If you are interested in having an event sent out over the listserv, please send an email with the title, time, date, location and description to susevent@indiana.edu (or reply to this email) by the Saturday evening before your event occurs. Occasionally, we will send out additional notices, but we’ll try to keep those to a minimum.October 5 – November 2
In pursuit of these goals, IUOS is rolling out a new promotional campaign for the program. The new campaign will focus on securing written, public commitments from participants to engage in sustainable behaviors during the four weeks of the competition. Participants will receive pins declaring “I’m taking the Energy Challenge!” upon signing the electronic pledge form. Participants will also be invited to have their photos taken in a traveling photo pledge booth, all of which will be uploaded to the program’s website and Facebook page.
For more information about the 2011 Fall Energy Challenge and water and energy saving tips, please visit http://energychallenge.indiana.edu. If you would like to request pledge pins or to reserve the traveling photo pledge booth for a group or meeting, contact Energy Challenge Coordinator Will McHenry at iuec@indiana.edu.
NO CLEAR Answer? or NUCLEAR Solution?
Understand the debate over nuclear energy in relation to hazardous waste disposal options, public health, and sustainability.
When: 7:00 pm
Where: Meyers Hall room 130
Description: Following Japan’s nuclear disaster in March, the debate over the use of nuclear energy received significant attention worldwide. While some countries rely almost entirely on nuclear power and view it as a clean energy source, others adamantly refuse to implement it. This contrast generates much confusion over what nuclear energy actually is, if it is in fact dangerous, and how it may or may not fit into the future of energy in the United States. Join us in a conversation about the current and future state of nuclear energy. The discussion will be led by three panelists and will address radiation safety, nuclear waste disposal options, and whether or not nuclear can be considered sustainable. Rather than pushing for one side of the issue, this event seeks to open up a forum for audience questions. Our distinguished panelists include:
John Applegate is the Walter W. Foskett Professor of Law at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law as well as the IU Executive Vice President for regional affairs, planning, and policy. He was recently appointed to the National Academy of Sciences’ Nuclear and Radiation Studies Board and is nationally recognized for his work in environmental risk assessment and policy analysis. Applegate has written many books and articles on the regulation of toxic substances, defense nuclear waste, public participation in environmental decisions, and international environmental law.
Paul Sokol is a professor of condensed matter physics (experimental) at IU. His research expertise includes the areas of neutron and X-ray scattering, quantum liquids, nanosytems, and phase transitions. Sokol formerly served as director of the IU Cyclotron Facility, recently restructured into the new physics research laboratory, called the Center for the Exploration of Energy and Matter.
Gregory Crouch is a broadly trained radiological health and safety professional with more than 30 years of diverse experience in various positions within universities and government. He holds a Master of Science in Radiological Health Physics from Purdue University and a Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota. He is currently the Director of Radiological Safety for Indiana University – Bloomington, where his responsibilities include managing the activities and associated hazards of radioactive material uses licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. His professional experience also includes serving in several key positions in State Radiological Emergency Response Plans. Crouch has developed and taught courses in “Environmental Health Science”, Controversies in Environmental Health,” “Radiological Hazard Management”, and “Nuclear Technology and the Environment.”
This event is co-sponsored by IU Volunteers in Sustainability and the Hutton Honors College.
Wednesday, October 26
Green Drinks Bloomington: Economics for Prosperity on a Finite Planet
When: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
Where: Upland Brewery Banquet Facility, 350 West 11th Street, Bloomington
Description: Green Drinks Bloomington is a lively, informal social networking event for people from all walks of life who are interested in making a greener world. Folks gather every month to share libations and ideas, discuss, debate, explore and make new friends and business connections. On Wednesday, October 26, Bill Brown, Indiana University’s Director of Sustainability, will give a talk entitled “Applied Sustainability: Student Leadership in Campus and Community Sustainability at IU”. Join Green Drinks Bloomington for a celebration of national Campus Sustainability Day and hear how students are driving change through sustainability initiatives.This will be the last Green Drinks Bloomington for 2011. We’ll be back with more engaging speakers in January of 2012. Green Drinks Bloomington is held the 4th Wednesday of every month from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the Banquet Facility of the Upland Brewing Company. There’s a $5 suggested donation, some food will be provided. To receive a monthly reminder, write to greendrinksbloomington@gmail.com. To learn more about Green Drinks visit www.greendrinks.org.
When: 2-hour shifts available between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM
Where: 17th and Fess; Look for the Greening Cream and Crimson tent
Description: We’ll be participating in the EPA GameDay Challenge and will be taking on other Big Ten schools in an effort to host the greenest football game. That’s why we need your help! Volunteers will educate fans on recycling, distribute recycling bags, and work to increase the overall amount of recycling captured. We have various 2 hour shifts available throughout the day so you don’t need to give up your entire Saturday to volunteer with us. You’ll receive a Greening Cream and Crimson T-shirt, as well as snacks and drinks throughout your shift. Click here for more information and to register!If you have any questions, please contact John Hageman at gcc@indiana.edu or by phone at 847.421.6259
The Carbon Cycle: Indiana and the World Breathe Together
When: 7:00 p.m.
Where: Monroe County Public Library, Meeting Room 1B
Description: In a highly visual presentation, IU professor Faiz Rahman will share an overview of what we know and still don’t know about the carbon cycle and its impact on our lives. He’ll discuss his use of data collected from small planes, a cherry picker, and a tower, as well as NASA satellite data to study changes in Morgan Monroe State Forest and other forested areas in the country, as well as the disappearing mangrove swamps of southeast Asia. You can register here: http://www.monroe.lib.in.us/general_info/events.html. Drop-ins are also welcome.
November 16-17
GreenTown 2011
Where: Indiana State University, Terre Haute
Description:
Creating a Sustainable Wabash Valley at GreenTown: The Future of Community – How do we create healthy, sustainable communities? Communities with green jobs. Healthy food. A culture of biking and walking. A built and natural environment that fosters healthy, thriving communities. Whether you are part of the public or private sector, join us for GreenTown in downtown Terre Haute, Indiana on November 16 (half-day pre-conference) and November 17 (full day experience) on the campus of Indiana State University to work toward a brighter future. This event will feature keynote presentations from Dr. Richard Jackson, Author and Chair of the School of Public Health at UCLA, and Mayor Bob Dixson of Greensburg, Kansas.
This is the tenth GreenTown event co-produced by a5 and Seven Generations Ahead, and we welcome those from all over Indiana, Illinois and the Midwest to GreenTown Terre Haute.
For more information and to register click here: http://www.greentownconference.com/about_terre_haute_2011.asp
Ongoing Events and Opportunities:
Winter Thermostat Settings – a message from the IU Physical Plant
Cold weather is here, so please set down the thermostats to the winter set point of 68 degrees for classrooms, offices, hallways, lounges and general rooms (excluding labs with critical temperature requirements). Set points can be slightly higher for rooms that have window, ventilation or other comfort problems. Vestibules should be set at 60 degrees. The thermostats that control cooling only units should be left at 78 degrees.
Please contact the Operations Dispatchers to have Work Request initiated for each building involved with this work. These Work Requests will be part of Project No. 2012. If these set points cause problems for particular rooms please contact Doug Trueblood (rtrueblo@indiana.edu). Thank you for the many ways you continue to help us keep our energy cost down as much as possible.
Call for Papers on Higher Education and Sustainable Food Systems
The Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development is calling for papers that focus on university or college sustainability efforts related to food and agriculture. Papers could be based on case studies, surveys, focus groups, impact analysis, or other research based on your campus’s or students’ experiences. Contact Duncan Hilchey at duncan@newleafnet.com if you have any questions or are interested in learning more about the call. Full text of the current calls is available here. To learn more about the Journal of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Community Development, go to www.AgDevJournal.com.
Green Acres Neighborhood Ecovillage
Want to grow sustainable community right here in Bloomington? Our “retrofit cohousing” ecovillage offers sustainability-related events, community potlucks, music jams, and much more. Come learn with us (even if you don’t live in the neighborhood) and make new friends. We welcome folks of all ages who are attracted to our vision. Learn more at www.ganecovillage.org/vision-and-values. To get involved, join our email list by sending a blank email to: green-acres-neighborhood-ecovillage+subscribe@googlegroups.com.
U8 network seeks IU student involvement
The U8 is a global network that connects students and institutions from around the world to discuss international development issues (www.u8development.org). We are a non-profit organisation that has been running since 2005 and has previously brought together students from around the world to discuss development issues with the desire to engage policy makers and the media. Our summits in Warwick and Cambridge brought the student voice to the attention of governments and the world’s media.
This is a really exciting time for students to link with the U8 and join our network of universities. Students or student societies/organizations that may be interested in joining the U8 global network or starting a U8 group, or those would simply like more information about what the U8 is, how a U8 group works or what the Summit will involve please contact Daniel Waldron (dan@u8development.org).
During the 2011 Fall semester, students, faculty, and staff are invited to come work in the dirt at the Bryan House every Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. Tools and gloves are provided. Please share this opportunity with your peers. If you would like to volunteer, or if you are enrolled in a course or work with an organization that you think might be interested in this garden initiative, please email garden intern Stephanie Hopkins at iugarden@indiana.edu.
The Bryan House Garden is located on the eastern lawn of the Bryan House, just to the west of the Musical Arts Center.
Monroe County Pharmaceutical Disposal Program
The Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office this week announced a new effort to collect and properly dispose of unused, unwanted or expired pharmaceutical drugs and controlled substances in order to reduce the risk of illegal diversion, drug abuse, overdose, and environmental risks resulting from improper disposal. For more information visit http://www.co.monroe.in.us/prosecutor and follow the link to the Monroe County Pharmaceutical Safe Disposal Program, or call 349-DRUG.
Take the Pledge – Go Phosphorus Free!
Clear Choices for Clean Water is a campaign to increase awareness about lawn care and its impact on our streams and lakes. Water quality friendly lawn care includes practices such as using phosphorus-free fertilizer, landscaping with native plants, managing yard and pet wastes, and overall lawn reform. Click here to take the pledge: http://www.clearchoicescleanwater.org/
Show tornadoes that they aren’t welcome here!! Donate to the City of Bloomington Tree Fund
During the storms last May, the campus and community lost an estimated 500-700 trees, some of which were 150 years old or more. Help replace these monuments in our green city! Contact dunbarb@bloomington.in.gov (or 349.3498) to make a donation. Anything you contribute will help send a signal to tornadoes to dissipate into refreshing spring breezes.
Student Conservation Association Internships
The SCA is one of the biggest partners for national parks and forests. Each year, they send thousands of youth across the country to get conservation experience in awesome places. Living expenses, housing, and round trip travel provided. Internships run from 3-12 months and are available in all 50 states. See http://thesca.org/serve/internships for more information and to apply.
Great downtown location. Shared meeting space. Fantastic deal, includes all utils. and internet. $350/mo., contact harmony@indiana.edu for details.
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