tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16446093839173244232024-03-15T18:10:18.348-07:00Sustainable DePaulDr. Marco Tavantihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013036551106540220noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-52842555787539729462012-08-10T16:10:00.001-07:002012-08-10T16:20:49.384-07:00Lincoln Park campus to welcome urban farm - News - The DePaulia - The student newspaper of DePaul University<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Urban farming at DePaul</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Verdana, 'Lucinda Grande'; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.3em;">For most students, the freshness of their groceries depends on the selection at Dominick’s that week. However, that may no longer be the only source for local produce after the DePaul Urban Farming Organization’s (UFO) urban farm breaks ground in May.</span></div>
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The new organization was developed in the fall by students from Barbara Willard’s Urban Agriculture class who felt the need to address sustainability on another local level. The group’s farm will make temporary use of the purchased lot at the corner of Belden and Bissell Avenues, just blocks away from the Lincoln Park Student Center and across from Wish Field.</div>
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“It is a natural fit with the university’s newly-launched Institutional Sustainability Plan,” said James Montgomery, associate professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Studies. “As DePaul focuses on becoming a more sustainable institution with respect to its curriculum operations, research and community engagement, issues of food quality and food access are vital elements. The farm allows us to begin addressing these issues.”</div>
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The farm will encourage all students and faculty to learn about urban agriculture and connect classroom learning with urban nature and community engagement. The group hopes the project will also educate the public about how to establish and enjoy sustainable food production systems.</div>
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“Students will have the opportunity to conduct research on various aspects of food production, besides getting their hands dirty and playing with worms,” said Montgomery. "The farm connects students to food directly and intimately.”</div>
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Starting in the fall, DePaul will offer an urban agriculture minor, making this addition to the Lincoln Park campus even more purposeful as students will be able to watch the garden progress in an urban and degraded environment.</div>
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<a href="http://www.depauliaonline.com/news/lincoln-park-campus-to-welcome-urban-farm-1.2849044#.UCWUMAiJ2-Y.blogger">Lincoln Park campus to welcome urban farm - News - The DePaulia - The student newspaper of DePaul University</a><br />
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Learn more at <a href="http://distinctions.depaul.edu/Pages/UrbanagriculturecomestoDePaul.aspx" target="_blank">http://distinctions.depaul.edu/Pages/UrbanagriculturecomestoDePaul.aspx </a>Dr. Marco Tavantihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013036551106540220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-39834314462835332042012-08-10T16:06:00.001-07:002012-08-10T16:24:52.094-07:00New sustainability initiative in motion - News - The DePaulia - The student newspaper of DePaul University<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.3em;">The Sustainability Initiatives Task Force (</span><span data-scayt_word="SITF" data-scaytid="8" style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.3em; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">SITF</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.3em;">) began their journey with a question: In what ways does the focus on sustainability function to build DePaul’s capacity to be an agent of social transformation?</span></div>
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Two years later, it appears that we have an answer to that question and a plan of action. Last week, a faculty-wide letter from Rev. Dennis H. <span data-scayt_word="Holtschneider" data-scaytid="15" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Holtschneider</span>, CM announced the completion of the Institutional Sustainability Plan (ISP). An accompanying cover letter described the plan as “a baseline audit of activity and list of proposed<span data-scayt_word="recommendations.”" data-scaytid="13" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">recommendations.”</span></div>
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This report is the first of its kind at the university and covers many facets of university life ranging from academics to operations. According to Barbara Willard, an environmental science and communication professor at DePaul, the task force was meant to get the ball rolling in regards to the ISP.</div>
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“We began working to come up with a strategy as to how to create a plan that was comprehensive, stressed all aspects of sustainability (as too often people narrowly see it as only environmental), and involve the DePaul community in the process,” said Willard.</div>
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In light of the recent student protests regarding tuition increases, the issue of how these applications fit into the budget becomes relevant.</div>
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While a “green fee” in tuition costs is typical at many universities, DePaul has yet to implement one. Student Government and the Environmental Concerns Committee have been working toward adding such a fee, which is generally around $10-$20 per quarter.</div>
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“It actually should make the university more economically sound because we will see long-term savings due to conservation of energy, water, and resources,” said Willard.</div>
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Senior journalism major, Evan Taylor, said that she would not mind paying a fee at all.</div>
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“That’s a really small amount to contribute and I would be happy to pay it, as long as I knew exactly where the money was going,” Taylor said. “I love seeing the things like the water bottle refill stations that show exactly how many bottles we’ve saved.”</div>
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Jonathan Eiseman, senator for sustainability within Student Government, sees the SITF as critical to realizing the goals DePaul has set.</div>
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“Their role is one of establishing the language that DePaul will use to communicate the changes that will take place in the future,” said Eiseman. “They determine the most plausible, economically efficient, and ecologically sound procedures for becoming the most sustainable urban campus.”</div>
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The task force is comprised of four “working groups”: curriculum, operations, research and engagement. Each group worked to isolate problems in their assigned areas and propose solutions that eventually made up the ISP that Fr. Holtschneider approved, according to Willard. Currently, the task force is working toward implementation of some of the proposed recommendations.</div>
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The SITF chose the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS) that was created by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education as their measurement standard for creating a baseline to work up from.</div>
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Additionally, Housing Service’s “Green Team” attempts to promote sustainable living and environmental awareness across campus, another testament to DePaul’s commitment. As popular as environmentalism has become, Green Team supervisor, Cecelia Jacobson, said that it is certainly not a passing trend.</div>
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“All of the new DePaul buildings are LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified -- which isn’t easy,” said Jacobson. “I believe that it is now policy to build our new projects within those guidelines.”</div>
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The Green Team and their “eco reps” host events across campus that increase the knowledge of sustainability in the residence halls and campus buildings.</div>
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“We hope that the impact we make on students will stick with them throughout the rest of their lives,” said Jacobson.</div>
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Eiseman confirmed DePaul’s policy of LEED certification and offers a long-term perspective of the commitment the university has made.</div>
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“The students who are involved with ‘greening’ our campus seem very committed to realizing these changes,” said Eiseman. “However, their time at DePaul is short in comparison to the strategic plan – and even shorter when comparing them to faculty and staff who have been and will be here for a good chunk of time.”</div>
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The next phase of the plan is the creation of a DePaul Sustainability Network (DSN) that will serve as a campus-wide group “working to sharpen, reshape and implement some of the recommendations contained in the ISP” in an effort to improve.</div>
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“The faculty members heavily involved in the <span data-scayt_word="DSN" data-scaytid="3" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">DSN</span> and <span data-scayt_word="SITF" data-scaytid="4" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">SITF</span> are amongst the most committed toward seeing these institution-wide changes take place in a reasonable amount of time,” <span data-scayt_word="Eiseman" data-scaytid="5" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Eiseman</span> said.</div>
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Published at http://www.depauliaonline.com/news/new-sustainability-initiative-in-motion-1.2841603#.UCWTsGOe7iY </div>
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<em style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">More info can be found at <a href="http://mission.depaul.edu/Programs/Sustainability/Pages/default.aspx" style="color: #000065; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><strong style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">DePaul's <span data-scayt_word="Sustanability" data-scaytid="22" style="list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Sustanability</span> page</strong></a>.</em></div>Dr. Marco Tavantihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013036551106540220noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-71702950922711554332012-08-10T15:56:00.001-07:002012-08-10T15:56:52.520-07:00DePaul Invites People to RecycleA cure video to invite people to use the solar powered recycle Big-Belly at DePaul<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/auVvGhIgGqc?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>Dr. Marco Tavantihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013036551106540220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-3289026162708835032012-08-10T15:51:00.000-07:002012-08-10T15:51:17.865-07:00Ten Things Wrong with Environmental Sustainability<br />
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Heneghan gave a presentation entitled "Ten Things Wrong With Environmental Thought & What We Can Do To Change Them: An Environmental Manifesto" at NYU on Tuesday, February 15, 2011.</div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><b><a href="http://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/events-news/Liam_Heneghan.html" target="_blank">WHATCH THE VIDEO LECTURE HERE</a></b></span></div>
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Liam Heneghan is a professor of environmental science and ecosystem ecology at <a href="http://www.depaul.edu/" style="border: 0px none; color: #d11255; list-style-type: none; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target=""_blank"">DePaul University</a> in Chicago, Illinois. He is also co-director of the university's Institute for Nature and Culture. In "Ten Things Wrong With Environmental Thought & What We Can Do To Change Them: An Environmental Manifesto," he asks if the environmentalism that we have received from the foundational figures in environmental thought provides us with the proper ground for an appropriate response to today's ecological problems. In a series of ten provocations he suggests we need a radical reassessment of our understanding of people's relation to the natural world.</div>
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Heneghan specializes in biological invasions, ecological restoration, arthropod ecology, and soil ecology. His research has covered European soil foodwebs, and their vulnerability to acid rain, as well as interbiome comparisons of nutrient dynamics and decomposition of North American and tropical forest ecosystems. Currently, Heneghan and his pupils are putting effort into researching, preserving, and restoring Midwestern ecosystems.</div>
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In 2010, Heneghan jumpstarted the DeepMap project, where he - along with a small group of students - count and gather data for every tree in Lincoln Park. Further, he intends to plant millions of trees over the upcoming years. As co-chair of the science team of the Chicago Wilderness Association, Heneghan and his team garnered $435,325 from the National Science Foundation to research how people are affected by the degree of nature in their environment, while trying to see how resource planning models influence biodiversity.</div>
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In January, 2011, Heneghan co-authored <em style="border: 0px none; list-style-type: none; padding: 0px;">Brute Neighbors: Urban Nature Poetry, Prose, and Photography</em>, an anthology of urban nature, poetry, prose, and photography, with poet Chris Green. The work encourages environmental awareness by exposing the beauty of biodiversity, and explains that we can - paradoxically - turn to the city for answers, through careful urban design.</div>
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</div>Dr. Marco Tavantihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013036551106540220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-31857226584673847052012-06-01T08:24:00.000-07:002012-08-10T12:05:55.058-07:00Sustainable International Development: RIO+20 Dr. Alfredo Sfeir Younis Insights<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bl5ogdAnDTo" width="560"></iframe>Dr. Marco Tavantihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013036551106540220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-29123802567795833002012-04-02T12:34:00.000-07:002012-04-02T12:35:13.253-07:00Environmental Justice<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> 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unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi">Go Green! No. 4</span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi">The world is a home for many different inhabitants. Not only does wildlife and vegetation have their respective homes, but also many diverse populations share the world. No matter how differently subscribed people may be, the world is home to all. Even in the great American city of Chicago, all citizens of diverse cultures, ethnicities, philosophies, and opinions, have an equal right to live and thrive in their homes. There are divides in socio-economic status, in political beliefs, in traditions, and in religions but we must never forget that we all are neighbors, we are all Chicagoans, we are all Americans, and we are all humans. We must strive for egalitarianism, and for Chicago, America, and the world to honor the most natural, inalienable right to life, we must unite in our interest to protect all human’s right to life.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi">The world is our home, a home to many, but it is a home that shines above for some and for others it is a modest attempt to shelter a family. For many Chicagoans in neighborhoods like Pilsen and Little Village, a home consists of crumbling houses, weakened infrastructure, and contaminated water. Even the air is polluted, air that any other Chicagoan, American, or human could breathe. Neighborhoods with these conditions are not fictional, and it is because of the major coal-burning energy factories that cause this undeserving living conditions. It would seem that the solution is then very easy; Chicago must close the coal-burning factories. Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. (Though it is unprecedented that the Fisk and Crawford Factories, two of Chicago’s largest coal-burning facilities, were announced to close this past February.) After years of repeated exposure these Chicago neighborhoods are finally being treated with the same opportunities that the rest of the city has come to regard as standard living conditions.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi">At DePaul University, the Green Team projected this situation in the Student Center for February’s theme, Environmental Justice. We presented the neighborhoods surrounding the power plants and connected the city by showing the union of Chicago’s upper class living and the energy that comes from the factories. The environmental <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">injustice</i> that affects the lower class neighborhoods is that Chicago and other cities in the area get their power from these factories, but the adverse effects are only felt by those in close proximately; essentially, many of the families that live in factory neighborhoods are of lower socio-economic status and do not have the financial means to live in places where clean air and water are customary living conditions. Fortunately, two of Chicago’s largest coal-burning factories, Fisk and Crawford, were announced days after the Green Team demonstration to not only be closing but to be committing their full attention on cleaning the areas afflicted by the factories.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi">After such a pressing issue, what’s next for the Green Team? Our attention has turned to a prominent concern <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">on campus</i> and so for the month of March, our theme is creative recycling methods. The Green Team will be holding seminars in each of the freshman dormitories sharing different creative ways of reusing common things found in average dorm rooms. Each event will be the first weekend after break and all are welcome to join the Green Team in celebrating springtime with resourceful devices to make dorm life easier and promote sustainability. And who could forget April, the middle of spring and the month of Earth Day? The Green Team will be working closely with the Environmental Concerns Committee (ECC) to commemorate green living in the city each day in the week prior to Earth Day (April 22). </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Interested in DePaul’s Eco-Reps? Check us out on Facebook and follow our updates on Twitter! (Facebook: “Eco Reps” in search under “People” and we’re the first hit! Twitter: “depaul_ecoreps”) New events, places, and environmentally friendly tips are always available!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi"><span style="font-style: italic;">Written by Matthew Morley, DePaul Eco-Rep</span><br /></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-4113908022548889752012-02-13T17:12:00.000-08:002012-02-13T17:14:17.945-08:00From Sustainable Fods to Envrionmental Justice<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> 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unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:center" align="center"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi">Go Green! DePaul Eco-Reps<br /></span></i></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>For those who remember the 27<sup>th</sup> of October, the early hours of that day were not promising for the DePaul Green Team’s farmer’s market. A typical Chicago overcast darkened the sky, and cold rains fell surely ruining the day. But, by some stroke of luck, clouds parted and rains subsided only a few hours before the Green Foods Festival. Hours of planning and scheduling only two weeks before the set date came to a major success. Hundreds of DePaul students flooded the Quadrangle and thousands of samples from Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, Mariano’s Market, Native Foods and Karyn’s on Green were distributed. Eagerly passing out information about the event, the Green Team was able to meet their goal. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>While the prospect of free food may have brought majority of the students on campus to the Green Foods Festival, it is with high hopes from the Green Team that each student left with knowledge about the health benefits of environmentally friendly sources of nourishment. In a span of four hours, the Green Team accomplished their aspirations and then some. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi">What then is next for the DePaul Green Team? And after such a popular event, how can the Green Team achieve a larger number of participants? Many questions like these were asked at the meetings following the Green Foods Festival. Stemming from the seed of health foods and environmentally friendly groceries, the Green Team’s next major project will be concerned with Environmental Health and Justice.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi">To give an idea of what this project entails, the Green Team will be visiting neighborhoods and learning about the socioeconomic population trapped in environmentally unsafe living conditions. While these neighborhoods may seem to have only existed decades ago, areas like these exist in many cities today, including in Chicagoland.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Information about this project will be posted on the Eco-Rep’s Twitter and Facebook. Additionally, the Green Team will make it a priority to disburse information about the neighborhoods negatively impacted by poor living conditions so that any students concerned with the living arrangements can get involved.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="font-family:"Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi">Interested in DePaul’s Eco-Reps? Check us out on Facebook and follow our updates on Twitter! (Facebook: “Eco Reps” in search under “People” and we’re the first hit! Twitter: “depaul_ecoreps”) New events, places, and environmentally friendly tips are always available!</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-89989363808134263302011-12-30T08:24:00.000-08:002012-08-10T12:07:10.253-07:00Sustainable International Development: Dr. ALFREDO SFEIR-YOUNIS ON RIO+20<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinowJQIdMsaNi1sYzSsOQeQKyLsrhxNsHPiUwf39CMk3b18RjMqRH2JkfgLSAXbo2hd5noxfh1rCrCMimH4JHeGFIerLQtVVb90lQEJLmSIZLRf8e6YcRzgT_r17ct-ojNqkOWrekQbKM/s1600/image18_240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinowJQIdMsaNi1sYzSsOQeQKyLsrhxNsHPiUwf39CMk3b18RjMqRH2JkfgLSAXbo2hd5noxfh1rCrCMimH4JHeGFIerLQtVVb90lQEJLmSIZLRf8e6YcRzgT_r17ct-ojNqkOWrekQbKM/s400/image18_240.jpg" width="400" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENBYCpCeX6z5oLN_Lh2AHHiiytDkCL3UyGgtdJE7inqUFhCiap7VyV_HrlSWkDmytKYRb2US1dmPMmP5RxUd-WK13Qh1INQJNEtJdIWX1irVGltepp6jATaJwrQ-HzY8GtfGnXXm3Mig/s1600/sfeir-younis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENBYCpCeX6z5oLN_Lh2AHHiiytDkCL3UyGgtdJE7inqUFhCiap7VyV_HrlSWkDmytKYRb2US1dmPMmP5RxUd-WK13Qh1INQJNEtJdIWX1irVGltepp6jATaJwrQ-HzY8GtfGnXXm3Mig/s200/sfeir-younis.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rio+20: Hopes and Challenges for a Sustainable Future</b></span></div>
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Join us for a conversation with Alfredo Sfeir-Younis, PhD</div>
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former environmental economist at the World Bank</div>
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<b>THE TOPICS DEBATED IN RELATION TO THE CONFERENCE ARE</b></div>
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Climate change | Green economy | Water scarcity | Food security | Population | Institutional frameworks </div>
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<b>7 December 2011 (Wednesday) </b></div>
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<b>12pm to 1:15pm </b></div>
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<b>DePaul Center </b></div>
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<b>1 East Jackson, </b></div>
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<b>North Café </b></div>
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<b>11th floor, next to cafeteria</b></div>
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This is a brown-bag lecture – you are welcome to bring your own lunch.</div>
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Dr. Alfredo Sfeir-Younis will discuss the upcoming international Rio+20 Conference at Rio de Janeiro, 20 to 22 June 2012. He will map out the plans, hopes and challenges facing governments, NGOs, youth, universities and the world’s people. And, he will present his “lessons learned” from 29 years at the World Bank, having traveled the world dealing with issues of poverty, food security, the green economy, sustainability, etc.<br />
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The event is coordinated by Prof. Patricia Zzczerba, United Nations Coordinator for DePaul University's School for New Learning and Dr. Marco Tavanti, Associate Professor School of Public Service <br />
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FREE ENTRY</div>Dr. Marco Tavantihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013036551106540220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-58581471597660203492011-10-19T11:52:00.000-07:002012-01-27T09:29:43.716-08:00October: Eating Local, Organic & Urban<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cityfarmer.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/depaul.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.cityfarmer.info/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/depaul.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Eco-Representatives, Blog #1 </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Go Green! No. 1</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Most students recognize similar trends between students, such as metropolitan styles of clothing and a greater interest in healthier foods. After all, college is analogous with freedom right? A miserable 18 years of oppression evaporates the moment a new college student steps foot on campus. Not a parent in sight, no responsibilities, and no legal obligation to go to class. We’re officially adults. And what a place live! Chicago, a city that never sleeps, a city that fast-moving innovative youth flourish and last, but certainly not least, is a large city in itself.<br />
DePaul students come from all corners of America and even the world, and amidst the diversity in the great city of Chicago there seems to a piece of normality missing. Southern Illinois students, Iowa, Ohio, Indiana and Michigan students might find themselves missing the expansive cornfields that blanket the world of the Middle-West. Though Chicago is one of the largest cities in America, it comes as no surprise that among the fields of industrial parks, glass and steel buildings and concrete streets there is no room for the traditional agrarian lifestyle that once fueled the economies of America in the past.<br />
Nonetheless, DePaul has been able to avoid the lack of abundant agriculture and organic foods through Chartwells and the growing interest in greener foods and means of sustenance. Even Chicago has retaliated against the sterile metallic future with Whole Food’s, Trader Joe’s, and dozens of other environmental safe groceries. In conjunction with these efforts to promote the health of Chicagoans and DePaul students, the Eco-Representatives, known as the ‘Green Team,’ will host a farmer’s market in the Quadrangle on Thursday, October 27<sup>th</sup>.<br />
To all those fortunate enough to have attended a farmer’s market before, as well as to give a memorable experience to those who have not, the event will begin at noon and end at 4:00 PM. Many of the popular groceries that supply organic food will be represented at the farmer’s market, to promote October’s theme: Food and Urban Agriculture. While Food and Urban Agriculture Month (October) was arranged to promote a month of eating healthy, the habits and interests that are sparked during the month support lifelong healthiness.<br />
The connection everyone has with food, the very symbiotic relationship that ties the produce of the earth, which nourishes and contributes to a long and prosperous life, is reason enough to eat healthy. It’s your life and your body, why <i>wouldn’t</i> you want to make the best decisions?<br />
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With each new month, a new area of environmentally-friendly practices will be represented; November’s theme, Conscious Consumption, targets overuse and reuse, in areas such as water, energy and traditional concepts of recycling like reusable plastic bottles.<br />
Interested in DePaul’s Eco-Reps? Check us out on Facebook and follow our updates on Twitter! (Facebook: “Eco Reps” in search under “People” and we’re the first hit! Twitter: “depaul_ecoreps”) New events, places, and environmentally friendly tips are always available!<br />
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Written By Matthew Morley</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif";"></span></div><span style="color: transparent; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia; font-size: 100%;"></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-90811653772145253792011-04-18T08:22:00.000-07:002011-04-18T08:22:16.061-07:00The SUSTAINABILITY.DEPAUL.EDU website!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sustainability.depaul.edu/"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYRkKlUJgAAmNRM44ETVUEOoV1LJ2XGklD3Flo1t5l1uRKT88jMSl9yS9lBWAxys8Kh4CW-9it8CafS2DzGLiksfBHlGMeYgPyKFFeh0RM7mKVH_3N0kvHra7K_4fUvT7xKO5r0Y26zRr/s1600/sustainability+at+DePaul.png" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>The DePaul website on sustainability is here! <a href="http://www.sustainability.depaul.edu/">www.sustainability.depaul.edu</a> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Indeed, sustainability at DePaul is green, but also brown, blue, red and many other colors. DePaul University as a community has many expressions of sustainability. The area that probably best exemplifies DePaul's social justice and community service tradition with the values and practices of sustainability is the ENGAGEMENT in social justice and local/international community work. This is a short selection of a few initiatives and university centers and institutes engaged in sustainable practices. Please check the <a href="http://sustainability.depaul.edu/"><b>SUSTAINABILITY.DEPAUL.EDU</b></a> website for more information. </div><ul><li><a href="http://haiti.depaul.edu/Pages/Welcome.aspx"><strong>Haiti Initiatives</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="http://studentaffairs.depaul.edu/ministry/communityservice.html"><strong>University Ministry, Community Service and Civic Engagement</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="http://steans.depaul.edu/"><strong>Steans Center</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="http://las.depaul.edu/cie/About/index.asp"><strong>Center for Interreligious Engagement (CIE)</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="http://commerce.depaul.edu/ethics/"><strong>Institute for Business and Professional Ethics</strong></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.law.depaul.edu/centers_institutes/ihrli/"><strong>International Human Rights Law Institute (IHRLI)</strong></a></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div>Dr. Marco Tavantihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013036551106540220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-65134000737782541822010-10-13T15:45:00.003-07:002012-01-27T09:32:05.183-08:00Greening DePaul’s Sporting Events<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/depa/graphics/wish-field-400x266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://grfx.cstv.com/schools/depa/graphics/wish-field-400x266.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">If you have every been to a college sporting event of any type then you have witnessed first hand the mess that is made by spectators and their consumption manufactured goods. My proposal f</span><span style="font-size: 100%;">or DePaul University is to take action and make sporting events a zero-waste activity.</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">I have witnessed this on a large scale by the University of Colorado at Boulder with their zero-waste program otherwise referred to as <a href="http://www.cubuffs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=600&ATCLID=1549954">Ralphie’s Green Stampede</a>. The zero-waste program makes an effort to cut carbon emission, reduce waste and recycle at all their home football games played at Folsom Stadium.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal;"> The program is comprehensive and accounts for transportation, recycling and composting, responsible vendors and eco-friendly merchandise. Vendors that supply cups and food containers for the games are compelled to insure that they are either recyclable or compostable. This program is supported all the way through the athletic department at the University of Colorado and is active message or it’s</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal;"> Director of Intercollegiate Athletics <a href="http://www.cubuffs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=600&ATCLID=1549954">Mike Bohn</a>. DePaul can learn from this example and may benefit from a having a smaller athletic program. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Sporting events draw in a lot of attention to DePaul from outsiders. Instituting a zero-waste program for sporting events compliments the universities goals of educating people about sustainability as well as demonstrating sound practices.</span><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">There are various ways to institute these practices and even more ways to promote these ideals during sporting events.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><b>Steps Forward:</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">-Educating athletic staff on sustainable issues.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">-Assessing student body and fan awareness of environmental impact of sporting events.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">-Establishment of student led green cheerleaders that promotes green practices at home games.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">-Promotion involving athlete wearing green wristbands as a demonstration of support for sustainability.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">-Look for sponsorship from green companies.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">-Pursue alternative snacks to serve at events that have been sustainably produced. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">-Develop strategic plan to make athletic department more green and sustainable. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">-Off setting carbon emissions emitted by air-conditioning and heating systems.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">-Develop fundraising activities during sporting events.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">One of the largest obstacles facing a green movement in athletics is the cost and return on investment. However, DePaul Athletics has some history with developing sustainable practices that have reduced cost. </span><span class="storyheadline" style="font-size: 100%;">Wish Field on the Lincoln Park Campus utilizes artificial grass or <a href="http://www.fieldturf.com/artificial-turf-how-fieldturf-works/">FieldTurf</a>. The turf, which is utilized by softball and soccer, eliminates the need for excessive watering, pesticide use, carbon emission, and is made out of recycled material. Information about the environmental impacts of FieldTurf can be found <a href="http://www.fieldturf.com/artificial-turf-environmental-responsibility/">here</a>. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 100%;">The Men’s basketball draws the biggest crowd and presents the largest challenge of all other programs due to the fact that they play at the All-State Arena which is not a facility managed by the university. Steps forward do not have to be grandiose or incorporate all athletic programs all at once. According to <a href="http://progreensports.com/wordpress/?page_id=406">ProGreenSports.com</a> sustainability in athletic programs is a growing trend and in it is time for DePaul to act in order to maintain and edge. These initiatives to make DePaul’s athletic department has the potential of increasing fan loyalty and represents a missing element in the universities sustainable movement.<br />
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</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="storyheadline" style="font-size: 100%;">Images Credit:<a href="http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/facilities/depa-facilities.html"> </a><a href="http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/facilities/depa-facilities.html">DePaul Blue Demon’s</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="storyheadline" style="font-size: 100%;"><a href="http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/facilities/depa-facilities.html"><br />
</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 100%;">-Kevin Nestor</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-84452413036229826832010-10-13T15:27:00.003-07:002012-01-27T09:35:13.895-08:00Exercising DePaul’s Purchasing Power Through Procurement Services and Salvage Used Equipment.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://financialaffairs.depaul.edu/procurement/documents/openhouse.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://financialaffairs.depaul.edu/procurement/documents/openhouse.png" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"> “Since July 1, 2009 through March 1, 2010 DePaul has recycled over 41,000lbs of electronic goods with Vintage Tech”.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"> DePaul has an enrollment over 25,000, each student most likely equipped with several notebooks, multiple textbooks, laptop, pens and pencils. The total population of students and faculty consuming resources adds up. The Financial affairs department at DePaul has taken notice and through their <a href="http://financialaffairs.depaul.edu/procurement/">procurement services</a> has begun to track the sustainability initiatives of current vendors. Along with providing a list of<a href="http://financialaffairs.depaul.edu/procurement/sustainability.html"> preferred vendors</a>, procurement services institutes it’s own internal sustainable initiatives to reduce the amount of paper and ink used. Additionally, they have instituted a safe and effective way for university departments to dispose of unneeded equipment through their <a href="http://financialaffairs.depaul.edu/procurement/salvage.htm">salvage program</a>. The combination of all three initiatives represents a comprehensive step forward for DePaul when it comes to sustainability. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> <a href="http://www.ulsf.org/pub_declaration_opsvol12.html">Purchasing power</a> of a university such as DePaul is a powerful tool. Tracking the sustainability and reporting of vendors allows for all members of the university to knowingly or unknowingly cooperate and encourages vendors reliant on universities money to comply with sustainable practices. Refusing to purchase from vendors that report unsustainable practices the university contributes to a broader movement beyond the campus. The message reverberates throughout campus as well. On campus it is made clear that DePaul actively practices what it preaches and fosters a community of knowledgeable and conscious consumers. Students and faculty can take pride in these efforts and more importantly are better enabled to participate themselves by purchasing school supplies produced in a responsible manner that may have been cost prohibitive if not bought through the university. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> Conscious consumption is only half of the equation for the DePaul. Internal initiatives, such as a digitalizing forms and increasing awareness about wasteful practices develops DePaul’s message to a greater degree. Promoting responsible disposal through the salvage program brings the procurement services sustainable practices full circle. <a href="http://store.universitysalvage.com/">The University Salvage Store</a> works on two levels. The first level allows for all university departments to cut down on their waste and prevent used but working hardware and equipment from ending up in a landfill. Secondly, it offers people on a limited budget to buy needed equipment to aid their education. This program reverses a trend among vendors to produce goods that deteriorate in a short period of time and forces them to produce high quality products that last many years. Salvaged equipment sustains new businesses that are adhering to ideals of sustainability. <a href="http://www.vintagetechrecyclers.com/">Vintage Tech</a> is an example of a responsible company that benefits financially from universities selling or donating used electronics and creates an economy for recycled goods that may not survive if they relied predominantly on private consumers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"> DePaul’s urban setting is a large obstacle in attaining sustainability since they are dependent upon outside resources and are confine to small area. The financial affairs department and especially the procurement services have done an excellent job in moving forward DePaul practice and message of sustainability in spite of this. They have created incentives to pursue sustainable production and consumption within DePaul and added to the growing number of voices demanding environmentally responsible production goods. Educating students about sustainability, operating through sustainable methods are two highlighted aspects of any sustainable movement. Incorporating sound procurement practices demonstrates DePaul’s commitment to an all-inclusive approach towards sustainability.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal">Image Credit: <a href="http://www.vintagetechrecyclers.com/">Vintage Recycles</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.vintagetechrecyclers.com/"><br />
</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"></div><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">-</span><span style="font-size: 100%;">Kevin Nestor</span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-23772475349642776332010-10-10T10:43:00.001-07:002010-10-10T18:21:08.342-07:00Environment-Friendly Paints and Finishes<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TeYc7VY5qlM/TLIBEBiSj3I/AAAAAAAAABc/rWEq2WzKDtg/s1600/paintcategory%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 199px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526480861380382578" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_TeYc7VY5qlM/TLIBEBiSj3I/AAAAAAAAABc/rWEq2WzKDtg/s200/paintcategory%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">There is much ongoing construction on DePaul’s loop campus. After watching the renovations on the 14 E Jackson building over the last few months and talking to a construction personnel about the upgrades, I can’t help but wonder- what type of building materials are they using and is it eco-friendly and health conscious?<br /><br /><a href="http://www.epa.gov/iaq/index.html">EPA</a> has indicated that air quality is one of the top 5 leading health risk issues in the US. One growing concern is <a href="http://www.epa.gov/iag/voc.html">volatile organic compounds</a> (VOCs) found in paint. VOCs are substances are emitted gases from solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects to humans and the environment. Most conventional products off-gas VOCs have no other benefits besides enhancing the performance or extend shelf life of the product.<br /><br />The other concern is the production of the paint. I question whether the paint is produced from naturally derived and non-toxic substances or not?<br /><br />Paints and coatings have their greatest effect on indoor air quality during and immediately after installation. The health hazard is particularly acute for installers. Most conventional products off-gas VOCs, and other chemicals that are added to enhance the performance or extend shelf life of the product and serve no other benefit.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TeYc7VY5qlM/TLIAqjftoKI/AAAAAAAAABU/RIVEXfSLYEk/s1600/smog_cause_eng%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 252px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526480423819780258" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_TeYc7VY5qlM/TLIAqjftoKI/AAAAAAAAABU/RIVEXfSLYEk/s320/smog_cause_eng%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a><br />When <a href="http://www.madehow.com/volume_1/paint.html">paints are produced</a>, raw materials are extracted through quarrying and can destroy the natural environment. Using paints that use renewable sources like flax seed can reduce the health effects and the amount of natural resources extracted from the Earth.<br /><br />A solution to the issue is to buy alternative paint and finishes substitutions. Most of these eco-friendly paints are lower in toxicity or nontoxic, by-products and naturally derived with low VOCs or no VOCs in the products. One might question if the paint is only ideal for indoor or recreational art uses, but many paint manufacturers have designed them for both interior and exterior uses.<br /><br />Here are a few examples of eco-friendly paints:</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://solventfreepaint.com/info/history_linseed_paint.htm">Linseed oil based paint</a> is and example of using flax plant by-products that are found in the food industry. The product lifetime is much higher that synthetic based paints that contain no solvents and are all natural. If the color fades overtime, the can be restored with linseed oil. The next dieal environment friendly products is wood and vegetable oil based paint that is made from natural elements such as soy beans, oak bark, and madder root. Again, these are naturally available and renewable materials. The types of VOCs that are released are not toxic which is not harmful to the environment. Other natural based paints are casein, protein, distemper, milk, and clay based paints. The last product group is low-odor, low VOCs or zero VOCs paints include shellac, interior wood finish, natural wax, natural oils, and beeswax. Most of these paints share similar characteristics that make them renewable, sustainable and natural.<br /><br />Most of these paint products are produced specifically with the environment in mind. Many environment-minded companies take into consideration VOCs, reducing the amount of quarrying of natural goods and finding ways to use renewable products. Using natural and low VOCs paints in DePaul’s construction process will help improve air quality and basic healthy living for the students, faculty and ultimately the environment. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">By: Mary Deemer</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Photo credits: Show room 411, Environmental protection department</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-73975123067586148842010-10-09T11:41:00.000-07:002010-10-10T13:02:08.177-07:00DePaul’s Water Bottle refill stations<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TeYc7VY5qlM/TLIZtcNTx4I/AAAAAAAAAB8/yuP5_CWrpro/s1600/water-bottle-waste%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 291px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526507961193842562" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_TeYc7VY5qlM/TLIZtcNTx4I/AAAAAAAAAB8/yuP5_CWrpro/s400/water-bottle-waste%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a> <span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">The Environmental Protection Agency (EP<a href="http://www.epa.state.il.us/"></a>A) of Illinois in their <a href="http://www.epa.state.il.us/land/landfill-capacity/2008/index.html">twenty-second annual landfill capacity </a>report of 2008 stated that approximately 50 million gate cubic yards of solid waste was accepted of the State's 47 landfills with only 14% of that being recycled. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">There are many factors that contribute to the enormous amount of solid waste and one of them is water bottle production.</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"> </span><br /><br /><div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Water bottle production has seen a huge increase over the past 10 years. According the </span><a href="http://www.container-recycling.org/"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Container Re</a></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"><a href="http://www.container-recycling.org/">cycling Institute</span></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">, there has been an increase of bottles sales in the US from 3 billion in 1996 to 36 billion in 2006 with about 40 million bottles a day ending up in trash or becoming litter. </span><a href="http://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Food and watch</span></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"> reported that there is about 1.5 millions tons of plastic used per year to produce water bottles with 47 millions gallons of oil used to match the production. They also estimate that 8 out of 10 water bottles will end up in a land fill or as litter. Water bottle production has become a huge environmental concern since it uses up so much of the Earth's resources. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">To help tackle the issue of reducing solid waste in Illinois, one of the truly outstanding sustainable development idea at DePaul university</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"> has implemented is the water bottle refill stations. It will take large scale recycling initiatives to counter this growing concern, but finding alternative ways like installing the ELKAY ezH2O water bottle stations around the campus will help contribute to reducing the solid waste and fossil fuel issues.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TeYc7VY5qlM/TLIYupbzJOI/AAAAAAAAAB0/jXWwBmB7Tw8/s1600/1003_ezh2o%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 156px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526506882412520674" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_TeYc7VY5qlM/TLIYupbzJOI/AAAAAAAAAB0/jXWwBmB7Tw8/s320/1003_ezh2o%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a>Considering these EPA statistics, implementation of the </span><a href="http://elkayusa.com/cps/rde/xch/elkay/hs.xsl/ezh2o.aspx"><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">ELKAY ezH2O</span></a><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;"> stations on the DePaul Lincoln Park and Loop campuses has been beneficial on many scales. Students and faculty can now enjoy cleaner tastier water without worrying about whether germs are can be transmitted during fountain use contact. Reusing water bottles at these stations will help reduce the litter factor caused by the huge cultural need of water bottle production of the past decade. Other advantages of the station are the ELKAY’s unique filter system. It aids in the ability of quick refill capabilities and the ultra modern design that makes the water station more approachable than the outdated fountains from the past. These features will help keep up with the fast pace lifestyle most students are accustomed too.</span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">DePaul has found an effective way to contribute to the growing concern of solid waste management by providing a service that will contribute to the overall well-being of the individual and the environment. the University also serves as an example for neighboring college institutes, companies and other organizations that can follow. In addition to being more environmental conscious, this also promotes a healthy lifestyle for the individual.</span> </div><br /><div></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Education and awareness are essential tools that are required to inform people of the innovative ideas that help the environment. DePaul's water bottle station is an excellent example of reducing the carbon footprint and using these fountains will encourage people to take a more self-conscious and active approach to recycling and reusing not only at our school but in their own personal homes.<br /><br />By: Mary Deemer </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:85%;">Photo Credit: Container recyling Insitute, ELKAY company</span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-15621855724796383092010-10-07T22:11:00.000-07:002010-10-07T12:57:29.082-07:00Microfinance – Steps Towards A Sustainable Future<span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BSaLyNa4JJ4/TKwGSX9gd1I/AAAAAAAAOjo/3N9u_hFm6c8/s1600/depaul+day+for+haiti.bmp"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 320px; float: right; height: 240px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524797755616163666" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BSaLyNa4JJ4/TKwGSX9gd1I/AAAAAAAAOjo/3N9u_hFm6c8/s320/depaul+day+for+haiti.bmp" border="0" /></span></a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >Colleges and universities are a life stage the majority of teens and twenty-something’s in the U.S. go through. A recent study by TRU, a Chicago-based market-research firm, reports 80% of 18-19 year olds and 67% of 20-23 year olds are currently enrolled in a college or university. Given the time, knowledge, and influence higher education institutions provide teens and young adults, it makes them well-positioned to also teach this cohort about sustainable development. DePaul, a leading private university, recognizes this fact with its practices of sustainable development. DePaul’s efforts to educate on sustainability have ranged from environmental initiatives such as providing students a way to refill their water bottles, eliminating their use of plastic bottles, to building LEED certified green-buildings on its campuses.<br /></span><div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >An area that is of particular interest to me is DePaul’s investment in community development. According to the Green Report Card 2010, DePaul receives a ‘C’ for efforts focused on developing communities, which is below the average of “B+”. Once examining further, I found a particular community development initiative at DePaul in microfinance. This is a smaller partnership and was not mentioned in the Green Report Card of 2010, but should be taken into consideration as one of DePaul’s stronger leaps towards created a sustainable future.<br /><br />In a partnership with Fonkoze, and The Haitian Hometown Associates Resource Group, DePaul has become a partner in </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://wn.com/Zaf%C3%A8n_An_Online_Microloan_Program_for_Haitian_Entrepreneurs"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><em><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">a micro-loan program in Haiti called “Zafen”.</span> </em></span></a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >“Zafen” is creole for “It’s our business” and allows ways for Haitian citizens to develop their communities through investment in their workforce and economy. One of DePaul’s role’s is marketing the organization, and an easy way to read more is through </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/DePaul-Day-for-Haiti/327860573489"><em><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">DePaul’s social-network sites</span></em></a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">.</span> Here, those interested in “Zafen” can read up-to-date news on the organization. They are also able to read about DePaul’s efforts to promote “Zafen’s” mission, and can see photos of events being hosted, or even on-the-ground operations. Up top, you’ll see a photo of DePaul Day for Haiti which was hosted in April earlier this year (2010). The events proceeds were donated to Fonkoze, which would support “Zafen’s” projects. </span></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://www.zafen.org/"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><img style="width: 320px; height: 158px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525323174036715442" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_BSaLyNa4JJ4/TK3kJwGxN7I/AAAAAAAAOkY/z86uk4f2YQA/s320/zafen.jpg" border="0" /></span></a></span></div></div><div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >DePaul’s involvement with Fonkoze and “Zafen” are a great way to promote sustainable development. Microlending is a means to promote community development, and in Haiti, invest in their workforce and economy. Helping the Haitian community sustain their businesses is a step toward securing a promising future. Being a higher education institution, it is important that DePaul not only continue to support such microfinance efforts, but also educate their students about their efforts. An initiative such as “Zafen” will not only inspire many students to become involved directly with the Haitian community, but it also educates the student body about workforce development, community development, developing nations aid, micro credit and micro finance, etc. DePaul’s partnership and involvement with Fonkoze and “Zafen” is also something that seems to differentiate them from neighboring Chicago-area colleges and universities. I wasn’t able to find much information on microfinance partnerships other universities have, and for many students and community members, it’s something to be proud of DePaul about. Please view a</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://newsroom.depaul.edu/NewsReleases/showNews.aspx?NID=2283"><em><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">recent news release which covers DePaul's involvement with "Zafen"</span></em></a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">.</span> You can also </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://wn.com/depaul_and_zafen"><em><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">check out these videos of efforts being taken in Haiti.</span></em></a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ><br /><br />DePaul’s efforts in community development internationally make them a key player in creating steps to a sustainable and brighter future, especially for the Haitian community. </span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >Posted by Nidhi Singhal<br />Photo Credit: DePaul Facebook Account - Woman Singing on DePaul Day for Haiti </span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" >Photo Credit: Zafen logo</span></div><div><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-size:100%;" ></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-90404109171883223292010-10-07T22:05:00.000-07:002010-10-08T08:42:58.473-07:00Water Conservation: DePaul offers water bottle refill stations on campus<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdyo1-BOCp0kBY94ImesLA_Tcagfq_EjVT0wta1on65dz2-GUCBa1TkjXsbG5p3INnR0Z4L23xpjNkD0O82PSy4fptC9qu9qK8g6oxXpeWhS8A0k9AmarQEKUag7uVd8xwcY_p82lBPA/s1600/Elkay+Refill+Station.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 285px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524304172999547746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdyo1-BOCp0kBY94ImesLA_Tcagfq_EjVT0wta1on65dz2-GUCBa1TkjXsbG5p3INnR0Z4L23xpjNkD0O82PSy4fptC9qu9qK8g6oxXpeWhS8A0k9AmarQEKUag7uVd8xwcY_p82lBPA/s320/Elkay+Refill+Station.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:';">As part of </span><a href="http://newsline.depaul.edu/Pages/Seekingsustainabilityonmanyfronts.aspx"><span style="font-family:';">DePaul’s sustainability initiatives</span></a><span style="font-family:';"> and help reduce its carbon footprint, DePaul recently installed water bottle refill stations both in Lincoln Park and the Loop Campus.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>These water bottle refill stations help reduce the number of plastic </span><a href="http://earth911.com/recycling/plastic/plastic-bottles/facts-about-plastic-bottles/"><span style="font-family:';">water bottle waste</span></a><span style="font-family:';"> that will end up in landfills, which is estimated to be eight out of ten water bottles purchased in the U.S. <span style="font-size:+0;"></span>In addition to helping to decrease waste, the refill stations will also help in reducing </span><a href="http://earth911.com/recycling/plastic/plastic-bottles/facts-about-plastic-bottles/"><span style="font-family:';">energy consumption</span></a><span style="font-family:';">, as it is estimated that production of plastics account for 4% of energy consumption in the U.S.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Upon further research of the DePaul’s installation of the water bottle refill station, I discovered that DePaul has installed 15-21 stations between the Loop and Lincoln Park Campus, at high traffic areas.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>The refill stations are part of <a href="http://facilityoperations.depaul.edu/sustain_environ/water.asp">Facility Operations</a> efforts for water conservation, and are also sponsored by the </span><a href="http://facilityoperations.depaul.edu/sustain_environ/DePaul%20Carbon%20Footprint.pdf"><span style="font-family:';">Student Government Association</span></a><span style="font-family:';">, as part of funding provided to the association for pro-environmental projects.</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:';">The water bottle refill stations are extremely easy to use as they are controlled by an electronic sensor that will detect when a water bottle has been placed under its water refill dispenser.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>What is attractive about these water stations is that the water is filtered, appealing to those who do not like water from the fountain, or faucet because of taste or quality. Water bottle drinkers sometimes prefer to purchase disposable water bottles because taste and dislike for tap water.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>The filtered water allows for those concerns to be diminished.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>The </span><a href="http://www.elkayusa.com/cps/rde/xchg/elkay/hs.xsl/ezh2o.aspx"><span style="font-family:';">ELKAY EASY H20 Station</span></a><span style="font-family:';">, like the stations that have been installed at DePaul, refills up to 3000 gallons of water per each replaceable water filter installed in the unit.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>In addition, the refill station provides a count of the number of times the unit has refilled a water bottle, providing a picture of how many water bottles have been prevented in ending up in a landfill.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>The number of refills is indicated by a ticker with a label that reads: “Helped eliminate waste from XXXXX disposable plastic bottles.”<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>According to a Bob Janis, Vice President for Facility Operations, the refill stations have already provided over 20,000 refills as part of a 2010 DePaul Sustainable Highlights document.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Another great feature of the Elkay refill stations is they are easily attached to existing water fountains on campus, helping to reduce purchase costs without having to replace complete units.<?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:';">DePaul is not the only university in the country helping to eliminate water bottle waste by installing water refill stations on their campus.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Universities such as </span><a href="http://www.ed.psu.edu/educ/news/jan-march-2010-news-items/water-refill"><span style="font-family:';">Penn State</span></a><span style="font-family:';"> and </span><a href="http://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2010/04/13/nyu_stern_students_a.html"><span style="font-family:';">New York University</span></a><span style="font-family:';"> have installed water refill stations on their respective campuses and have become a huge hit.<span style="font-size:+0;"> </span>Next time you are thirsty and walk by the 14<sup>th</sup> floor of the Lewis Building or the 11<sup>th</sup> floor of the DePaul Center, reach for your reusable and environmentally friendly water bottle and refill it at the local water refill station.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:';">Image Source: <a href="http://www.elkayusa.com/cps/rde/xchg/elkay/hs.xsl/ezh2o.aspx">Elkay Commercial Products</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">Posted by: Julio C. Puentes</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-22164204372485872002010-10-07T10:10:00.000-07:002010-10-07T16:20:45.782-07:00DePaul Wellness: Small Changes Go a Long Way<span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtmQjLCEi_0ZUy-JSreEiB-YquRfyj3_oG2i2bKipFB-ykdtjd_d6Alz3rjcw6PTITmdKCMe_L2j4L9yNiAyal5uezEepfQOdNKquMW5_Xqzu9RKRz2VjunW4DESFUnNJj0WQGEjs1Bk/s1600/Purell_Hand_Sanitizer_Dispenser.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtmQjLCEi_0ZUy-JSreEiB-YquRfyj3_oG2i2bKipFB-ykdtjd_d6Alz3rjcw6PTITmdKCMe_L2j4L9yNiAyal5uezEepfQOdNKquMW5_Xqzu9RKRz2VjunW4DESFUnNJj0WQGEjs1Bk/s320/Purell_Hand_Sanitizer_Dispenser.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524981881785917554" border="0" /></a></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;">It can be argued that a healthy and virile society is the foundation needed to achieve a flourishing economy.<span style=""> </span>Without the members of society enjoying a high level of wellness, it is impossible to reach societal goals.<span style=""> </span>In order to reach a community’s sustainable development objectives, healthy individuals are a necessity.<span style=""> </span>While DePaul has made some progress </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;font-family:'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:100%;">toward achieving this, there are still areas to improve upon.</span> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;"><span style=""> </span>When the Affordable Care Act was signed into law earlier this year, <a href="http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2010pres/06/20100618g.html">$500 million was allocated to create the Prevention and Public Health Fund</a>.<span style=""> </span>U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius stated, “<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color:black;">Investing in prevention and public health builds the foundation for improving the health and well-being of Americans...<span style=""> </span>Investing in proven preventive services will help patients get the care they need early, avoiding costly and unnecessary care later.”<span style=""> </span>DePaul has the unique opportunity to help contribute to the prevention of many diseases and ailments by implementing a few small changes.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";color:black;"><span style=""> </span>The annual <a href="http://www.flu.gov/">flu season</a> and the outbreak of the <a href="http://www.flu.gov/individualfamily/about/h1n1/index.html">H1N1 virus</a> have the potential to affect many members of society.<span style=""> </span>In past years DePaul has only received, and subsequently administered, a <a href="http://www.studentaffairs.depaul.edu/H1N1_announcement_110309.pdf">very limited supply of influenza vaccines</a>. <span style=""> </span>As a result, DePaul officials asked that only members of priority populations, children and the elderly, receive the vaccinations first.<span style=""> </span>With many members of the DePaul community living in close proximity, the potential for influenza outbreaks affecting many individuals is high.<span style=""> </span>Quite simply, more vaccinations and flu shots are needed to adequately protect the DePaul community.<span style=""> </span>DePaul should attempt to acquire as many vaccinations as they can in a effort to stop a very <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits/">preventable</a>, yet potentially harmful illness.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";color:black;"><span> </span><a href="http://www.pandemicflu.gov/">Influenza</a> and other ailments are spread through hand to mouth contact.<span style=""> </span>The best way to prevent the spread of these illnesses is to wash one’s hands frequently.<span style=""> </span>While washing one’s hand might not always be possible, using hand sanitizer is usually a viable option.<span style=""> </span>DePaul should look to install hand sanitizer dispensers in buildings around campus.<span style=""> </span>Signs and placards in bathrooms providing information about the benefits of washing one’s hands would also be beneficial.<span style=""> </span>These are two relatively low cost improvements that could be implemented almost immediately.<span style=""> </span>The effects and benefits of such changes would also be seen shortly after their implementation.<span style=""> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";color:black;"><span style=""> </span>With less ill members of society, and less people needed to care for the sick, more resources and labor are available to pursue other sustainable development goals.<span style=""> </span>By investing a little bit now in the prevention of illness and disease, care and treatment are not necessary later.<span style=""> </span>DePaul should set an example and make a small investment in the health and wellness of those affiliated with the university.<span style=""> </span>Administering a sufficient amount of flu shots as well as encouraging the washing and sanitizing of one’s hands frequently is the best way to achieve this. The Obama Administration has stressed the importance of prevention. DePaul should do the same.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";color:black;">Posted by: Nicholas Stratton</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";color:black;">Photo Credit: </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.officeplanners.com/Blue_Mountain_Hospital.php"><span class="Apple-style-span">http://www.officeplanners.com/Blue_Mountain_Hospital.php</span></a></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-39150081248444077492010-10-06T13:56:00.000-07:002010-10-07T11:09:18.847-07:00Middlebury College and Green Dining<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpk4zl-Ml5BiExV7kugeTsnKp3In23Dl3vMsqaKVMU_wUvflC2OEsP8J3RA65-N7XGDMbyC9fVRDFE1G4lo42NvQX_tIuD_fi_yL7cBXqpHAJDVGttlC7XUG6G_R_Pi_9rC8XZzRQGNM/s1600/greendining.jpg"><img style="text-align: center; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 133px; display: block; height: 200px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525045060538632274" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpk4zl-Ml5BiExV7kugeTsnKp3In23Dl3vMsqaKVMU_wUvflC2OEsP8J3RA65-N7XGDMbyC9fVRDFE1G4lo42NvQX_tIuD_fi_yL7cBXqpHAJDVGttlC7XUG6G_R_Pi_9rC8XZzRQGNM/s200/greendining.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:arial;">As one of the nation's</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">top</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">liberal arts colleges, </span></span><a href="http://www.middlebury.edu/"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Middlebury College</span></a><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > has a (comparatively) long history of sustainable development practices. It also boasts "the oldest </span><a href="http://www.middlebury.edu/academics/es"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >undergraduate environmental studies program</span></a><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > in the country." DailyGreen ranks Middlebury as number five among the </span><a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/10-greenest-colleges-460708"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >top "green" colleges</span></a><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > in the States. The school's commitment to sustainability is evident by many of its green dining practices.</span></div><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >With an emphasis on using local foods, Middlebury College contributes to the economy by sourcing food from 47 Vermont food producers. 25% of food at the college is from local sources including the school's student-run organic garden. Since its introduction in 2003, the organic garden has grown to </span><a href="http://www.middlebury.edu/sustainability/food/mcog/about/history"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >3-acres</span></a><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >, where students and interns volunteer and grow a combination of fruits and vegetables. To make getting to the garden easier for students, there is a walking/biking path from the campus to the garden, which is located about a half-mile away from campus (which encourages students to consider alternative transportation as well).</span><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >To encourage broad student involvement and support for the garden, </span><a href="http://www.middlebury.edu/sustainability/food/mcog/get_involved"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >weekly meetings</span></a><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > are offered during the school year providing information about the school's garden and general farming practices. In addition, the school holds a weekly "farmstand" in September and October, where students can buy fresh fruits and vegetables grown in the garden.</span></div><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >According to its website, "food waste comprises upwards of 70% of the municipal solid waste stream." Middlebury College is a leader in food composting and composts 300 tons of food each year. "Food prep scraps, postconsumer food residuals, waxed cardboard, paper towels, napkins and food prep waste paper -- some 70% of the College's food waste--is composted. Plate waste (post consumer food residuals) is run through a pulper to remove excess water." (</span><a href="http://www.middlebury.edu/sustainability/food/dining/waste"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >http://www.middlebury.edu/sustainability/food/dining/waste</span></a><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > ).</span><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >For large events, paper products and biodegradable trash bag liners are used which in turn go "directly into the college's composting system instead of the landfill". When possible, the college's dining services also make an effort to use silverware instead of paper products. The website states that roughly "90 percent of waste from large events is composted".</span></div><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Another exciting way the college employs green dining is by turning food waste into biodiesel. "The Nordic Ski Team partners with Dining Services to use waste vegetable oil to fuel their biodiesel truck".</span><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Finally, the college belongs to the </span><a href="http://www.slowfood.com/"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Terra Madre </span></a><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >slow food network, a global network of 100,000 members committed to sustaining local farming methods and environments. The Terra Madre network grew out of the "Slow Food Movement" founded by Carlo Petrini in 1989, to counter the spread of fast food restaurants and chains.</span></div><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >It is clear that Middlebury College is a leader of sustainable practices in "green" dining among academic institutions. The school's commitment to providing information, education and opportunities for engagement to students and others that are interested in learning more, is most obvious by the added fact that the college's homepage includes a "sustainability" link.</span><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >As a small school with a large endowment, it is not surprising that Middlebury is able to implement these initiatives, many of which most likely require huge initial investments, but the fact that the college has chosen to use its financial and human resources to bolster sustainable practices on campus is inspiring.</span></div><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><a href="http://facilityoperations.depaul.edu/sustain_environ/dining_housing.asp"><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >DePaul University</span></a><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > has implemented many of the same initiatives as Middlebury on campus by working with its local food provider, Chartwell's. The university might also consider building an on-site composting area as well as working with lcoal neighborhoods/community organizations to build and maintain an organic garden. The food could be used on campus and if sold, proceeds could go to either expanding sustainable development initiatives on campus or donated to local chairities/food pantries. Finally, DePaul should better highlight its sustainable initiatives on the website and consider adding a direct link on the homepage.</span><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ></span></div><br /><div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Submitted by: Julie Felix</span></div><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Photo: <a href="http://www.featurepics.com/online/Dining-Room-1511319.aspx">Bing clip art</a></span><div><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" ></span> </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-49411614657343455032010-10-06T13:31:00.000-07:002010-10-10T17:20:37.361-07:00DePaul and Transportation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEs6owz50-_pCaHTmvn2rlvs2zH9FxTwtDwlnOzw7GFc0s6YqKi4yN9J9qpspIc3PfMS_ZiUQLdPWPgUba8q02GwmphyTsT4INOqDnWaC9-DD95O44abD79QpJVP82nPTibErpcXy7NVW/s1600/UPassBanner.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 244px; height: 185px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEs6owz50-_pCaHTmvn2rlvs2zH9FxTwtDwlnOzw7GFc0s6YqKi4yN9J9qpspIc3PfMS_ZiUQLdPWPgUba8q02GwmphyTsT4INOqDnWaC9-DD95O44abD79QpJVP82nPTibErpcXy7NVW/s400/UPassBanner.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525370123224405538" border="0" /></a>While it may seem inconsequential or minor as a sustainability initiative, DePaul University's participation in the <a href="http://www.transitchicago.com/travel_information/fares/upass.aspx">Chicago Transit Authority's U-Pass </a>program is an impressive sustainability program. The program not only benefits students but to a larger extent, city residents in general. In addition, the program places less strain on limited university and nearby parking facilities and reduces traffic congestion in the city as well as carbon emissions.<br /><div></div><br /><div>First, the program benefits full-time undergraduate and graduate students by providign reduced fare cards to use Chicago public transportation. In fact, for undergraduate students the the card is included in the cost of tuition. According to one 2009 article, about <a href="http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/02/cta-depaul-upass-u-pass.html">15,000 </a>DePaul students use the pass. Because both Lincoln Park and Loop campuses are loacted close to CTA stops, the pass is ideal for students who live and work in the city. As a private university, the cost of tuition for attending DePaul is several thousand dollars. The reduced fare cards are a cost-savings benefit for full-time students who want the quality education DePaul offers without having to incur high transportation costs to attend classses. On average, the card saves students $200 in transportation costs during the academic year. U-Pass cards give students 24-hour access to unlimited CTA rides, during academic quarters. The U-Pass is very popular among students as indicated in this <a href="http://life.depaul.edu/index.aspx?id=NextStop&p=t">video</a>. In addition, DePaul University's parking facilities are limited. Parking costs at the city campuses average roughly $600 for the academic year; the U-Pass is roughly $400, a substantial savings for young students during more difficult economic times.</div><br /><div></div>The pass saves time. Full-times students juggle multiple classes, extracurricular activities, sometimes even work and parenting responsibilities. The availability of the U-Pass means students can get to-from class in great time. In fact, the time (on the red and or brown lines) to-from the Lincoln Park-Loop campuses is only 15-20 minutes. The hassles of "sitting" in traffic and having to locate parking are completely avoided by using the U-Pass.<br /><div></div><br /><div>By encouraging use of public transportation, DePaul also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion in the city. It's simple: fewer cars=less gas=less traffic! According to World Carfree Network's website " motor vehicles are the single biggest source of atmospheric pollution, contributing an estimated 14% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning..." (<a href="http://www.worldcarfree.net/">http://www.worldcarfree.net/</a> ) By providing a financial incentive for students to make use of Chicago's great public transport system, the university helps reduce carbon emissions in the city and thereby, contributes to cleaner air for city residents.</div><br /><div></div>DePaul University is not alone in implementing the U-Pass program. Most Chicago-area colleges and universities also make the program available to students. But it is an important initiative that fits into several components of DePaul's sustainability framework: environment, social, economic, cultural. Environment: riding public transportation-trains in particular-reduces the amount of carbons emitted in the air; Social: using the CTA enables students to engage with each other and the larger Chicago community; Economic: the pass save students' money; Cultural: the pass makes it easy for students to explore different areas and neighborhoods of the city.<br /><div></div><br /><div>Posted October 6, 2010 by Julie Felix</div><div>photo credit: DePaul </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-67214873363085350802010-10-06T12:28:00.000-07:002010-10-07T11:21:16.275-07:00Implementing Sustainable Degree Programs at DePaul<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MSW67IXgpatC5Lb3CU0U3QbxA-MhXlJ1Sl63yGtiIl9xlxvRoCrmmw_TILaa_C2cK7FjSmdQG8hiB5brWjbVpPIG6bPdv98_YW4JzDVmY3nFhjFbnev06I6TgLXAlqmIb7PNqJtO__Br/s1600/sustainable.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 245px; float: left; height: 162px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525020484632770946" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MSW67IXgpatC5Lb3CU0U3QbxA-MhXlJ1Sl63yGtiIl9xlxvRoCrmmw_TILaa_C2cK7FjSmdQG8hiB5brWjbVpPIG6bPdv98_YW4JzDVmY3nFhjFbnev06I6TgLXAlqmIb7PNqJtO__Br/s320/sustainable.bmp" border="0" /></a>“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” (Nelson Mandela) The next large step that DePaul can take in practicing sustainability is educating its students, as Nelson Mandela stated, to change the world. Sustainability is becoming much more than an environmental class on best green practices. There are majors in <a href="http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/abha-bhattarai/abha-bhattarai/six-degrees-sustainability">sustainable tourism, sustainable clothing, and interior design</a> just to name a few. Business schools are also seeing a rise in the number of students interested in sustainability courses and programs.<br /><div><br />DePaul currently offers a certificate through the Egan Urban Center that fosters community sustainability. The School of Public Service, the School of New Learning, the College of Commerce, and programs within the Liberal Arts and Sciences are currently offering <a href="http://newsline.depaul.edu/Pages/Seekingsustainabilityonmanyfronts.aspx">courses in sustainability</a>. Professional courses such as Sustainability and Business are being introduced to degree programs.<br /></div><br /><div>President Obama recently added an additional 150 billion to the 500 million dollars pledged towards environmental jobs to create 5 million new sustainability- related jobs. Jobs that promote sustainability are the future. DePaul already has a start on the course work of the future. My suggestion is that DePaul consider a College of Sustainability. With a College of Sustainability DePaul students can be at the front of the creative movements dealing with sustainability problems. A College of Sustainability could also find new ways of crossing this topic over into other majors like legal framework with the law school.<br /></div><br /><div>To begin the transition to a College I suggest that DePaul implement a graduate degree Masters of Science track through the School of Public Service in sustainability dealing with sustainable policies, governance, and economy. This program would allow for learning across a number of disciplines, and quantitative research in sustainability practices. I also suggest the availability of a Minor in sustainability. This would allow undergraduates to explore the connections with their major in such areas as human institutions, organizations, cultures, and technology. The Minor would draw off of the undergraduate’s major and supplement it with sustainability practices.<br /></div><br /><div>The <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-08-02-sustainability-degrees_N.htm">benefits</a> of a College of Sustainability, or a Major or Minor for the students is a diverse group coming together to solve the current world problems. Having a College or Major in sustainability would open up the university to new partnerships, and foster those that are already established. Sustainability issues are everywhere so this gives the opportunity to students to get involved with solving problems in their local community, nationally, and globally. Students who graduate from these programs find themselves eligible for jobs in higher education, industry, consultancy, utilities, regulatory agencies, non-profits, non-governmental organizations, or local, state or federal government. They will also find that they are at the fore front of sustainable jobs such as biodiversity and habitats, climate, social transformations, energy, materials and technology, governance and policy, international development, urbanization, and water.<br /></div><br /><div>Creating a college of Sustainability and a Major or Minor in the same will help DePaul move to the front of creative sustainable solutions. Having such a college will help to support the <a href="http://mission.depaul.edu/VINCENTIANIDENTITY/Pages/default.aspx">Vicentian principles </a>of the University while opening it to new funding sources and partnerships.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br />Posted by: Kristina Vitali</div><div> </div><div>Photo source: Vince Palermo, Global Institute of Sustainability</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-24213141580485719592010-10-06T11:07:00.000-07:002010-10-07T11:31:07.200-07:00DePaul’s Egan Urban Center Building Sustainable Communities through Local Partnerships<span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMCDEgk0XsANTEvwEp8gMWvKpKzi_8NVAhQ0I4NUoQySaiFHoQ_MsAwE9RyigyELkPOPb683-ZNB1saABLLyWJFKkqBUlwM3XR4ttqh4Ub4Iy4cjBDj88GKJmi3Oxx6hfL2SgDEhM82KH/s1600/Egan.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 257px; float: left; height: 157px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525000581815953602" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMCDEgk0XsANTEvwEp8gMWvKpKzi_8NVAhQ0I4NUoQySaiFHoQ_MsAwE9RyigyELkPOPb683-ZNB1saABLLyWJFKkqBUlwM3XR4ttqh4Ub4Iy4cjBDj88GKJmi3Oxx6hfL2SgDEhM82KH/s320/Egan.bmp" border="0" /></a></span><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';" >DePaul University is working through the <a href="http://euc.depaul.edu/index.html">John J. Egan Urban Center </a>to partner with the local community to address critical problems within the surrounding urban area. The center was founded in 1994 through </span><span style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';" >the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and The Chicago Community Trust.<span style="font-weight: normal;font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';" > The goal of the center according to their website is to “channel community and economic development assistance to minority and underprivileged neighborhoods in a direct and concentrated way drawing upon faculty, student, and neighborhood resources.” The center is named after Father Egan for his work in bringing focus to people in distressed circumstances and communities on the west side of the greater Chicago area.<br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span><div><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';font-size:100%;" ><br />The center has also taken an active role in the <a href="http://euc.depaul.edu/Programs/CommunityBuilding/index.html">Black-Latino Working Groups Initiative</a>. The Egan Center’s Office of Neighborhood and Community Partnerships helps to foster a dialogue between Black and Latino leaders in the Humboldt Park, Chicago Lawn, and North South Lawndale for collaborative community projects. The overall goal is to develop a joint undertaking to benefit these communities through development projects, affordable housing, food co-ops, and credit unions. The center participated in 2006 Conference of Urban Ministries’ panel discussion on realizing the use of church assets to identify commonalities. They also are partnering with the <a href="http://las.depaul.edu/latinoresearch/">Center for Latino Research </a>to produce five events focused on the existing dialogue that has been built through efforts of the Black-Latino working Group Initiative.</span><span style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';font-size:100%;" ><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';font-size:100%;" >Photo Sources:<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://euc.depaul.edu/About/index.html"><span style="font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';"><span style="color: rgb(128, 0, 128);">http://euc.depaul.edu/About/index.html</span></span></a></span><span style="color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';font-size:100%;" > <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><strong><p style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';" ><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';" >One of the programs that the Egan Urban Center worked on was the West Humboldt Park Community Technology Centers (WHPCTC) through the <a href="http://www.whpdevelopmentcouncil.net/About-us0.html">West Humboldt Park Development Project</a>. This project worked on the issue of “digital divide” which is a common topic in the sustainable development community. The Egan Center was awarded a 1.4 million dollar US Department of Education grant for the WHPCTC. The project was able to expand the already existing technology to create opportunities for the community to share information and expand computer access. The program also offers training in computer applications, systems support, and maintenance to expand the job opportunities for those in the community to provide longer term assistance. By training those in the community the WHPCTC establishes a program that can be sustained by those it has trained who can then continue to train others.</span></span><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';" ><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';" ><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';" ><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';" >The Egan Center has taken their community involvement to education through a certificate program. This program shares the Egan Center’s approach to “creating sustainable institutional community partnerships by working in close collaboration with community leaders and residents to design and implement programs and initiatives,” according to the Egan Urban Center’s website. It is a program for those working in the communities to gain valuable skills in sustainability and effective responses will understanding the responsibilities to the local community. The Egan Center through the <a href="http://euc.depaul.edu/NewsandEvents/">certificate program </a>hopes to develop community leaders who can mobilize assets and resources, develop meaningful relationships with important actors, while also understanding their full potential and position within the community.<br /></span></span></p><p style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';" >If you would like to volunteer with the Egan Center <a href="http://euc.depaul.edu/GetInvolved/VolunteerOpportunities/index.html">Click Here</a></span><br /></p><p style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';" >Through the Egan Center, DePaul has a great asset in moving forward with sustainable community projects. By fostering important community relationships and providing critical need through neighborhood involvement the Egan Center is creating long term community <a href="http://euc.depaul.edu/About/People/Community_Partners.html">partnerships</a>. It is also educating those within the community to pay it forward.</span></p><p style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';" >Posted by Kristina Vitali</span></p><p style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% white;"><span style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(42, 42, 42);font-family:'Tahoma','sans-serif';" >Image: Egan Center<br /></span></p></strong></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-73105318120058305572010-10-06T09:45:00.000-07:002010-10-07T16:23:05.949-07:00DePaul Aims for Healthy Society<span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-bgexwirCtje2QS7J2fJveGNzkHcqH3aFFo50nF7gsXTz44N33hVcYxdaTha7WRL9Hd_rIOHwLZNdy4xgRrpGjchbEDojlnB3_r2dMPNuubDD1Pt1MsOjL7G9AD4UJr8_2KdoJD_PGg/s1600/balanced_choices-clip.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-bgexwirCtje2QS7J2fJveGNzkHcqH3aFFo50nF7gsXTz44N33hVcYxdaTha7WRL9Hd_rIOHwLZNdy4xgRrpGjchbEDojlnB3_r2dMPNuubDD1Pt1MsOjL7G9AD4UJr8_2KdoJD_PGg/s320/balanced_choices-clip.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524976504264631538" border="0" /></a></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;">A healthy economy leads to a healthy society.<span style=""> </span>Or so has been the traditional school of thought in the sustainable development community.<span style=""> </span>Recently, however, there has been a shift in thinking.<span style=""> </span>DePaul faculty member Michael Diamond, M.A. has suggested the phrase be reversed—a healthy society would in turn lead to a healthy economy.<span style=""> </span>At first glance, the link between a population’s health and wellness and sustainability may not be immediately visible.<span style=""> </span>According to Diamond, illness can impact an economy in many ways.<span style=""> </span>When a person becomes ill and has to miss time from work or school, on average, another person is removed from the workforce or from their studies to care for the sick person.<span style=""> </span>Resources and money that could be spent in the pursuit of other societal goals must then be used to care for the sick. With the potential drain both on capital and the labor force, it is in the best interest of any society to have as healthy of a population as possible.<o:p></o:p></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;"><br /><br />Ultimately the choice to live and eat in a healthy manner remains with the individual.<span style=""> </span>Institutions do have the ability, however, to provide incentives and push those affiliated down the path to wellness.<span style=""> </span>DePaul has made great progress to encourage living and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by making small changes.<span style=""> </span>One such program is the <a href="http://campusrec.depaul.edu/pgmserv/greensteps.htm">Green Steps walking program</a> that was put in place in the Spring 2010.<span style=""> </span>This program encouraged daily exercise and the use of alternate methods of transportation by connecting members of the DePaul community.<span style=""> </span>Participants engaged in healthy competition and were held accountable by others to walk as much as possible during the 10-week program.<span style=""> </span>Not only did the Green Steps walking program reward daily exercise, it helped to reduce the carbon footprint of those involved.<span style=""> </span>The addition of <a href="http://campusrec.depaul.edu/pgmserv/trans.htm">bicycle</a> storage spaces in the Clifton parking garage is another way DePaul is encouraging exercise and a healthy lifestyle.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;font-family:'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:100%;"><br /><br />Exercise is only half the equation when concerning a healthy lifestyle; a nutritious, balanced diet is also necessary.<span style=""> </span>DePaul is helping to provide robust snacks in campus vending machines by labeling ‘<a href="http://www1.towson.edu/adminfinance/auxservices/dining/balancedchoices/index.asp">balanced choice</a>’ healthy snack options with a green symbol.<span style=""> </span>By providing members of the DePaul community with nutritious options during breaks, the goal of a healthy diet is easier to attain.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;"><br /><br />It can be said that an investment in a healthy lifestyle is also an investment in sustainable development.<span style=""> </span>Walking or riding a bike not only provides the individual with necessary exercise, it provides an alternative method of ‘green’ transportation, thus reducing the greenhouse gases that would have otherwise been emitted. Competitions such as the Green Step walking program are appearing <a href="http://green.harvard.edu/hsph">across the country</a>. When exercise is combined with a properly balanced diet the foundation is laid for a fit society.<span style=""> </span>The goals of healthy living and sustainable development do not preclude each other.<span style=""> </span>It is refreshing to see DePaul recognize this and implement steps to make this a reality.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;"><br /><br />Posted by: Nicholas Stratton</span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;"><br />Photo Credit: </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.brocktonpublicschools.com/page.cfm?p=1069">http://www.brocktonpublicschools.com/page.cfm?p=106</a></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-51921966396768891802010-10-05T21:59:00.000-07:002010-10-07T11:45:39.222-07:00Collaborate for Sustainability<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN6YdoAqpz0V3o9gW_4n2yccToBZAzSipPSrMewJN1Sp2F1tacl1XFM6QFgr00JyDEuS8yTLL6mu2Ms9LfhBWkIckM-brdaFtRmxzIapmKN5E9UCxBZv5Lqq_NYdXQ8HhyphenhyphenjOeIEwfkWWD/s1600/fauske.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 281px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKN6YdoAqpz0V3o9gW_4n2yccToBZAzSipPSrMewJN1Sp2F1tacl1XFM6QFgr00JyDEuS8yTLL6mu2Ms9LfhBWkIckM-brdaFtRmxzIapmKN5E9UCxBZv5Lqq_NYdXQ8HhyphenhyphenjOeIEwfkWWD/s400/fauske.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525377096547707490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">Collaboration is one of the key ingredients for creating a sustainable future. This can be interpreted at every level – countries, organizations, groups, people, thoughts, and even missions and goals. The concept of needing to ‘collaborate’ can also be used within the setting of a university’s sustainable development efforts. DePaul University is one of the most revered private universities in the U.S., and has taken great steps towards promoting sustainable development. One of the steps which must be strengthened is the concept of collaboration, specifically among various departments at the university. Each department brings with it unique goals, people, and ideas, and it also brings resources. Finding ways to combine resources is a smart way to maximize the use of current strengths and assets. Many times sustainability is not prioritized due to lack of time, man power, and resources. Being more creative with what is already within our reach will help move DePaul move forward towards creating a more sustainable future.</span><br /><br />Efforts to collaborate, however, are difficult and require great communication skills and proper management. This is true for all levels of collaboration, as is shown in this <a href="http://www.viddler.com/explore/kevglobal/videos/18/">video by Josh Powell</a>, which concentrates on the various sectors and the complexities they face to work together. It also discusses the need and importance of collaboration to achieve goals. This concept of collaborative governance is also used with other topics and can be implemented for sustainable development.<br /><br />I recommend the <a href="http://sustainability.yale.edu/strategy">Yale University approach of sustainability</a> where inter-departmental collaboration is vital to the successful attainment of goals. Yale creates networks of both members of the university community as well as local community to become involved in sustainability goal-setting and creating visions for future development.<br /><br />Another example of collaborative governance is explained in the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory Advance Access in the article “Collaborative Governance in Theory and Practice” by Chris Ansell and Alison Gash. They discuss how making various groups come together for decision-making will be successful if a number of factors are aligned. Some mentioned are “face-to-face dialog, trust building, and the development of commitment and shared understanding.” These factors can be applied to the departments within DePaul, and can be noted to include as more efforts in inter-departmental collaboration become common. <a href="http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.115.3444&rep=rep1&type=pdf">The full article can be read here</a>.<br /><br />Another type of collaboration can be through DePaul’s students. Creating more public forums about sustainability, or starting student-initiatives in sustainability (and making them public) will help promote better understanding of the topic, and interest. This approach allows students to be in-charge and govern a part of DePaul’s sustainable development. The grass-roots level ‘buzz’ among students should begin in various departments, and not only in one. This way, the collaboration is starting at the ground-level, and will be able to elevate as the development initiatives begin to grow. <a href="http://sustainabledepaul.blogspot.com/">The Sustainable DePaul Blog </a>is a great example of a way for students to collaborate for sustainability.<br /><br />Adding onto DePaul’s current inter-departmental collaboration practices will allow the university’s sustainable development efforts to expand to a larger stakeholder audience, and also create a stronger sustainable footprint.<br /><br />Posted by Nidhi Singhal<span style=";font-family:lucida grande;font-size:100%;" ><br />Photo Credit: University of Calgary, Leadership in Learning <a href="http://www.ucalgary.ca/iejll/files/iejll/images/fauske.gif">http://www.ucalgary.ca/iejll/files/iejll/images/fauske.gif</a></span><div> </div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-73454044721410006972010-10-05T12:21:00.000-07:002010-10-07T11:51:18.140-07:00Sustainable Servant Leaders<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.serve.gov/new-images/common/09_16_2010_CHA_Serve.gov_Promo.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 491px; height: 318px;" src="http://www.serve.gov/new-images/common/09_16_2010_CHA_Serve.gov_Promo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />While DePaul University takes great pride in its role as an urban university, providing a vital educational and social service to Chicago, more can and should be done by DePaul in creating a future cadre of servant leaders. One way that DePaul can be at the forefront of servant leadership is through creating a service requirement for all undergraduate and graduate students before they may earn their degree.<br /><br />Currently DePaul undergraduates majoring in liberal studies are required to engage in at least four credit hours of “experiential learning,” whereby they combine classroom knowledge with a learning experience that exists outside the classroom. There are courses in many departments that fit this requirement. Some are internships or externships, while others are a hybrid between a classroom-based learning environment and selected learning experiences outside the classroom. While this is a good start, more must be done to create DePaul students that are tomorrow’s future servant leaders. The way to do this is to establish a servant leadership program, required of all undergraduates and graduate students before they may earn their appropriate degree. All students must become engaged members of the Chicago community to ensure Chicago remains a sustainable community. Requiring a service component to graduation takes experiential learning a step further, as students will no longer have the opportunity to be passive observers when completing an experience outside the classroom. There are other colleges and universities that currently lead the way in requiring a service component as a core component for obtaining an undergraduate degree. Students at Tulane University in New Orleans must fulfill one service requirement before they may graduate. Students at Wittenberg University in Ohio must complete a semester-long service requirement to obtain their university degree. At Wittenberg students must register for the service as course credit, meet with a university staff member to outline their service and determine whether their service plans meet university standards, and then discuss their service results in reflections with other students, faculty and staff. Other universities, such as the University of Cincinnati, provide financial assistance scholarships with stipulations that require those scholarship holders to complete some form of public service. <br /><br />DePaul should be at the forefront of creating service leaders. By requiring students to complete some form of public service, DePaul will create an engaged university community, attune to the needs of those not only in Chicago but throughout the U.S. and the world. DePaul’s requirement might also attract those students that desire an academic community looking to create a sustainable future. Sustainability is not something merely ecological. Servant leaders can help build ecologically sustainable communities, or help correct social injustices and poverty issues to allow others to participate in a sustainable future. Creating a servant leadership requirement of all DePaul students would help the university be true to its mission and values. From the Office of Mission and Values : DePaul University emphasizes the development of a full range of human capabilities and appreciation of higher education as a means to engage cultural, social, religious, and ethical values in service to others. What better way for DePaul to help build the foundations for a sustainable community and sustainable future, while remaining true to the core values the university seeks to fulfill. <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";" ></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >For information on public service requirements at other universities visit these links: <a href="http://www4.wittenberg.edu/witt_services/community_service/community_service_100.html">http://www4.wittenberg.edu/witt_services/community_service/community_service_100.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" ><span style=""> </span><a href="http://tulane.edu/cps/about/graduation-requirement.cfm">http://tulane.edu/cps/about/graduation-requirement.cfm</a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-size:100%;" >For information on the U.S. government’s call to public service visit:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 115%;font-family:";font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;"> </span><a style="font-family: times new roman;" href="http://www.serve.gov/">http://www.serve.gov/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">For more on DePaul's Mission and Values visit: <a href="http://mission.depaul.edu/Pages/default.aspx">http://mission.depaul.edu/Pages/default.aspx</a></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Posted by Marshall Houserman</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Photo Credit - www.serve.gov</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1644609383917324423.post-11313827659182497442010-10-05T12:07:00.000-07:002010-10-07T11:52:54.114-07:00Connecting Students and Chicago – DePaul’s Community Involvement<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://steans.depaul.edu/"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 233px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pEE3QZxyWh8ux5T77xjC7vlZ9TZFRU0gj0Ps3BP3iSKcxm9tzlDvUkLK00DcXn5LelHI82XIWTFGPHy8dsJwIb3jfAO6cFQqOy_0vYGsaAAbuh4xrwa4R2D-5ErnO-Sf0vH35krQQF9R/s400/steans.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524668129816896242" border="0" /></a><br /></div><span><span><br />As a large, urban university DePaul University must consider the social and communal relationship that it has to Chicago and Chicago’s neighborhoods. In so doing, DePaul can have a significant role in building Chicago’s sustainable future. At this time DePaul is moving forward in building these partnerships. The Irwin W. Steans Center for Community-Based Service Learning and Community Service Studies is working hard to foster these relationships and putting DePaul at the forefront of helping students understand their relationship to Chicago. <br /><br />Founded in 2001 through a generous donation from Chicago banker Harrison Steans, the Steans Center’s mission is to develop mutually beneficial relationships with community-based organizations in order to develop a sense of social agency in DePaul students, faculty, staff and alumni. Using the ABCD model of community development, the Steans Center is committed to building a community where all community members have a voice, working to empower Chicago’s neighborhoods and foster a more satisfying community experience for all community members. Through this model the Steans Center not only focuses on community needs but seeks active participation from the community.<br /><br />The Steans Center believes that if all community members are welcome to participate, a community is fostered and made more sustainable. For a greater understanding of the ABCD model for community development visit <a href="http://www.proveandimprove.org/new/tools/ABCD.php.">http://www.proveandimprove.org/new/tools/ABCD.php.</a> The Steans Center provides a vital link between nonprofit and government organizations in Chicago and DePaul University. Among these organizations are ABC Youth Center, an after-school tutoring program on Chicago’s West Side, and Off the Streets, a youth development organization working to get Chicago youth off the streets.<br /><br />The Steans Center website lists over 500 community and government organizations that collaborate with the Steans Center and DePaul University. Through the Steans Center website community-based organizations can apply to collaborate with DePaul and the extensive resources accessible through the DePaul University community. In fostering these relationships, the Steans Center organizes service learning classes for DePaul students, including a “Discover Chicago” course that combines seven weeks of course learning with a week-long immersion on a chosen topic outside the classroom and out in Chicago. Furthermore, the Steans Center organizes and facilitates student internships with numerous community organizations in Chicago. This vital link brings DePaul students face-to-face with Chicago’s problems, making them active participants in the communities they live in.<br /><br />The Steans Center is creating tomorrow’s service leaders. As DePaul students graduate, there is a hope that because of the great work occurring through the Steans Center, DePaul alumni will lead the way toward creating a just and sustainable future for Chicago’s citizens.<br /><br />For more on the Steans Center at DePaul University visit their website: <a href="http://steans.depaul.edu/">http://steans.depaul.edu/</a> <br /><br />To watch a short video on DePaul’s vision to take students outside the classroom and into Chicago watch the video here: <a href="http://www.depaul.edu/multimedia/ExtendClassroomLearning.asp">http://www.depaul.edu/multimedia/ExtendClassroomLearning.asp</a><br /><br />You can also follow the Stean Center’s activities and development on facebook and twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/DePaulSteans">http://twitter.com/DePaulSteans </a> <br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-IL/DePaul-University-Steans-Center">http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-IL/DePaul-University-Steans-Center</a> <br /><br />Posted by Marshall Houserman<br />Photo credit: Steans Center<br /></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0