Office of Sustainability - University of Florida

May 2007 Newsletter

In this Issue:

Gators Sign Graduation Pledge
Local Festival and Juried Art Show to Celebrate Juneteenth
North Florida's First Green Home Supply Store Grand Opening - May 19th
Giving Green
President's Climate Commitment Nears 250 Signatories
Living Green: A New Locally Produced TV Program
Play Planet Green Game
LEED Professional Staff at UF facilitates Green Building Case Studies
Earth Portal
Sustainability Forum
Earth Month Highlight's

Gators Sign Graduation Pledge

“I, __________, pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work.”

A group of graduating University of Florida students made this promise in what is planned to become a university-wide event every commencement. Signing took place at the inauguration and celebration of the pledge at the President’s House, where participants vowed to consider the implications of their professional choices on society and the environment.

Signatories included students from diverse fields of study. Members of the Student Leadership Convergence, Gators for a Sustainable Campus, the UF chapter of the American Solar Energy Society, all made sure to add their names to the list. Even National Champion basketball player Chris Richards took the pledge.

This pledge, the brainchild of a group of 10 students and community members, began in 1987 at Humbolt State University (HSU) in Arcata, California, a town with a history of progressive activism. The idea came about at the first meeting of a university group called Student Citizens for Social Responsibility (SCSR). The pledge was offered to all graduating students and signing was completely voluntary.

Authors of the pledge aimed at urging students to consider what their role in the workplace would be, and what types of organizations they would choose to work for and support. At the same time, the pledge would help foster an environment within the university that placed more of an emphasis on including the discussion of ethics into classrooms from all different fields. If the university acknowledged the importance of such a pledge, it was hoped that this philosophy would trickle down and cause professors and students to think critically about their individual roles.

Beginning in the summer of 1987, SCSR began a nationwide launch of the project, now dubbed the Graduation Pledge Alliance, and received much national media coverage. Since that time, the pledge has been adopted by numerous institutions throughout the United States and even Canada.

Each university has found its own way to implement the pledge. Bowling Green State University presents a similar pledge to students upon admission to the university. A series of panel discussions on career choices was initiated at Harvard University, and materials were added to the university’s career center library. Upon signing, students at Manchester College are given green ribbons to be worn on their gowns, a tradition since adopted by UF.

In 2002, a striking eighty percent of the Princeton University graduating class adopted the pledge. Although a lofty goal, a similar benchmark is being discussed for future UF graduates. By drawing their attention to the impact of their actions in the workplace, Gators throughout the world will grow to become more positive stewards of society.

Local Festival and Juried Art Show to Celebrate Juneteenth

JFest 2007 In the world of artistic production, African American artists have few opportunities to convene and compete in an arena specific to their heritage. The Juneteenth Festival & Juried Art Show (JFest), a multi-cultural event produced by the Cotton Club Museum & Cultural Center, will offer just this. The Cotton Club is a sustainable rehabilitation project in East Gainesville.
Recognizing the value of such a special event, artists are traveling great distances and finding creative ways to fund their participation in this inaugural event. Stephen Walker of Fairfield, Alabama, a painter and professor at Lawson State Community College, received assistance from the college to exhibit and compete this summer.

Kenneth Moses Ogungbemi, a native of Nigeria currently living in Sao Paolo, Brazil, will also travel to Florida this June to share his paintings that “reflect his cultural background…and tell people about Africa and its beautiful colors and people.”

Walker and Ogungbemi will join veteran artisans like Mary Ann Jefferson from Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina who weaves elegant sweet grass baskets – a slave craft brought over from Africa. The sweet grass basket was recently named the official handcraft of South Carolina.

JFest will not solely explore the influences of African American visual art. In the spirit of the Cotton Club, which is currently being rehabilitated into a museum and cultural center, JFest will highlight all forms of cultural expression including dance, storytelling, and music.

This old dance hall, located in East Gainesville, Florida, within a half mile of the JFest grounds, originally functioned as a nightclub on the Chitlin’ Circuit during the period of segregation. A smaller version of its namesake in Harlem, the Cotton Club in Gainesville featured musicians like Ray Charles, James Brown, Bo Diddley, and B.B. King.

JFest endeavors to continue this tradition. Jazz musician Eric Darius will delight audiences with his soulful saxophone. The Lee Boys of Georgia, one of America’s finest African American sacred steel ensembles, fuse gospel, blues, jazz, rock, funk, hip hop, and country. The Walker Smith Group, winners of the 2007 Beale Street Blues Competition, will rock the crowd with their award-winning sounds.

Attendees will not only be captivated through sight and sound, but also taste. Cracklins, homemade fried bread, collard greens, fried sweet potatoes, and the motherland hash will have taste buds tingling. Hands-on activities include crafting traditional corn shuck dolls and sage brooms.

After all this activity, participants can beat the heat in the beautiful misting garden, and then stop by the Macy’s Rest and Relaxation booth to freshen up.

“We are so excited to welcome the Juneteenth Festival to the City of Gainesville!” said Mayor Pegeen Harahan. “Our city is rich in its history and diversity, and this is a wonderful opportunity to remember our past and celebrate our future together.”

JFest will be held at Lincoln Park in East Gainesville, Florida, rain or shine, June 16-17, 2007. For more information and/or to apply online, visit http://www.JFestCentral.com or call 352-273-1172.

North Florida's First Green Home Supply Store Grand Opening - May 19th

INDIGO, a new green store offering healthy, sustainable, and recycled products for the home is committed to educating, supplying and servicing Florida with environmentally safe products.

The store, owned by Liberty Phoenix and Michael Amish, was inspired by Liberty’s son, Indigo, who passed away as a toddler due to severe allergies related to new carpeting, leaving his immune system weak. It is their desire to help people understand the affects chemicals, toxic materials, and common household products can have on our health.

“People don’t realize the reactions we can have to all the things we use in our households-from the insulation and flooring to cleaning products.” Phoenix said, “We want people to be able to make an educated decision about how to build and manage their homes.”

Phoenix hopes that the store will also be an inspiration to builders and developers. Her background in real estate and development made her realize that “If the public is not demanding green houses, they won’t build them.” Phoenix also believes that the Earth’s resources are precious and in order for our planet to be sustainable, we need to start using the alternative products that are available.

Her vision is to provide not only a place to buy these environmentally friendly and allergen-free options for home building and renovation, but to offer a media room where people can come to learn about the products she offers and to educate themselves about why they are so important. This resource will also allow customers to design virtual rooms to see the look of the products.

The grand opening of INDIGO’s showroom is Saturday, May 19th, 2007 from 12-6pm. The store is located at 322 SW 4th Avenue in Gainesville, and will display and make available products such as: recycled glass tiles, clay tile, Enviroglass countertops, recycled blue jean insulation, bamboo, marmoleum, and cork flooring, energy efficient lighting, solar options, and zero VOC paints. The store will also include a shop where people can find recycled products, organic bedding, and other green gifts.

Located next door will be Ann Marie Amish’s Ladybird Salon. Opening in mid-June, this salon will offer eco-options for services such as hair color, and will carry a line of vegan hair products.

“This will help extend the idea of making healthy, environmentally safe decisions beyond the realm of the house, to our personal lives- they are a perfect partner to be next door.” said Phoenix.

INDIGO owners truly believe that by responsibly facilitating change, communities can become a part of the world they imagine themselves to be.

Giving Green

Give a piece of yourself
Nothing is better than the gift of time. Offer your services to baby-sit for a friend, give a gift certificate for a relaxing massage, or offer a home cooked dinner. Instead of buying the same old tie for dad, try the gift of a day with you. Buy some fishing licenses and head out in a canoe, take him to a local restaurant for a great dinner, or hit the local theater or art gallery for some culture. You will be enjoying your community, supporting the local economy, and creating cherished memories.
Giving the green lifestyle
Giving gifts that supports a switch to a more sustainable life choice can be a way to share your values. You might try something as simple as a pass to our state parks, or consider a gift of carbon offsets for a commuting colleague. A Flexcar membership might be just right to help a friend’s transition to alternative transportation. For your favorite home chef, try a membership to a local farm that will provide them with fresh local veggies all year long (also called Community Supported Agriculture or CSA).
Find the green alternatives
You have decided on a t-shirt you know your friend will wear, gardening tools for his or her favorite hobby, or a fruit basket you know he or she will love. Now do the research, and go the next step. Find a fair-trade, eco-cotton shirt styled with natural dyes. Try giving a rain barrel or a composter to that gardening friend of yours. Buy locally grown and/or organically grown fruits, and invest a bit more in a quality artisan basket that will be a gift in itself.
Give a gift where it is needed
Give a gift or service of any kind to those who need it most. Check out opportunities to give something in the honor of your loved one. Make a gift of a micro-loan, give a helping hand to rural farmers and indigenous groups, or donate to a land trust in your area to support preservation. Your friend will smile when they get a card describing the child in another part of the world whose life will be improved by the gift of a llama or a sheep on their behalf.
Wrap it right
Use packaging that will not go to waste. Your packaging may even be part of the gift, such as wrapping the gift in a scarf or enclosing it in a box that can be reused for collecting odds and ends. Reusable wrapping, such as a gift bag, will pass on the fun. For family and close friends, consider the Sunday funnies or recycled wrapping paper instead of new gift wrap.

President's Climate Commitment Nears 250 Signatories

Since our last report, campuses across the country are following the University of Florida’s lead, and signing on to the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment. In doing so, these campuses have committed to developing comprehensive plans for achieving climate neutrality. 239 college and university presidents and chancellors have now signed the Commitment. Some of the newest signatories include:

Joseph E. Aoun of Northeastern University
Michael V. Martin of New Mexico State University
Gregory H. Williams of The City College of New York (CUNY)
Thomas J. Schwarz of Purchase College (SUNY)
Jack M. Wilson of University of Massachusetts

Living Green: A New Locally Produced TV Program

Energy is a hot topic in today's society, especially as we have seen the current rise in fuel costs and the increased awareness that fossil fuels are dwindling. In this episode, join Dr. Mark Hostetler as he explores where our current energy comes from, recent advances in renewable energies (e.g., biodiesel and solar power), and how businesses can conserve energy. Viewers learn about hydrogen fuel-cell technology; how to create biodiesel in one's backyard; how solar power technologies are used in schools and a unique application in a state park; and how companies can incorporate energy-saving strategies in their own day-to-day operations.

Living Green is a half-hour TV show that helps individuals understand what it means to be "living green" in their own communities. Currently, there is a push in both the public and the private sectors to implement design and management strategies that take into account socioeconomic variables while conserving natural resources for future generations.

A cross-section of society, including homeowners, developers, planners, and politicians, makes day-to-day decisions that impact our natural resources. Decisions made by different people, from homeowners to politicians, interact in unique ways to affect the use and conservation of water, energy, and plants and animals. For example, the "greenness" of communities is the result of decisions made by homeowners, developers, and even city policymakers. These decisions ultimately determine the health of a community. The focus of this show is to illustrate "green" design and management practices within and around urban areas.

The flavor of the show is upbeat, and even humorous at times, when presenting the myriad challenges and solutions associated with any environmental issue. The show, while entertaining, is meant to inspire individuals to take local action and make a difference. Each show highlights a wide range of environmental issues, outlining the need for a united response at the local and, most important, individual level.

Specific attention is paid to the solutions to growth/environmental challenges, and the opportunities for individuals to help search for "win-win" strategies that balance socioeconomic and environmental concerns in their own community. The show targets an adult audience, but it is also relevant to middle-school and high-school students. Living Green highlights environmental challenges and solutions that are relevant to communities across the Southeast as well as throughout the United States.

Planet Green Game

Starbucks and Global Green USA collaborated on the Planet Green Game to educate the public about climate change through engaging and informative game play while encouraging individuals to become part of the solution in their own lives. The game also assists individuals - through simple tools and links - in advocating action by elected officials, business and community leaders.

LEED Professional Staff at UF facilitates Green Building Case Studies

University of Florida was the first in the state to require a LEED accredited professional on staff to ensure that LEED criteria are incorporated in design and construction on all major building projects. Our LEED accredited professional, Bahar Armaghani, works with the project design teams to obtain the highest level of LEED certification for all projects.

Bahar facilitates case studies on campus certified buildings to showcase the innovative practices applied in the buildings. The most recent case study was completed for the Mary Ann Harn Cofrin Pavilion at the Florida Museum of Natural History, which was certified in 2006. The project achieved 40% energy savings over ASHRAE 90.1 as well as a 30% water use reduction.

LEED provides a roadmap for measuring and documenting success for every building type and phase of a building lifecycle, and that is the path that University of Florida has taken to design and build the greenest buildings on campus.

Facilities Planning & Construction (FPC) is committed to delivering green buildings to our university in support of maximizing efficiency, productivity, and comfort of the faculty, staff and students.

Earth Portal

The National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) is pleased to announce the formal launch of the Earth Portal.

Earth Portal is a comprehensive, free and dynamic resource for timely, objective, science-based information about the environment built by a global community of environmental experts: educators, physical, life, and social scientists, scholars, and professionals who have joined together to communicate to the world.

In contrast to information from anonymous sources with no quality control, the Earth Portal is created and governed by individuals and organizations who put their names behind their words and where attribution and expert-review for accuracy are fundamental.

The Earth Portal includes:

Encyclopedia of Earth has an initial 2,300 articles from over 700 experts from 46 countries, as well as such content partners as the World Wildlife Fund and the United Nations Environment Programme. The Encyclopedia is a means for the global scientific community to come together to produce the first free, comprehensive expert-driven information resource on the environment. The Encyclopedia includes articles, e-books and reports, interactive maps, and biographies, and will eventually be published in other major languages. Environmental scholars and experts are invited to become contributors to the Encyclopedia. Click here.
Earth News includes breaking news updates from many sources, with links from key words to Encyclopedia articles, enabling readers to learn about the science behind the headlines.
Earth Forum allows the public to engage in discussions with experts, ask questions and get answers, and to participate in community debates about issues that matter to them.
Environment in Focus provides an exploration of a major issue each week – energy, climate change, environmental economics and other topics – led by a prominent expert in the subject and involving articles, news, places, discussions, Q&A, interesting facts, and more.

The National Council for Science and the Environment is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the scientific basis for environmental decision-making. The NCSE specializes in programs that foster collaboration among diverse institutions, communities and individuals. The NCSE serves as secretariat for a growing Environmental Information Coalition of environmental experts and organizations, which is building the Earth Portal. ManyOne Networks, an innovative IT firm based near San Jose, California, has provided engineering and vision for the Earth Portal.

Sustainability Forum

Send us your questions about campus sustainability

Q: Why does UF run the irrigation system in the middle of the day?

A: Almost 100% of UF's irrigation water is reclaimed from our on-campus waste water treatment facility. The limits set by the St. John's Water Management District to water before 10am and after 4pm just twice a week are limits on potable water resources.

Because the users of potable water at UF consume a great deal, especially in campus laboratories, we generate a great deal of reclaimed water. Our storage capacity for treated water is surpassed by our generation of water that needs to be treated. Unfortunately, we can and sometimes need to irrigate at all times of the day and night to distribute the reclaimed water.