Author Archives: Fannie Koa

TSC holds Fall Sustainability Roundtable

November 12, 2012 – 2:48 pm

TSC's Fall Roundtable drew members from the CSC working groups and various sustainability-related organizations around campus

Tufts Sustainability Collective, the active umbrella organization for environmental groups on campus, has been very busy the past two weeks! The student-run group hosted two successful events, a Sustainability Roundtable and a Sustainability Dinner at Dewick. Both of these events have become staples each semester, so if you missed them this time around, look for their reappearance in the spring!

This fall’s Sustainability Roundtable featured the Campus Sustainability Council‘s three working groups for Energy and Emissions, Waste, and Water. Each group presented their goals for the university and their progress since convening earlier this year, pursuing a dialog with members of the Tufts community, from students to the head of Facilities.

Energy and Emissions team-members noted the achievement of meeting the standards set by Kyoto protocol by 2012 and mechanisms for decreasing the university’s carbon footprint, such as increased efficiency and switching fuels to natural gas or to distributors with renewable sources. In order to reduce energy consumption as the community continues to grow, however, a university-wide effort is called for, and the educational aspect of this goal is where the Office of Sustainability comes in!

The Waste working group focused on reducing outputs to the landfills during new construction projects and building rehabilitation. They mentioned many waste-reduction goals and plans to collaborate with Tufts Facilities in particular to “use less, reuse and recycle more” before anything is dumped in the trash.

The Water team had great news to present, including some concrete actions already in motion on the Tufts campus! Projects so far have included water reuse systems for machinery in laboratories and elsewhere, reducing the water coming in by hundreds of thousands of gallons already, and the recent construction of a university rain garden near the lower campus dorms. Rain gardens are both visually appealing and ecologically sound, ensuring rainwater is infiltrated into the soil, cleaned naturally, and returned to the groundwater rather than sent with pollutants down the storm drains. The Water working group also discussed plans to enter the EPA’s RainWorks Challenge, a national infrastructure design competition, and to look into porous pavement and gray water systems.

Read more about what was discussed at the roundtable in Tufts Daily’s news article.

-written by Anne Elise Stratton

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Campus Sustainability Council Fall 2012 Update

October 31, 2012 – 5:38 pm

During the summer, the Tufts Sustainability Council’s various working groups met to discuss goals for Tufts in the areas of water, waste and energy/emissions reductions.

The Water Working Group envisioned Tufts having an integrated water management approach that reduces consumption, promotes reuse, and minimizes impacts on the environment enabling Tufts to become a leader in campus water management in higher education.

To reach this goal, the Water Working Group recommends that Tufts meets and exceeds federal, state and local regulations regarding runoff, sanitation, and sewer systems; implements LEED standards for water use and quality; and ensures that Tufts students, faculty, and staff are knowledgeable of how their actions impact water use and quality and know how to mitigate negative impacts on their watersheds.

The Waste Working Group’s primary goal as discussed during their Summer meetings is an overall reduction of waste at Tufts by 3% a year through source reduction, improved waste management strategies, and a general culture change on campus with regards to waste.

Part of the Waste Working Group’s proposed strategies involves improved purchasing practices to ensure that an increased percentage of environmentally responsible products are purchased by the university.

The Energy and Emissions Working Group discussed ways for Tufts to demonstrate leadership in responsible climate action through energy efficiency, emissions reduction and adaptation. Under the New England Governors/Eastern Canadian Premiers Climate Change Action plan, the Energy and Emissions group is committed to seeing Tufts reduce emissions to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 and reducing emissions to 75-85% below the 2001 levels by 2050.

To do this, the Energy and Emissions group is developing a laundry list of energy efficiency measures and is committed to supporting a transition away from fossil fuels and teaching the Tufts community about the importance of energy efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and reduced emissions.

The groups stressed a need for reporting, feedback, and community outreach to ensure that all of Tufts sustainability efforts and goals can be reached.

Over the remainder of the semester, the Water, Waste, and Energy/Emissions groups will be meeting to discuss progress towards these goals, ongoing sustainability efforts, and additional strategies the university could use to meet their goals. A draft report will be available on February 1st, 2013 for comments. The comment period will end on March 1st and a final report will be prepared for the end of the academic year.

- by Robert R. Lynch, Campus Sustainability Council Administrative Intern

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Tips for Zero-Waste Week

October 19, 2012 – 6:38 pm

It’s easy to do the Zero Waste Challenge when you are at a place like Tufts, where recycling bins abound and compost drops are available on campus. Still, here are some good tips to keep in mind:

  • Snack on fresh fruit – it’s healthier AND it’s compostable.
  • Carry a small tupperware to put food to compost later.
  • Bring your lunch and use the container to get takeout for dinner.
  • Get your drinks without a straw.
  • Avoid individually wrapped tea or drink loose leaf tea.
  • Always bring a reusable mug or water bottle.

    Photo courtesy of Tufts Dining

    • Save 20 cents at Mugar Cafe, Tower Cafe, Brown & Brew, Hodgdon Good-to-Go & Commons Deli if you bring your own mug.
    • The Tufts “Choose to Reuse” clear water bottle will get you a discount on any fountain beverage at Mugar Cafe, Hodgdon Good-to-Go, Commons Deli, and Tower Cafe. Water and sparkling water will also be discounted at Hotung Cafe.

A few things to remember:

  • Aluminum foil and yogurt cups are recyclable.
  • All napkins are compostable.
  • Any rigid plastic can be recycled – including coffee stirrers. (It doesn’t have to fit through the openings of the recycling bin, by the way – just lift the cover.)
  • Energy bar wrappers and chip bags are recyclable. Tufts has Terracycle brigades on campus.

For more information on recycling and composting at Tufts, visit the TuftsRecycles! website.

Good luck and have fun!

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Chemistry Dept Eco-Ambassador wins grant for 2012

September 30, 2012 – 5:58 pm

"The talk around the water cooler is about the water cooler."

There’s a new water filter system in the Chemistry Department and they have Eco-Ambassador Sarah Iacobucci to thank for it.

Iacobucci – an Eco-Ambassador from the 2010-2011 class – applied for and won a $200 grant from the Office of Sustainability last summer. She writes, “We had a water filter system installed in a location in which we were told it was not possible to install one. Everyone loves it! We also bought a bunch of water pitchers for the department meetings and they are a big hit, too!”

To be eligible for a grant, Eco Ambassadors need to have attended 8 or more Eco-Ambassador sessions in any year and not have already received a grant. Previous winners include:

  • Jess Warner, Tisch Library: compost bins
  • Anita Robbins, Feinstein Center: Brita water pitchers
  • Carla Walsh, Education: incremental cost of new, energy efficient fridge
  • Kris Thompson, Tisch Library: Eco-grant book contest (which were featured in a library exhibit last spring as part of Earth Week events)

Grant proposals were evaluated on potential impact (How much waste, energy, water is saved and how many people are affected) and the potential to influence follow-up behavior change.

Congratulations Sarah! We look forward to more proposals to help make Tufts a greener workplace.

For more information on the Eco-Ambassador program, visit http://go.tufts.edu/ecoambassadors.

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Sep 20: ENVS Lunch & Learn – Environmental Sustainability at Tufts University

September 14, 2012 – 10:01 pm

Tina WoolstonJoin our very own Tina Woolston, Sustainability Program Director at Tufts University, as she discussed the sustainability efforts here at Tufts, resources available to students and opportunities to get involved on campus. If you’ve ever wondered about installing solar on campus or where the food from the dining halls goes, this is the perfect place to learn and ask questions about your ideas for innovation on campus!

Tina Woolston has worked in the Office of Sustainability, first as a program coordinator and more recently as director. She co-founded MaynardCAN!, a local non-profit that organizes and promotes sustainability initiatives in the city of Maynard, MA. Prior to Tufts, she worked for the Earthwatch Institute as their Program Manager for Sustainability and Outward Bound as a sea kayak and mountaineering instructor. She received her Master of Science from Cornell University.

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Sept 8: Somerville Bike Fest

September 7, 2012 – 9:35 pm

Ride, repair and relish in Somerville’s bicycle culture! SPOKES 2012 will feature free bike maintenance workshops, bicycle goods, info on bike activism/awareness, bike art and more. Come share your love of all things bicycle and all things Somerville!

2:30-5:00pm: “Tasting Tour of Somerville.” The Somerville Bicycle Committee will lead a fundraising ride through the streets of Somerville. Check out the event page to RSVP: http://www.facebook.com/events/448226095198600/.

5:00-7:00pm: Free bike repair works

hops, bike-art, info tables on alternative transportation and more…FREE WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
5:00-5:30: Ace Wheelworks mechanics will offer a general maintenance clinic to teach riders about how to upkeep their own bicycle.

5:30-6:00: Ace will then dive more in depth to cover brake and gear adjustments.

6:00-6:30: Bike Boom will teach you how to fix a pesky flat tire. Never go stranded again!

6:30-7:00: Broadway Bicycle School will demystify the hub and demonstrate hub adjustment tricks and tips, giving insight into how all of the different bearing systems work. They will also cover how to remove a freewheel/cassette.

Ongoing: Tyler from Paramount Bicycle Repair will be offering a wheel building demo. Look for the Paramount tent and come say hi!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

7:30-9:00pm: Free “bike-in movie” screening of “PeeWee’s Big Adventure.” Dinner/snacks sold by Lefty’s Silver Food Cart, Culinary Cruisers, TAZA Chococycle, & more. Picnic blankets encouraged. This will happen right in the Union Square Plaza (parking lot in front of The Independent).

9:00pm: S.C.U.L. invites civilian bike craft to come along for a post-event night ride through the city. There will be music.

SPOKES 2012 is brought to you by ArtsUnion and the Somerville Arts Council. To sign up as a vendor or for more info email: jacy.edelman1@gmail.com.

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Sept 8: Meet Me at the Mystic

September 7, 2012 – 9:26 pm

When: Saturday, September 8th, 9am – noon

Where: Starting from the Mystic Lakes Dam, Medford (map)

Paddling, Art, Music, and a Bicycle Tour too!

The Mystic River Watershed Association a full family-friendly schedule of artists and music along the banks of the Mystic Lake and River for your morning enjoyment, as well as discounted boat rentals! 

Come by bike, boat, on foot or drive. Bring strollers and your dog – whatever usually brings you to the shores of this urban beauty.

Rent a canoe or kayak!

Boats will be available at 9AM at adiscounted rental fee - $15 for single kayaks and $25 for canoes and double kayaks, but you must reserve in advance.Reserve your boat here! Of course, you can also bring your own boat to join in the fun. Join others in a trip down to the Alewife Brook starting at 9:30 a.m.

Bicycle Tour

Join the fun of this movable festival along the Mystic River. Cyclists will meet near the canoe launch at the Mystic Lakes Dam, Medford at 9AM. Read the full details here. This is a fun, leisure paced ride for the whole family. Art bikes, fun bikes and fat tired cruisers recommended.

Calling All Artists!

Beginners or professionals, join artists on the banks of the Mystic River to draw, paint, sketch en plein air with a core group of accomplished artists. Bring your own easel and materials. Appropriate for children – simply bring a sketch pad and chair or blanket along with markers, pencils or crayons. Whether your art involves nature, light, trees, people, water, come find inspiration with a morning en plein air! Details here.

Join your friends and neighbors in an early morning cheer to the river and watershed ­ a resource that has brought so much enjoyment to our community. Meet us at 9:00AM on Saturday, September 8 at the parking lot beside the new dam between the Upper and Lower Mystic Lakes in Medford and Arlington.Download the brochure.

This event is part of the Mystic River Watershed Association’s 40th Anniversary! Read more about Meet Me at the Mystic and other special 40th Anniversary events here.

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Aug 27: Summer Book Club meeting – The Story of Stuff

August 21, 2012 – 6:52 pm

The incoming freshmen aren’t the only people reading The Story of Stuff this summer. Named the common book for the Class of 2016, The Story of Stuff by Annie Leonard is also our pick for this summer’s book club. It’s a very engaging, accessible, eye-opening read, so go borrow/pick up a copy and come join us for a brown bag lunch on Monday, August 27.

Bring your lunch (and opinions) to the Miller Hall Conference Room at noon. Annie Leonard herself is visiting us in October so let’s all talk about what to ask her.

P.S. There may be ice cream. Shhhh!

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Sep 15: NESEA Annual Meeting (Portland, ME)

August 8, 2012 – 3:11 pm

The Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) Community is gathering on September 15th at the Portland Public Library for our 2012 Annual Meeting, and you’re invited to join us!

What’s on the agenda?

  • Panel Discussion on the “Pretty Good House.”
  • Tour of Portland Public Library’s high performance systems.
  • Walking tours of nearby buildings with sustainable design.
  • Remarks from the NESEA Board and Executive Director.
  • Reception and networking.

Visit http://www.nesea.org/meetups/  to get signed up.

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Campus Sustainability Coordinator (UC Santa Barbara, CA)

August 1, 2012 – 3:00 pm

The University of California, Santa Barbara (http://www.sustainability.ucsb.edu/) is seeking applications for a combined job position of Campus Sustainability Coordinator and TGIF Grant Program Manager. TGIF, The Green Initiative Fund, is our student funded green granting agency.

Applications for primary consideration are due August 1st, 2012 at 10:00pm PST though applications will be accepted until the position is filled. http://tinyurl.com/cdqslfu

 

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