[Archived] Newsletter
February 25, 2009
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Coming up in SPEAR
Elections at the next general body meeting
Monday, March 9 at 7 PM in Buttrick 201
There will be free pizza! There following positions are available:
- President
- Executive Vice President
- Webmaster
- Treasurer
- Internal Secretary
- External Secretary
- VP of Recycling
- VP of Composting
- VP of Education
- VP of Energy
If you are interested in one or more of these positions, please contact Brent Fitzgerald (brent.t.fitzgerald @at vanderbilt .dot edu) or Leslie Labruto (leslie.c.labruto @at vanderbilt .dot edu).
News
The Vanderbilt Hustler: Composting finds niche on The Commons
Keeping in stride with the green mission of the first-year campus, the Composting at the Commons project has been recycling organic matter since October of 2007.
The Commons composting effort, which is a part of Students Promoting Environmental Awareness and Recycling [sic], focuses on biodegradable organic matter, such as fruits, vegetables and coffee. All of the materials are taken from the Commons Dining Center or the Common Grounds Coffee Shop.
http://www.insidevandy.com/drupal/node/9586
myVU: VU to calculate carbon footprint
Vanderbilt plans to calculate its carbon footprint this spring through a greenhouse gas emissions inventory. The inventory will determine the amount of the six greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere in an average year, based on 2005-2007 data.
http://sitemason.vanderbilt.edu/myvu/news/2009/02/20/vu-to-calculate-carbon-footprint.73683
WSJ: Yet Another 'Footprint' to Worry About: Water
The water footprint—a concept coined by Dutch scientist Arjen Hoekstra in 2002—is becoming an increasingly valid concern, according to research by the UN. Two-thirds of the world's population will face water scarcity by 2025. Research allows environmentalists and analysts to track "virtual" water—the water cost embedded in substances such as dishwasher detergent or coffee.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123483638138996305.html?mod=dist_smartbrief
Special Opportunity
VSG Environmental Affairs Co-Chair Application
Applications are now available for VSG post of Environmental Affairs Co-Chair.
http://studentorgs.vanderbilt.edu/vsg/index.php?cmsid=35.
Description
The Environmental Affairs Co-Chair serves as VSG's representative in facilitating environmental awareness and sustainability. He or she acts as a liaison to the Sustainability and Environmental Management Office and all campus environmental groups such as SPEAR, WillSkills, and SustainVU. Also, the Environmental Affairs Co-Chair works to develop, coordinate, and promote recycling and energy conservation on campus by developing creative ideas for 10 improving sustainability on campus and working with administrators to promote a greener Vanderbilt. Experience with campus sustainability groups is encouraged, but not required.
Objectives for 2009-2010
- Develop unique, cost-effective sustainability initiatives that complement the efforts of campus environmental groups.
- Actively work with on-campus organizations to amplify their voices to administrators and publicize their services.
- Lead the Think Gold Act Green Coalition of campus sustainability groups.
- Meet regularly with representatives from the Sustainability and Environmental Management Office (SEMO).
Time Commitment: 4-5 hours/week. The Environmental Affairs Co-Chair is expected to attend weekly VSG Senate Exec meetings, SEMO meetings, and occasional committee meetings.
Applications are due on Monday, March 9th, by 5pm via email to VSG Chief of Staff Sean Topping (sean .dot r .dot topping @at vanderbilt .dot edu).
Internships
Service Training for Environmental Progress (STEP) Internship
STEP now invites community-based environmental organizations to sponsor an intern who will receive technical support from STEP and the Center for Health Services. This support for selected interns includes use of Vanderbilt facilities and resources, training by Center for Health Services staff, and a moderate stipend.
http://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/root/vumc.php?site=step&doc=816
AIDE
AIDE is a non-profit organization that arranges international internship and volunteer placements. They offer environmental and animal conservation internship and volunteer opportunities abroad by serving the local community and gaining valuable knowledge for their careers.
AIDE offers both short-term volunteer placements (1-3 weeks) and longer internship programs (1-3 months), for example:
- Working on an organic farm in Costa Rica
- Assisting with rainforest conservation in the Peruvian Amazon
- Rehabilitating wild and endangered animals in a tropical animal sanctuary in Costa Rica or Ecuador
- Promoting environmental awareness and education in the Galapagos Islands
For more details, contact Skylar King at skylar@aideabroad.org.