Red, Blue, & Green

Project Crunchtime, Looking Back and Moving Forward

2010-02-25T15:10:00.006-06:00

For those of you that don’t know, “Project Crunchtime” is a gameday-recycling initiative in the Grove, Circle, and Vaught-Hemingway Stadium that takes place on Ole Miss football Saturdays. This initiative developed out of the Green Grove Initiative, and the 2009 football season marked the first full year of implementation. Looking back, the first year of “Project Crunchtime” was successful. However, there could be many improvements to the program, which would be aimed at more effective, more efficient, and most importantly, more sustainable tailgating.

First of all let’s look at the positives associated with “Project Crunchtime;” in five gameday recycling efforts 46 individuals volunteered to help with education and outreach. “Project Crunchtime” would not be possible without volunteer support. In the 2009 season, we sorted and recycled 1.8 tons of waste that would have otherwise ended up in the landfill. This waste included 1,219 lbs of #1 and #2 plastics and 2,409 lbs of aluminum cans. As the season progressed, so did the amount of recyclables we collected. In the final two home games, we collected 703 lbs of recyclables respectively. Lastly, the University of Mississippi has the most complex and advanced gameday-recycling program in the state of Mississippi. This is an excellent start, and we are extremely proud of this accomplishment. However, we would like to not only be a leader in the state of Mississippi but also the SEC and eventually the entire nation. To do so, we must make some fundamental changes to our gameday-recycling program.

For “Project Crunchtime” to continue to evolve, in 2010 it is imperative that we see an increase in student engagement and participation. Volunteers are the backbone of this program because they provide the necessary education and outreach to other tailgaters about more sustainable tailgating practices. We also have to see increased participation from alumni, as they are just as instrumental in the volunteering aspect of “Project Crunchtime.” Another area that needs significant growth for “Project Crunchtime” to continue is more involvement with public relations. “Project Crunchtime” is trying to change a culture to a more sustainable tailgating culture here at Ole Miss without changing those gameday traditions that we all love so much. We need to harness the power of the media, as we all know that the media is one of the greatest facilitators of information in this day in age. Lastly, for “Project Crunchtime” to be a success in 2010 we will have to see an extreme improvement in recycling inside Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. In 2009 this was basically nonexistent. In fact, out of the 7 home football games in 2009, we were not able to sort any recyclable materials collected inside of the stadium. This was mainly due to the fact that our recycling containers inside the stadium were contaminated with food, drink, or materials that could not be recycled and should not have been placed in the bin. For this to improve in 2010, athletics must become more involved in the gameday recycling process.

Moving forward, the Office of Campus Sustainability is extremely excited about the future of “Project Crunchtime.” The sky is literally the limit on how far this program can go. Besides the fact that we are doing the right thing for our environment and our future by recycling, we are also saving the University of Mississippi money. In fact, it has been estimated that just making these few subtle changes to our already expanding gameday-recycling program could save the University of Mississippi $75,000 in waste management costs. There you go UM, you’ve got the numbers and you’ve got the facts. We certainly know you can talk the talk; however, the unanswered question is: can you walk the walk as well?

Elliott Warren, GSIP Intern, Junior Public Policy and Leadership Major

Green Nutrition

2009-11-30T13:06:00.003-06:00

We all want to be healthy and look our best, but what is the best way to achieve that? We have all seen the diets on TV with the amazing before and after pictures, but that is not the solution to our problem. Having food shipped to you or taking a pill and being able to eat whatever you want may seem like the dream. But think about what that is really doing to your body and the environment. All of the gas that it takes for the food to get to you is 17 times more than if your diet had come from local farms. This could be one of the solutions, and it is known as the 100-mile diet in which you eat all locally grown food. This does not guarantee sustainability, but it may help reduce wastes.

From April to September Oxford has a Mid-town Farmers’ Market. Vendors at the farmers’ market have a variety of locally-grown fruits, vegetables, eggs, dairy items, baked goods, and herbs. The market also features weekly musical entertainment and monthly children's activities. Making nutrition fun is what it is all about. Once you enjoy getting your food and understand what you should eat, being healthy is not as bad as you thought. Another idea is being a member of a community garden. Oxford is currently in the making of one located at the Old National Guard Armory on University Avenue. It was founded last March and will be ready for gardening March of 2010. It costs ten dollars to become a member, and there is an annual fee of five to fifteen dollars. More information is available at www.oxfordcga.org.

Another downfall of the food most commonly eaten by our generation is that it contains so many chemicals and preservatives that are not only not good for us, but they are not good for the environment. Going organic could be a solution for this. To be healthy, you need a balance of whole, natural foods and a limited amount of processed food.

Eating lower on the food chain is a good way to think of it. The average US household’s climate impact of food is roughly equal to driving 2 vehicles with a 25 mpg fuel efficiency a total of 12,000 miles per year. This is the average amount most people drive, so think of how much your family drives each year. Imagine that as how much impact your food is having on the environment. Replacing red meat with chicken, fish, or eggs one day per week decreases the impact by 760 miles per year. Replacing red meat with a vegan diet once per week decreases the impact by 1160 miles per year.

A more unconventional approach to this problem could be giving the gift of animals through Heifer International. You can donate money to give an animal in honor of someone to help families all over the world become self-reliant. This organization teaches holistic approaches to becoming a more sustainable community. Through this gift, the environmental impact is reduced because these animals are providing food and income and reducing land use. They are “working with an integrated system of plant and animal production practices to satisfy human food needs, enhance environmental quality and natural resources, and make the most of on-farm and renewable resources.” Check out www.heifer.org to learn more about this amazing opportunity to combat hunger while building a sustainable environment.

In summary, to be more green when choosing meals, try to buy local to decrease fuel use, eat organics to steer away from the use of chemicals, and eat lower on the food chain to conserve our resources.

Sarah Gehring, GSIP Intern, sophomore dietetics major

References:
www.eatright.org
Christopher Weber, Matthews HS. Food-Miles and the Relative Climate Impacts of Food Choices in the United States. Enviro Sci Technol. 2008;42:3508-3513
Emmy Parkes
www.heifer.org

Beautiful, Thought Provoking Student Art Exhibit

2009-11-16T11:47:00.008-06:00

Recently, I took the scenic route home to stop by Meek Hall's Gallery 130 for an exhibit entitled, "Spin Cycled," by UM's own Ashley Hardy. The premise of Hardy's designs is the recycling of older clothes by resewing and redesigning them. Her use of vibrant colors and bold prints brightened my day, and, although the exhibit is a fun one, it also proved to be a thought provoking one for me.

I'm sure most people are familiar with term "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle." Side note: If you're not, there's a great Jack Johnson song about it. Anyway, in recent years, a lot of emphasis has been put on the last of those three steps, when, in fact, that's the last one for a reason. Now, don't stop recycling because of this; I'm just pointing out that the slogan is a sort of hierarchy of waste management. First, you reduce what you're using, i.e. buy a 2 liter bottle of Coke instead of lots of 20 ounce Cokes. Then, you reuse what you can. For instance, reuse that 2 liter bottle of Coke as a vase or a rocket, unless you have too many vases or rockets. That's when you recycle. Maybe the Coke bottle was a poor choice of examples, but I'm sure you understand where I'm going with this.

Anyway, the Spin Cycle exhibit really made me think about reusing things. It'd be awesome if everyone had the artistic abilities of Ashley Hardy to turn two old dresses into fabulous new skirt/ shirt combo, but, as sad as it is to admit, I am not artistically inclined in the slightest. However, I can reuse the plastic cups from Newk's or Oby's, and I can stop buying bottled water in favor of a reusable (and durable!) water bottle from Ole Miss Outdoors.

So, my new promise to you and to Mama Earth is that I will start reducing and reusing as much as possible, while maintaining my recycling habits. I hope you'll join me in this.

--Elizabeth Seratt, GSIP Intern, freshman international studies and German major

Ashley Hardy's BFA Thesis Exhibition "Spin Cycled" will be on display in Gallery 130 at Meek Hall until Friday, November 20

A Call to Action

2009-11-10T11:34:00.004-06:00

UM Students,

An idea has been presented to me that I’d like to pass on to you. If you are interested in reducing Ole Miss’ environmental impact or in saving Ole Miss dollars, please read on.

Over the past few years the University has been putting forth effort for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification in new construction projects and renovations. The new Law School and the Center for Manufacturing Excellence are great examples. Ideally, the University will save the money it spends on these projects over a matter of years in electricity, steam, chilled water, etc. A byproduct (and a great selling point for UM) is lower greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the cost savings which are estimated at building times are not necessarily evaluated during the lifetime of the project. Also, while the potential for long-term energy savings exists due to the design itself, actual savings can be hugely affected – positively or negatively – by how we operate and maintain the building over its useful life.

My proposal is this:

For those of you that would like to take an active role in seeing real savings in University dollars and lowering the GHG emissions from our campus, and for those of you who would like hands on experience in campus affairs, please step up now. We have the power to assist or even lead the University in becoming more responsible. This would be welcomed by the administration, especially the University architect, Ian Banner, who presented this idea to me.

I have a few ideas, but I really want this to be a diverse group with input coming from everyone, students to faculty and eventually contractors and the physical plant.

Please contact me if this proposal appeals to you. I will be in touch with you with a date for an interest meeting. Most likely, it will be in the last week of the semester, and we will discuss steps forward.

We have the power to see a more responsible, prosperous Ole Miss if we work together.

Thank you for your consideration,

Jonathan Jones
Junior, Chemical Engineering
Office of Sustainability
jdjones12@olemiss.edu
(228) 265-3723

Ian G Banner
Facilities Planning
Director Of Facilities Planning And University Architect

Mother Earth Isn’t as Forgiving as my Mama

2009-04-24T15:00:00.001-05:00

Today I broke my diet by eating two, yes, two cookies. As I inhaled the last chocolate morsel of my oh-so-yummy cookie, the guilt set in. I instantly started thinking of my punishment. No food for at least two days, I said at first. That seemed a bit harsh, so I settled on a plan of working out today and tomorrow.

I admit it. Sometimes this behavior can be a bit of a routine. I do something I know I shouldn’t and then silently repent and swear I’ll make it up tomorrow two-fold.

While burning off those calories may be easy enough, backtracking on bad Earth behavior isn’t. Mother Earth is not going to forgive us for being bad stewards. The trash will pile as high as we allow it, the water will become as polluted as we allow it, the air will become as dirty as we allow it. I think you get the picture.

We are going to have to start being better — and I don’t mean tomorrow. Today, right now, let’s make an effort to change the way we think and act when it comes to being green.

Besides, it can’t be nearly as hard as giving up my sweet tooth.

Rainy Days go Green too

2009-04-24T10:06:00.004-05:00

Until now, I’ve typically disliked the rain. That’s right, I’m not one of those girls who lists “dancing in the rain” as a passionate hobby. For some reason it only rains when I’ve forgotten my umbrella, I’m walking and there is nowhere to take cover. Maybe it’s bad karma, or maybe I just need to read the weather forecast.

After visiting the new campus bioswale near Crosby Hall, I’m seriously reconsidering my dislike for the rain.

The bioswale is a gently slopping open area on Northgate Drive just west of Crosby Hall that is designed to treat rainwater. On the surface, the bioswale looks like just another display of beautiful landscaping. However, it’s more than a esthetically pleasing - it’s Earth friendly.

When it rains, the bioswale’s vegetation, rock and soil slow the movement of rainwater, allowing more time for the water to be cleaned of pollutants and silt. Pretty high-tech, huh?

Next time it rains, I’m going to ignore my soggy jeans and drenched hair, and think of the rainwater that is being naturally treated right here on the Ole Miss campus.

Community Garden: Two Green Thumbs Up!

2009-04-23T16:14:00.001-05:00

Finally, a way to use my green thumb. OK, that was a lie. I’ve actually only owned one plant - it was a cactus and I managed to kill it.

Despite my past failure, however, I’m ready to hit the dirt at the new Oxford Community Garden. That’s right, a community garden!

Friday at 9:30 a.m., a ceremonial garden groundbreaking will take place on the future garden site located on a half-acre lot at the old National Guard Armory on the corner of University Avenue and Bramlett Boulevard.

At the groundbreaking, Oxford residents will be able to sign up for a plot in the garden. Depending on the chosen size, plots will cost $5- $15. Planting will begin next winter, which will allow time to improve the garden’s soil.

After the groundbreaking, stick around for a composting and “green kitchen” workshop.
The community garden truly is groundbreaking - go check it out!

On your mark, get set, GREEN

2009-04-23T06:49:00.002-05:00

Decreasing our dependence on gasoline-powered vehicles is a major obstacle on the long road to sustainability.

Each gallon of gas used by a car emits about 19 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. That means if you drive an average of 1,000 miles a month, your car emits 120 tons of carbon dioxide. As we discussed earlier this week, carbon dioxide is a main contributor to global warming and thus causes a major hardship on our planet.

What can you do?

Bid your car adieu. Oxford is a small town, and we need to get into the habit of using our legs, not the gas pedal.

If driving is a must, consider carpooling. Despite popular perception, carpooling is not just for moms in minivans.

As a matter of fact, on Thursday all carpoolers (soccer moms included) will be rewarded for their green efforts by being allowed to park in a convenient “green” lot on the west side of the Turner Center.

If you decide to bike to campus, take your helmet by Java City and receive 50 percent off coffee.
Want to learn more about alternative modes of transportation?
Come by the Union Plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and learn about the Oxford Pathways Initiative and the O.U.T. system, and check out the university’s solar powered shuttle carts.

Are you up for a challenge?

At 7:30 a.m. Thursday, the university hosts a commuters race. Starting in the Wal-Mart parking lot, participants will choose a form of green transportation: bike, carpool or bus. Then, commuters will make their way toward the Union Plaza. Who will win? Tune into 92.1 Rebel Radio or come witness the fun for yourself. The competition may be heated!

Want to learn more about Climate Change?

Attend a panel discussion at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the Lamar Law Center on the consequences of climate change as they apply to policy, law and the community. The event is sponsored by the Environment Law Society and will be held in Moot Court I on the third floor.

Are you Big Foot?

2009-04-22T08:13:00.002-05:00

I’m a short girl and have always suffered from abnormally small feet. Out of curiosity I decided to go to safeclimate.net and measure my carbon footprint. I hate to admit it, but my carbon footprint isn’t so dainty. But, hey, knowing where I start allows me to set goals, and hopefully one day my carbon footprint will fit into my flip-flops.

For those of you whose footing with green jargon isn’t so hot, let me explain carbon footprints. A carbon footprint is the measurement of an individual’s impact on the environment through direct and indirect emissions of greenhouse gas such as carbon dioxide. Practically everything we do contributes to our carbon footprint.

So why does size matter?

Our often excessive use of greenhouse gases is creating an environmental dilemma you may have heard of before — global warming. No matter what you believe, it’s fact that the Earth’s average temperature is increasing, and many scientists attribute this to me and you, and our giant footprints.

In the end, the decision is up to you. You can continue to stomp around with a giant footprint, or you can consider these simple and easy footprint reduction steps:

At home:
-Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL). If you switch just two bulbs in your house you will save 300 pounds of carbon dioxide and $30 over its lifetime.
- Turn off lights when they are not in use.
-Move your thermostat 2 degrees cooler in winter and 2 degrees warmer in the summer.
-Lower you water heater thermostat to 120 degrees (you won’t notice a difference!).
-Set refrigerator temperature at 36-38 degrees and your freezer to 0-5 degrees.
- Start a compost heap.

At work:
-Reduce the amount of printing and copying you do
- When printing is necessary, print double-sided.
-Reuse office supplies such as binders, folders, paper clips etc.
-Recycle paper and printing cartridges

In commute:
-Bike, carpool or walk whenever possible.
-Take the shortest commuting routes.
- Run all errands during the same trip.
-Don’t idle for more than 30 seconds.
-Drive in non-peak hours to avoid waiting in traffic.
-Keep tires properly inflated.

Want to learn the size and impact of your carbon footprint?

Come by the Union plaza today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and learn all about it!

Want a new purse?

Today from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. learn to crochet grocery bags into a beautiful purse.

Learn more about Wednesday activities at www.olemiss.edu/green.

Learn more about global warming at: http://www.edf.org/page.cfm?tagID=1011.

Don't be a Sucker

2009-04-21T11:02:00.007-05:00

Let’s talk about energy, and not the energy you get from coffee, Red Bull or whatever sugar-loaded soft drink you prefer, but the energy that is seeping out of your toaster,TV, computer and other household appliances.

It’s called vampire power. To avoid confusion, I’m not talking about fangs, bats or Edward Cullen. Vampire power is the term used to describe energy that is slowly and quietly sucked from appliances when they are plugged in but not in use.

That’s right. No offense, but you suck. Your Wii sucks, your printer sucks and your DVD player sucks.

Now don’t get depressed about sucking because it’s an easy fix; UNPLUG appliances when they are not in use.

Don’t be fooled by screen savers and energy modes; they suck too.

By unplugging your appliances, you are helping the Earth and your bank account. As it turns out, sucking is quite costly.

According to Good Magazine, U.S. consumers spend more than $3 million a year on vampire power. That means you probably spend $270 on energy you don’t even use.

So don’t be a sucker anymore – unplug your appliances.

Come by the Union plaza from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and learn all about it!

Want a free pizza?

Bring your old cell phones by the Union plaza any time this week and receive a coupon for a free pizza. The phones will be donated to Mississippi soldiers so they will have means to communicate with their families.

Like saving money?

Ride your bike to the Oxford Square and receive 25 percent off lunch today at Proud Larry’s, Two Stick or Old Venice. Make sure you take your helmet as proof!

Need to expand your green knowledge?

Come hear General Manager and Chief Environmental Officer of Toyota Motor Manufacturing North America Inc., Kevin Butts speak at 2 p.m. today in Johnson Commons Ballroom.

Water Conservation: It's Sink or Swim

2009-04-19T18:51:00.009-05:00

Thanks to Mr. Petito, my eighth-grade world geography teacher, I am well aware that three-fourths of Earth is covered in water. So what’s the big deal? Why should I make an effort to conserve water? Besides, doesn’t water replenish itself?

After speaking to some of the University of Mississippi’s environmental gurus and doing some perusing on Google, I have found that water conservation is more important than I ever imagined.First, let’s debunk the “we have an unlimited supply of water” myth. I’m not going to blame Mr. Petito, but when people paint the “our world is made of water” picture, they should consider following it up with, “however, only 3 percent of all the water is fresh water, and only 1 percent is available for drinking water.”

To make matters worse, we are using our supply of fresh water much faster than it can be naturally replenished. And with the world population on a constant increase, there are more mouths to water and less water readily available.

This means, without many of us realizing it, we are overconsuming an ESSENTIAL resource of life.

How can you help? Stop being a water hog!

Use the following tips to help out by reducing your water consumption:

-Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

-Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.

-Go by the Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and pick up a FREE shower timer courtesy of South Bank.

-Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

-Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.

-Fix dripping faucets and running toilets. You’ll save 300 gallons a month or more.

-Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.

Thirsty for more?

Come by Crosby Hall at 10:30 a.m. on Monday and see the “Capturing Storm Water: Bioswale/Rain Garden” exhibit.

Come by the Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday and get advice and facts about water conservation.

Already water witty?

Come by the Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday and participate in water trivia. Winners will receive free reusable water bottles.

Source: https://webmail.olemiss.edu/cgi-bin/webmail.cgi?cmd=url&xdata=~2-e54d2afc7ab5ea2d3a1cc428f64397b3f88ca4f4e19dd9c7dd00&url=http!3A!2F!2Fwww.wateruseitwisely.com!2F100-ways-to-conserve!2Findex.php

Life is Greener on the Other Side

2009-04-15T08:26:00.000-05:00

A few years ago, green was just a color. Now, it’s a lifestyle and a movement that has the world buzzing about being eco-friendly, organic and sustainable.

. Next week, the University of Mississippi and the city of Oxford are hosting Green Week. The week will be dedicated to raising environmental awareness on the Ole Miss campus and in the greater Oxford community—yes, that’s you!

Green Week is about educating ourselves on the needs of the environment and learning what we can do to be better stewards of the Earth. It will be a week of learning, testing the water and committing to begin the long journey of making ourselves, our campus and our community more environmentally sustainable. Who knows, maybe you will find life greener on the other side.

Throughout the next week-and-a-half, I will be blogging about Green Week, the UM- Oxford Green Initiative and pretty much all things green.

If you are going to follow my blog, I feel like I need to be honest-- I don’t make a habit out of hugging trees or wearing patchouli , but yes, I care about the environment. I’m not the “greenest” girl you’ll meet, but I am passionate about the Earth and hope to open up conversation about what we as students, faculty, staff and Oxford residents can do to preserve the environment. So let me know what you think, what we should talk about and where we need to go next. I hope we can learn from each other.