BY BENJAMIN A. SCOTT
Cardinal Staff
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and all those who are intimately connected with Saint Mary’s University, there is something that all of us need to accept: we have not done enough to preserve the natural environment we live in.
Eulogizing aside, it should be recognized that confession does nothing when recompense is ignored. Here at SMU, a green initiative is starting to take form. A relatively new group of dedicated individuals is taking on the task of keeping Saint Mary’s and all its members responsible for fostering a green mindset.
The SMU Green Team recently completed an environmental management audit as part of the ISO 14001 certification process along with a host of other local schools, which was directed by a faculty member from Purdue University, to set standards on energy consumption. In accordance to the program, Saint Mary’s
will undergo the attainment of three ambitious goals by 2011:
1) Reduce electric consumptionby 10%
2) Reduce fossil fuel by 5%
3) Reduce solid waste production by 25%
A variety of in-class and out-of-class educational activities on sustainability and the green initiative will occur over this school year. Some of these activities are already underway, like the newly-developed class on environmental studies currently taught by Dr. Joseph Tadie, chair of the Philosophy Department.
In the end, however, each one of us must account for our own responsibility on ecological awareness. This will mean a painful shift in lifestyle, but if the outcome of such a shift is making this planet healthier than the appalling state that it is in today, then the question becomes why you wouldn’t?
Here are three simple ways of involving yourself with the green initiative: 1) Recycle your trash 2) Do not litter 3) Join the Eco Reps, a campus club directed by Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator, dedicated to the green initiative.
Showing posts with label Going 'green'. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Going 'green'. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Ten ways to save energy
By Robby McGuire
Cardinal Staff
Although Energy Challenge Month is almost over, everyone should still think about ways they can continue to conserve energy. Here are a few small ways to “go green.”
1. Turn off the lights!
Lighting accounts for five to 10 percent of national energy use. Turn them off when you can use natural sunlight, if you are leaving the room or simply don’t need them on. Brighten the future, keep things dark.
2. Turn off your electronics when they aren’t in use.
Approximately 75 percent of electricity is consumed by a device while the device is not in direct use. Shut off your laptop at night or while you go to class. Don’t have the TV on unless it is being watched. Shut off your stereo if you leave the room, and unplug your fridge if it is empty.
3. Switch off the faucet.
Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth or shave. This simple technique can save up to five gallons of water a day. Ten, if you are Sasquatch.
Read more...
4. Use a re-usable water bottle.
An estimated 1.5 million barrels of oil are used each year to make plastic water bottles. Seventy-seven percent of these bottles end up in landfills. Many of these plastic bottles also leak harmful chemicals into their beverage. Drink up to save energy, just do it through a water bottle purchased in the school book store.
5. Make sure your thermostat is turned off.
With spring coming, the need for heating in your rooms is dwindling. Try opening the blinds and letting the sunlight warm your room a bit. Most Eskimos go their entire lives without touching a thermostat.
6. Take advantage of your laptop’s power modes.
Most recent laptops have battery modes, including a power-saving mode. If you are simply checking your email, or writing a paper, try the power-saving mode. Though your paper may require intense brain power, it does not require intense battery power.
7. Try walking.
Spring has sprung, and the weather is making a turn for the better. Take advantage of the rise in temperature and walk to your destination. Instead of driving to the bowling alley, Ground Round or Hy-Vee, get some exercise, use the opportunity to chat with friends and burn off that extra slice of cake.
8. Do things together.
Rather than having four separate TV’s on watching Scrubs or CSI, organize a group to watch together. Bonus if your crush enjoys the show.
9. Recycle.
It takes up to 95 percent less energy to re-create an aluminum can from recycled aluminum. Rather than tossing away your recyclables, trek to your residence hall’s recycling area. Grab your roommate’s recyclables as well.
10. Do not take more than you need for meals.
Yes, it can be a hassle to walk all the way from your seat back to the lunch or dinner line. Regardless, excess food is excess waste. The more food we take, the sooner Chartwells Dining Service needs to re-order. The more frequently they re-order, the more electricity is wasted in the process of getting new food to campus. While two burgers and four slices of pizza may have seemed like a good idea at the time, it may not all fit in your stomach.
Cardinal Staff
Although Energy Challenge Month is almost over, everyone should still think about ways they can continue to conserve energy. Here are a few small ways to “go green.”
1. Turn off the lights!
Lighting accounts for five to 10 percent of national energy use. Turn them off when you can use natural sunlight, if you are leaving the room or simply don’t need them on. Brighten the future, keep things dark.
2. Turn off your electronics when they aren’t in use.
Approximately 75 percent of electricity is consumed by a device while the device is not in direct use. Shut off your laptop at night or while you go to class. Don’t have the TV on unless it is being watched. Shut off your stereo if you leave the room, and unplug your fridge if it is empty.
3. Switch off the faucet.
Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth or shave. This simple technique can save up to five gallons of water a day. Ten, if you are Sasquatch.
Read more...
4. Use a re-usable water bottle.
An estimated 1.5 million barrels of oil are used each year to make plastic water bottles. Seventy-seven percent of these bottles end up in landfills. Many of these plastic bottles also leak harmful chemicals into their beverage. Drink up to save energy, just do it through a water bottle purchased in the school book store.
5. Make sure your thermostat is turned off.
With spring coming, the need for heating in your rooms is dwindling. Try opening the blinds and letting the sunlight warm your room a bit. Most Eskimos go their entire lives without touching a thermostat.
6. Take advantage of your laptop’s power modes.
Most recent laptops have battery modes, including a power-saving mode. If you are simply checking your email, or writing a paper, try the power-saving mode. Though your paper may require intense brain power, it does not require intense battery power.
7. Try walking.
Spring has sprung, and the weather is making a turn for the better. Take advantage of the rise in temperature and walk to your destination. Instead of driving to the bowling alley, Ground Round or Hy-Vee, get some exercise, use the opportunity to chat with friends and burn off that extra slice of cake.
8. Do things together.
Rather than having four separate TV’s on watching Scrubs or CSI, organize a group to watch together. Bonus if your crush enjoys the show.
9. Recycle.
It takes up to 95 percent less energy to re-create an aluminum can from recycled aluminum. Rather than tossing away your recyclables, trek to your residence hall’s recycling area. Grab your roommate’s recyclables as well.
10. Do not take more than you need for meals.
Yes, it can be a hassle to walk all the way from your seat back to the lunch or dinner line. Regardless, excess food is excess waste. The more food we take, the sooner Chartwells Dining Service needs to re-order. The more frequently they re-order, the more electricity is wasted in the process of getting new food to campus. While two burgers and four slices of pizza may have seemed like a good idea at the time, it may not all fit in your stomach.
Friday, April 4, 2008
SMU launches first annual SMUStock
By Steve Adams
Guest Writer
Saint Mary’s University will begin what it hopes to be a yearly tradition when it launches SMUStock, an outdoor acoustic concert and overnight campout in St. Yon’s field, on Friday, April 25.
Read more...
The event, sponsored by the SMU Eco-Rep program, will feature an Ultimate Frisbee tournament beginning at 3 p.m.; acoustic performances from SMU community members, including The Wet Bandits and Bookreader from 5-7 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.; as well a bonfire with s’mores and the option to camp out overnight in Yon’s field.
Grilling out will begin at 5 p.m. and will be available to students who submit their barcodes earlier in the week. Booths will be set up during the lunch hours of the week for this purpose.
SMUStock was created by Eco-Rep members to raise environmental awareness. The event coincides with Earth Week, will feature booths that have information on recycling and sustainability and will also recap the events and information that were offered earlier during Earth Week.
The Ultimate Frisbee tournament will be open to all SMU students. Rosters must include at least seven people, and the first eight teams to register will be entered into the competition. Prizes will be offered for the winners, and teams are encouraged to stay after the tournament for food and to participate in the rest of the day’s activities.
Camping equipment can be borrowed from the school, but the available equipment is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“This event is a great way to raise awareness and have a good time as well,” said Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator. “It’s a great way to close out Earth Week; I’m really excited.”
To register for the Ultimate Frisbee tournament, students should submit their rosters to Steve Adams at sjadam04@smumn.edu.
To reserve camping equipment for the evening or additional information on the Eco-Rep program, contact Warner at drwarn03@smumn.edu.
Guest Writer
Saint Mary’s University will begin what it hopes to be a yearly tradition when it launches SMUStock, an outdoor acoustic concert and overnight campout in St. Yon’s field, on Friday, April 25.
Read more...
The event, sponsored by the SMU Eco-Rep program, will feature an Ultimate Frisbee tournament beginning at 3 p.m.; acoustic performances from SMU community members, including The Wet Bandits and Bookreader from 5-7 p.m. and 9-11 p.m.; as well a bonfire with s’mores and the option to camp out overnight in Yon’s field.
Grilling out will begin at 5 p.m. and will be available to students who submit their barcodes earlier in the week. Booths will be set up during the lunch hours of the week for this purpose.
SMUStock was created by Eco-Rep members to raise environmental awareness. The event coincides with Earth Week, will feature booths that have information on recycling and sustainability and will also recap the events and information that were offered earlier during Earth Week.
The Ultimate Frisbee tournament will be open to all SMU students. Rosters must include at least seven people, and the first eight teams to register will be entered into the competition. Prizes will be offered for the winners, and teams are encouraged to stay after the tournament for food and to participate in the rest of the day’s activities.
Camping equipment can be borrowed from the school, but the available equipment is limited and will be reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“This event is a great way to raise awareness and have a good time as well,” said Davey Warner, outdoor leadership coordinator. “It’s a great way to close out Earth Week; I’m really excited.”
To register for the Ultimate Frisbee tournament, students should submit their rosters to Steve Adams at sjadam04@smumn.edu.
To reserve camping equipment for the evening or additional information on the Eco-Rep program, contact Warner at drwarn03@smumn.edu.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Red trucks help SMU go green
By Amy KalinaManaging Editor
A new student-led initiative to “go green” is bringing eco-friendly changes to the Saint Mary’s University campus.
The project, created by student senate last spring, aims at educating students, faculty, and staff on the importance of conserving natural resources and making environmental choices.
Read more...
“It is absolutely wonderful that the students took this initiative to champion, because it’s something that’s always been near and dear to me,” said John Schollmeier, director of building and grounds at SMU. “In maintenance, we try very hard to listen to students’ wants and needs, and when they want to push a cause like this, that’s even better.”
One environmentally-sound way to reduce fuel and energy costs was through the purchase of two electric trucks, said Schollmeier. These small red vehicles sport an enclosed cab and box, allowing for year-round use.
“We have been looking for an efficient electrical vehicle for about five years and never found the vehicle that we could afford that could be serviced locally,” said Schollmeier. “These met all of our criteria, and so far they’re very efficient. They can go on sidewalks, too, so they get us where we need to go much quicker.”
Although the electric trucks meet the needs of the maintenance department, they still came with a $12,000 price tag, a factor that causes some students to question their overall necessity. Still, the use of electric trucks helps SMU stay in line with the environmental efforts at other schools, said Schollmeier. Winona State, Luther College, and Macalester College are among the schools nearby turning to electric vehicles.
“Of all the Minnesota private [colleges], SMU is by far the most efficient when it comes to utilities,” said Schollmeier. “We’ve always taken a very aggressive role in trying to keep our utilities low while energy costs keep going up.”
Another change brought about by the “Go Green” initiative will be a machine that changes old cooking oil into bio-diesel fuel. The machine, which will likely be purchased later in the academic year, will be able to provide power for all of SMU’s diesel-fuel engines, said Schollmeier. According to Schollmeier, the machine is already being used at Luther College and is proving to be efficient.
Aside from maintenance’s efforts to reduce fuel and energy costs on campus, Schollmeier said that student participation is critical. Educating students on simple ways to cut back on energy and utility usage is important in making a difference on campus, said Schollmeier.
“If you’re not using lights, shut them off. If you have your air conditioner or heater on, close the windows. There are really easy ways that students can cut costs,” said Schollmeier. “It’s all about finding a balance between conserving energy and making students, faculty, and staff happy. That’s a balance that we all have to work [toward] together.”
Cans raise money for Habitat
By Jessica Paulsen
Cardinal Staff
The Student Activities Committee and Habitat for Humanity are working together on Cans for a Cause, a fundraising project involving the collection of aluminum cans.
Cans for a Cause ties in with a Habitat for Humanity program called “Aluminum Cans Build Habitat for Humanity Homes.” If the Saint Mary’s University and Winona State University chapters of Habitat can collect their combined goal of 5,000 pounds of cans (one pound is about 30 cans), they will receive a $5,000 grant for the Winona County affiliate.
Read more...
The goal must be met by the end of December to receive the grant. Even if the goal isn’t met, the affiliate will still receive money from the recycling company. Winona County Habitat for Humanity “could use the money to buy land [or] buy supplies,” said junior Angela Buck, co-president of Habitat for Humanity.
Senior Abby Zimmer, co-leader of Cans for a Cause, said they have collected about 2,000 pounds so far and have a bit of friendly competition planned to try to create more incentive for students to contribute.
One of those events will be in cooperation with Winona State. The schools will face-off in a basketball game on Nov. 17, and a “can war” is being set up for that day. “It’s always good to have a little competition with things to get people really involved,” said Zimmer.
SAC ordered special bins for the cans, which members from Habitat for Humanity collect. “They are ours,” said Buck. “We are responsible for everything about the cans.” The cans are collected every Sunday and Thursday and taken every other week to Matejka Recycling, who keeps track of the number of pounds collected.
Sophomore William Duffert, co-leader of the program, is “happy with the way things are going” and wants to see it continue. “For as long as I am on the [Habitat for Humanity] executive board, Cans for a Cause will be around,” said Duffert. “Hopefully it will be an annual thing long after I’m gone as well.”
Cans for a Cause will begin again in January, but different campus organizations can apply to SAC to get the cans for fundraising every other month. That organization would then be in charge of everything about the program for that month.
There are 45 Cans for a Cause bins around the SMU campus. The bins are located in the recycling rooms in dorms, on every floor of Saint Mary’s Hall, Toner Student Center, Hoffman Hall, and near the RAC.
Office of Outdoor Leadership develops on-campus
By Betsy Baertlein
Feature Editor
Many opportunities for outdoor recreation have been offered for students at Saint Mary’s University so far this year, including weekend hiking and canoe trips, in which over 120 students have participated. This programming has been made possible by the newly-implemented Office of Outdoor Leadership at SMU, directed by Davey Warner (’07).
Read more...
The idea for this office came last year from a group of staff members, including Chris Kendall, vice president for student development. The idea regarded the many outdoor opportunities that exist in the area. The premise was that many students choose to come to SMU because of its natural surroundings, but they find it difficult to actually get out into those surroundings. The Office of Outdoor Leadership serves to organize outdoor recreational activities for students to enjoy the environment firsthand.
The Office of Outdoor Leadership has been collaborating with the Environmental Awareness Center, managed by Brother John Grover, to provide students with the resources necessary for outdoor ventures. The Environmental Awareness Center offers outdoor equipment such as canoes, sleeping bags, tents and cross country skis for student use. Warner said that Brother John has been a great asset to the office. He has provided all of the equipment for events thus far, and he has even joined students in a couple canoe trips, Warner said.
As well as offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, the Office of Outdoor Leadership plans to encourage environmental leadership development. SMU is a partner with the Leave No Trace (LNT) organization, which means that the university is committed to spreading the message of outdoor ethics. Warner is a trained LNT Master, which allows him to train others. Eventually the Office for Outdoor Leadership would like to train students as volunteer trip leaders so that outdoor opportunities are available almost constantly.
Some of the activities that Warner hopes to implement during the remainder of the year include: indoor rock climbing, downhill skiing, backpacking, cycling, winter camping, snowboarding and kayaking. Also, Warner said that he is always open to students’ ideas for activities, especially during this time of development. If students would like to make suggestions, they should stop by his office at 8D Toner Student Center.
Ultimately, the Office of Outdoor Leadership hopes to develop in students an appreciation for the environment, which will lead to stewardship of the land. Often times outdoor experiences allow people to take a step back from the stressors in their daily life and reflect. Warner said that experience in the outdoors helps the development of virtues that grow the total person.
Feature Editor
Many opportunities for outdoor recreation have been offered for students at Saint Mary’s University so far this year, including weekend hiking and canoe trips, in which over 120 students have participated. This programming has been made possible by the newly-implemented Office of Outdoor Leadership at SMU, directed by Davey Warner (’07).
Read more...
The idea for this office came last year from a group of staff members, including Chris Kendall, vice president for student development. The idea regarded the many outdoor opportunities that exist in the area. The premise was that many students choose to come to SMU because of its natural surroundings, but they find it difficult to actually get out into those surroundings. The Office of Outdoor Leadership serves to organize outdoor recreational activities for students to enjoy the environment firsthand.
The Office of Outdoor Leadership has been collaborating with the Environmental Awareness Center, managed by Brother John Grover, to provide students with the resources necessary for outdoor ventures. The Environmental Awareness Center offers outdoor equipment such as canoes, sleeping bags, tents and cross country skis for student use. Warner said that Brother John has been a great asset to the office. He has provided all of the equipment for events thus far, and he has even joined students in a couple canoe trips, Warner said.
As well as offering opportunities for outdoor recreation, the Office of Outdoor Leadership plans to encourage environmental leadership development. SMU is a partner with the Leave No Trace (LNT) organization, which means that the university is committed to spreading the message of outdoor ethics. Warner is a trained LNT Master, which allows him to train others. Eventually the Office for Outdoor Leadership would like to train students as volunteer trip leaders so that outdoor opportunities are available almost constantly.
Some of the activities that Warner hopes to implement during the remainder of the year include: indoor rock climbing, downhill skiing, backpacking, cycling, winter camping, snowboarding and kayaking. Also, Warner said that he is always open to students’ ideas for activities, especially during this time of development. If students would like to make suggestions, they should stop by his office at 8D Toner Student Center.
Ultimately, the Office of Outdoor Leadership hopes to develop in students an appreciation for the environment, which will lead to stewardship of the land. Often times outdoor experiences allow people to take a step back from the stressors in their daily life and reflect. Warner said that experience in the outdoors helps the development of virtues that grow the total person.
Res. halls get 'green' representation
By Candice Norrell
Sports Editor
Saint Mary’s University’s student senate passed a resolution in the spring of 2007 supporting a “green” campus. Now, the Office of Residence Life is working hard to do their part with the introduction of hall recycling representatives.
Read more...
“We came up with the idea [of hall representatives] at the beginning of this academic year while brainstorming ways to improve our current recycling program,” said Pines, St. Joe’s and LaSalle Hall Director Kristin De Vito on behalf of the Office of Residence Life.
An email was sent out at the beginning of the semester introducing the idea of the hall representatives and about 17 students replied, according to De Vito.
“Having reps will hopefully help us reach our goal of going green,” De Vito said. “While the university is taking steps towards sustainability, it starts in the residence halls. The easiest way each and every student can contribute is to recycle.”
Having at least one representative in each hall is the first step, De Vito said.
Duties of the hall representatives include ensuring every hall has a recycling room and maintaining it, encouraging fellow residents to recycle, and doing passive/active programming. Representatives will also help with publicity along with preparing, helping and planning ideas for future campaigns, such as “Leave it Behind” during move-out weekend and hall recycling competitions.
“Whatever time students are able to give is appreciated, whether they help with everything or only some initiatives,” De Vito said.
“The group is still in the process of getting going,” De Vito continued. “Going ‘green’ is something we need everyone’s help with—students, faculty and staff.”
According to De Vito, Pines, Hillside, Vlazny, Old Village, Watters, Benilde and St. Yon’s halls still do not have any representatives. If anyone is interested in becoming the hall representative for these halls, if anyone is interested in helping the SMU community “go green,” or if someone has ideas about what they would like to see on our campus, please contact De Vito at kdevito@smumn.edu.
Sports Editor
Saint Mary’s University’s student senate passed a resolution in the spring of 2007 supporting a “green” campus. Now, the Office of Residence Life is working hard to do their part with the introduction of hall recycling representatives.
Read more...
“We came up with the idea [of hall representatives] at the beginning of this academic year while brainstorming ways to improve our current recycling program,” said Pines, St. Joe’s and LaSalle Hall Director Kristin De Vito on behalf of the Office of Residence Life.
An email was sent out at the beginning of the semester introducing the idea of the hall representatives and about 17 students replied, according to De Vito.
“Having reps will hopefully help us reach our goal of going green,” De Vito said. “While the university is taking steps towards sustainability, it starts in the residence halls. The easiest way each and every student can contribute is to recycle.”
Having at least one representative in each hall is the first step, De Vito said.
Duties of the hall representatives include ensuring every hall has a recycling room and maintaining it, encouraging fellow residents to recycle, and doing passive/active programming. Representatives will also help with publicity along with preparing, helping and planning ideas for future campaigns, such as “Leave it Behind” during move-out weekend and hall recycling competitions.
“Whatever time students are able to give is appreciated, whether they help with everything or only some initiatives,” De Vito said.
“The group is still in the process of getting going,” De Vito continued. “Going ‘green’ is something we need everyone’s help with—students, faculty and staff.”
According to De Vito, Pines, Hillside, Vlazny, Old Village, Watters, Benilde and St. Yon’s halls still do not have any representatives. If anyone is interested in becoming the hall representative for these halls, if anyone is interested in helping the SMU community “go green,” or if someone has ideas about what they would like to see on our campus, please contact De Vito at kdevito@smumn.edu.
Tips to be 'green'
By Betsy Baertlein
Features Editor
• Ride a bike or take the bus instead of driving into town.
• Utilize recycling facilities on campus to recycle everything from
paper to plastic to aluminum cans.
• Unplug mp3 and cell phone chargers when not in use.
• Turn out the lights in your room when you leave for 30 seconds
or more
• If you see trash on the ground, pick it up.
• Save water by reporting a leaky faucet or show to mainte-
nance immediately.
• Reuse containers and bags whenever possible.
• Shut down your laptop if you won’t be using it for an hour or
more.
• Enjoy your natural surroundings. Take a walk in the bluffs!
Features Editor
• Ride a bike or take the bus instead of driving into town.
• Utilize recycling facilities on campus to recycle everything from
paper to plastic to aluminum cans.
• Unplug mp3 and cell phone chargers when not in use.
• Turn out the lights in your room when you leave for 30 seconds
or more
• If you see trash on the ground, pick it up.
• Save water by reporting a leaky faucet or show to mainte-
nance immediately.
• Reuse containers and bags whenever possible.
• Shut down your laptop if you won’t be using it for an hour or
more.
• Enjoy your natural surroundings. Take a walk in the bluffs!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)