the entire family involved, have fun and decrease the burden on your wallet as well.

click here to learn more: http://earth911.com/blog/2009/11/16/8-easy-green-thanksgiving-tips/

Garden Planning

Michelle Zurawski — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:14:38 +0000

The DNR (Department of Natural Resources) has a lot of great resources on its website including recommendations of drought resistant native prairie plants. I know spring seems a long way away, but it might be fun to start drawing up a plan for your garden now. It might make you feel warmer. Check out his link: http://dnr.state.il.us/education/CLASSRM/ForYourGardengeneral.htm .

The Long and Warming Road

swanson — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:19:19 +0000

Here is a cool article called, The Long and Warming Road from Mother Jones. This is a timeline of research into global warming. It’s sort of a mile stone by mile stone view.

Campus Sustainability Day Wed. Oct. 21

swanson — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:58:20 +0000

Two important activities going on:

10:00 am: People Forming the #350 Outside on the Moraine GreenDuring third week of October, Colleges, Universities, and organized groups will focus on the number 350. Why 350? This is the maximum number of parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide (CO2) that scientists have determined will allow ecosystems on the earth function efficiently and in a healthy manner. Currently the earth registers at 390 ppm of CO2. On Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 10:00 am, MVCC students, professors, and staff are invited to voluntarily participate in making a human number 350 out on the Moraine Green, near the Gateway. Glen Carpenter, Moraine’s Photographer, will take a photo and it will be posted on the 350.org website along with others from around the world. For more educational information, log onto www.350.org. If you are interested in bringing a class to participate in the photo, please contact Michelle Zurawski, Assistant Professor of Biology and Sustainability Coordinator of Teaching & Learning – zurawski@morainevalley.edu or (708) 974-5559.
11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Environmental & Social Justice Activities in the Student UnionThere will be activities and information tables in the Student Union/Café Moraine area. From 11 to 2, students, staff and faculty are invited to stop by and learn about national and regional organizations and activities that promote a healthy environment for people and the planet. Organizations highlighted are focused on environmental and social justice campaigns. Calculate your eco-footprint, identify safe cosmetics and body care choices, discover local and national groups working towards a sustainable future and what you can do to help, and learn more about sustainability. The goal for the day is to encourage others to become interested, involved and active in positive organizations promoting a safe and healthy future for everyone. For more information, please contact Stephenie Presseller, Sustainability Coordinator – pressellers@morainevalley.edu or (708) 974-5412.

Free Home Environmental Fair This Weekend

Michelle Zurawski — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:56:53 +0000

On Saturday, October 17th in Western Springs, Lyons Township High School South Campus (4900 S. Willow Springs Road) is hosting a free environmental fair “How Cool is Your Home?”. To learn more about this free event, visit www.lagrangearealwv.org. There will be speakers, exhibits, children’s activities, giveaways, and door prizes. Should be educational and fun for all!

Saving Green by Going Green

swanson — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:42:52 +0000

This month, Community College Week, (which is a weekly news source for those of us in community colleges) has a special issue on community college efforts at going green. Here is a link to one of the articles: Saving Green by Going Green: Colleges Cut Costs, Save Energy Through Green IT Initiatives By Paul Bradley. You can read the entire issue here: Embracing Green (PDF)

Calculate The Benefits of Organic

Michelle Zurawski — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:25:54 +0000

Are you a loyal consumer of organic foods? Calculate the benefits to the environment here: http://www.organicvalley.coop/organiccounts/. Not only has the science show they are 25 - even 50% more nutritious, but they also prevent toxins from entering the environment. Remember, a healthy environment, means a healthy you and vice versa! This is fun to do with the kids!

Recycling Electronics for $$$$

Michelle Zurawski — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:20:37 +0000

Don’t know what to do with those old electronics? Check out this website http://recycle4cash.cexchange.com/online/Home/index.rails. You can recycle those electronics and make a little cash. Good deal for you and the environment.

The road to sustainability, Sum Total, and Green Rankings

swanson — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 21:25:37 +0000

Three things to pass along:

The Road to Sustainability from Physics World: A cool write up about the sustainable stuff. Here’s a little intro quote:“Sustainability” is the hottest topic in energy research today, but what does it actually mean? George Crabtree and John Sarrao describe what makes a technology sustainable, and outline the materials-science challenges standing between us and clean, long-lasting energy
Newsweek’s Green Rankings 2009: This years marks the beginning of Newsweek’s “green” rankings where they rank 500 of the greenest companies. Who do you think made #1?
Sum Total Being Green isn’t new:

“If you eat these healthy foods, you’re going to grow up to be big and strong, like me”

Stephenie Presseller — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:23:12 +0000

Michelle Obama to promote gardening and eating healthy, local foods on “Sesame Street”

Michelle Obama, who is planting a fruit and vegetable garden on the grounds of the White House, will appear in the November10 season debut of “Sesame Street” — the educational show for kids that is broadcast in more than 120 countries around the world. The Obama’s garden at the White House is the first of its kind since WWII. Michelle is leading by example- grow and eat local and sustainable foods- and is doing a great job at it!

We should all be so lucky to have the time and space for our own fruit and vegetable gardens… but if we don’t we can at least seek out our nearest Farmers Market. There are still plenty of them in operation through the fall. You can check this link to find one near you: Local Harvest

And go here to read the whole article about the First Lady’s appearance on Sesame Street: Mrs. Obama on Sesame Street!