Turning your thermostat down just 2 degrees in the winter and up 2 degrees in the summer could save about 2,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide a year.
Source: World Wide Fund for Nature
Environmental Stewardship at Augsburg
Forum – MN Energy Regulation
The Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) is celebrating their 35th Anniversary. The CEE is a local nonprofit specializing in the reduction of waste energy for homeowners, businesses, government and non-profit agencies. They will be hosting a forum: The Future of Energy Regulation in Minnesota | Policy Opportunities and Innovations
President and CEO of Xcel Energy, Ben Fowke, will be interviewed followed by a discussion with state energy policy experts.
Event Information
Where: Minnesota History Center, 3M Auditorium
When: Tuesday, January 27th
Networking Reception: 5:15 – 6:15
Program: 6:15 – 8:15
Cost: FREE
Delivery of office supplies changes to twice a week in support of Green by 2019
Jill Daveneport, manager of purchasing and central services, shared in a January 16 A-mail the good news that staff who order office supplies have collaborated to support Augsburg College’s commitment to be “Green by 2019.” The cross-departmental group will receive orders only twice a week rather than the current five days per week, reducing the number of trips that the delivery truck makes to our campus. This change will go into effect February 2. Please check in with the colleague in your area who is in charge of ordering supplies if you have questions. Thank you to this group for their good work and for their support of College priorities.
Green Tips for the Holidays!
It’s easy to get caught up in all the holiday craziness and forget about how much extra waste we produce during this time of year. This article (c/o Shred-Right) shares some helpful tips on staying green throughout the holiday season.
Ho, Ho, Ho…liday Waste
Peace on earth, good will to landfills
We’ve believed green was the most trend-right color for 25 years, and not just at Christmas time. We’re glad to see the rest of the population embracing this bold new green way of living. Holiday time or year-round, recycling is key for sustainability.
But how do we stay green without becoming the Grinch during holiday time?
- Americans throw away 25% more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year’s holiday period than any other time of year. The extra waste amounts to 25 million tons of garbage, or about 1 million extra tons per week!
- Look for gifts with an environmental message: a nature book, a refillable thermos bottle, a canvas tote bag, a battery recharger or items made from recycled materials. Choose solar powered instead of battery powered products. Or better yet, ones that require no power at all.
- Other environmentally-smart gifts include homemade ones: The average American spends $800 on gifts over the holiday season. Think about your time and energy spent driving all around town looking at so much stuff. Try giving homemade items like cookies, bread or jams, a plant or tree.
- Gifts that don’t create any waste at all: concert or movie tickets, dinner at a restaurant, or an IOU to help rake leaves or repair a leaky faucet. Ones that get “used up”: candles, soap, or seeds for next year’s garden.
- Wrap gifts in recycled or reused wrapping paper or funny papers. Also remember to save or recycle used wrapping paper. Give gifts that don’t require much packaging, such as concert tickets or gift certificates.
- Turn off or unplug holiday lights during the day. Doing so will not only save energy, but will also help your lights last longer.
Thanks to the EPA, Standford and Reduce.org for these Grinch-free tips.
Zobitz on Climate Change with International Business Times
International Business Times consulted with several climate change researchers including Augsburg’s mathematics and environmental studies professor, John Zobitz. He shares his insights into the recent record-breaking snowstorm in the Buffalo, New York area and why it’s been so cold and snowy in the U.S. in general this November. Is it due to climate change/global warming? That’s a controversial question but read the article and find out what Zobitz had to say along with the other researchers.
Green Gifts Fair
The holiday season is right around the corner. Well, to be honest- it’s pretty much here already. Why not be eco-friendly in your gift giving this holiday season? The Green Gifts Fair is the perfect place to do just that. This Saturday, November 22nd, the Green Gifts Fair will be taking place at the Midtown Global Market from 10a-5p. Get some of your holiday shopping done early, find some unique gifts and support the local community. Over 80 local artists and retailers will be selling their environmentally friendly goods.
While you’re there, sample some food and pick up the new 2015 Do It Green Directory listing green organizations in Minnesota. And one more thing – you can download a Metro Transit Pass for a FREE ride this week. Bonus!
Saturday, November 22, 2014
10:00am to 5:00pm
At the Midtown Global Market
920 E. Lake St., Minneapolis
$1 Donation/person accepted at the door
Frontiers in the Environment
How Can We Connect Children to the Natural World?
The University of Minnesota is hosting the Frontiers in the Environment Series. This week’s discussion addresses how to connect children with nature. Most would probably agree that technology has created a lot of conveniences but it’s also created a lot of distraction. Video games, movies and TV shows are accessible literally in the palm of your hand, not to mention just internet surfing in general and the distraction of social networking sites. Many children spend more time glued to a glowing screen than outside interacting with their environment and with nature. So how do we break through those distractions? How do they impact our future and change the way children see and interact with the world? Cathy Jordan, Associate Professor and Doctor in Clinical Psychology, will share her insights into these questions.
Wednesday, November 12th
12 noon – 1:00 pm
R-380 Learning and Environmental Sciences
1954 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108
If you can’t attend in person, the option is given to view the event online from afar!
Native American Film Series
It’s been posted all over campus and online but here’s another reminder. The first screening of the Native American Film Series is tonight. Yes, that’s right. TONIGHT. The 2014-15 season will focus on environmental issues and climate change from the perspective of various indigenous groups.
Tonight’s event will feature Listening for the Rain: Indigenous Perspectives on Climate Change. A discussion will follow after the screening with the filmmakers, Jeff Palmer (Kiowa), Filoteo Gomez Martinez (Ayuuk) and sociologist, Sonia Davila-Poblete. Wish you had a little more information? Well, then read about the filmmakers and check out the trailer.
Sateren Auditorium- Music Hall
715 22nd Ave South
Reception 6:00-6:30
Screening begins at 6:45
Reception 6:00-6:30
Screening begins at 6:45
Discussion to follow screening
Holy Thrift – An Art Show!
This weekend, see second-hand items turned into art at the Grain Belt Bottling House. Yes, artwork can have a sustainable emphasis – without using twigs, bark and pine cones. Although, there’s nothing wrong with that either! Mary-Laurel True (director of community engagement) will be debuting her work as well. Come show your support, view some creative works and enjoy the tasty treats. This event is open to everyone!
Saturday, October 18th @ 6-9pm
Grain Belt Bottling House
79 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Net Impact Conference
If you’re interested in learning about sustainable business, you may want to attend the Net Impact Conference. Net Impact will be coming to the Twin Cities November 6th-8th.
But what is Net Impact? It is a non-profit organization that provides resources to empower emerging leaders for social change and building a more sustainable future. This should be a great networking opportunity for those looking to connect with like-minded people and discover what today’s business leaders are doing to become more sustainable. Check out their site to register and learn more about the various workshops, panels, programs and numerous other learning opportunities for students and professionals.