Week of Spring weather

Environmental Club members & supporters,


There is a meeting this evening at 6:30 pm! We'll be reflecting on this last year and discussing new coordinators. This meeting will include nominations and discussions, and final meeting (June 1) will be elections.

Last two meetings this year:

* TODAY, Monday, May 18 at 6:30 pm in SMSU 229
* Monday June 1, time TBA in SMSU 229


Electing Environmental Club Coordinators for next year

This evening at 6:30 pm, we'll be having a meeting to reflect and analyze on how this last year went as far as meetings, campaigns, and Environmental Club events. Your feedback will be helpful in determining how we can improve for next year.

We are also electing coordinators for next year. Below is a series of questions for you to answer if you are interested in a coordinator or assistant coordinator position:

• your motivations for applying
• previous organizing experience (don't worry if you don't have any, and organizing a study group does count)
• time availability next year
• people skills - ability to compromise, fulfill obligations, etc
• do you have easy access to campus? (live near, bike, or etc)

Please email your responses to ecpsu@pdx.edu by May 25th, and be prepared to talk about them at our final meeting when we make coordinator decisions.

If you aren't interested in a coordinator position, plan on coming to the final meetings of this year to give your opinions and ideas, to share in snacks and fun activities, and to enjoy the company of your fellow members!


Take Back the Tap shows "Addicted to Plastic" - documentary
12:30 pm, Thursday, May 21
SMSU 238
Hot Lips Pizza Provided!

"The truth is, only about 5% of all plastic actually gets recycled." Ian Connacher

"From early plastic like bakelite, now a collectible, to plastic water bottles, the use of plastic is pervasive. The cheapest, strongest, most ubiquitous material ever invented, that might be quietly poisoning us," states Connacher, in this point-of-view documentary that takes him to 12 countries, five continents, and to the middle of the Pacific Ocean where plastic debris accumulates. Through interviews and expert views, he offers possible solutions to recycling, toxicity, and biodegradation. At the forefront of Addicted to Plastic (2008) is how we might rethink future consumption and production of plastic. A wake-up call becomes a call for change for the rest of us. http://www.crypticmoth.com

Also, it's your chance to buy the last of the Klean Kanteens!


PSU's Annual Sustainabilty Presentations

What: Please join PSU students, faculty, and staff for a celebration of our successes in sustainability during the 2008-2009 academic year.

When: Friday, May 29, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Where: PSU Native American Student and Community Center (710 S.W. Jackson St.)

This annual celebration gives the PSU community an opportunity to recognize those individuals and efforts that have made this past year a transformative time for the University's many sustainability initiatives. The event includes:

• Poster session of those faculty and student projects funded by the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation grants;
• Highlights from the year in operations, academics, student leadership and "Green Teams";
• Recognition of graduating student cohorts in undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs focused on sustainability;
• Recognition of outstanding graduating student employees;
• Remarks from campus leaders and a look ahead at plans for 2009-2010.

Denver University students plant community Learning Garden

DU students Erin Hough and Ben Waldman spent a recent Saturday with classmates and neighbors creating a community garden from an unused plot of land owned by the University....

“We’re trying to look at how to break down big-picture problems and apply solutions in our own little world,” Hough says. “It’s kind of inspiring because you can get direct feedback for what you’re doing.”

One of their most concrete projects involves creating a community garden on university-owned land located at 1817 S. High St. “It was quite the process getting all the necessary approvals,” Waldman says. The environmental team held community meetings of students, faculty, and neighbors and worked with Denver Urban Gardens on design and resource management. “I first saw community gardens in Seattle a few years back, and it seemed like it didn’t make sense for DU not to have one, if it wants to be a ‘green’ school. It also seemed like a great way to break down that invisible wall between DU students and our neighbors.”

Sound familiar to our attempt at getting a Learning Garden at PSU? Fortunately, PSU already has a community garden - now if only we could get some learning garden programs for classes to use. How cool would that be? Take a geology class and do soil testing on campus? Or sign up for an economics class and learn the business of growing your own food? Or sit in a permaculture class but set up a garden right out the classroom door?


Do they have solar-powered fans?

Meeting tonight

Elections, elections, elections!

One more day to vote for next year's student government. Vote online at http://banweb.pdx.edu under Student Election 2009 (Personal Information Tab). Polls are open until Monday, May 11 at 5:00 pm.

Regarding the Environmental Club, we will be electing coordinators for next year. Next two meetings (May 11 and May 18) will be nominations and discussions, and final meeting (June 1) will be elections. Think you might be interested? Come to one of the next two meetings or email us (ecpsu@pdx.edu).

Last three meetings this year:

* TODAY, Monday, May 11 at 5 pm in SMSU 229
* Monday, May 18 at 6:30 pm in SMSU 229
* Monday June 1, time TBA in SMSU 229

Rally for the Climate, Green Jobs, and Clean Air in Seattle - Bus ride up!
12 pm, Thursday, May 21
Bus departs Portland at 8 am (see below for more info)
Seattle's Bell Harbor International Conference Center pier 66 on Alaskan Way

Support the Obama Administration’s Powerful New Stance on Global Warming!

YES WE CAN reverse global warming to protect our families and communities and create millions of new green jobs! And, finally, the federal government is moving to deliver on that promise! We need the federal government to step up, and there's never been a better time.

President Obama and the Environmental Protection Agency need to hear from you. The EPA has concluded there is overwhelming evidence that greenhouse gases from fossil fuel combustion and vehicles endanger our health and welfare. Now that it has recognized the threat, the EPA must develop rules under the Clean Air Act to safeguard the environment and develop a new green economy. But the coal and oil lobbies will fight the Administration every step of the way. President Obama and the EPA need you to stand up and help them fight for what’s right! This is one of only two hearings in the entire country – the other is in Arlington, VA!

Ways you can help:

* Attend the rally on May 21st at noon to show support and to help end our reliance on dirty energy. RSVP on-line now!
* Find out more about the all day hearing itself and consider signing up to testify.
o How to testify.pdf
o Script.pdf
o Sign up to speak at hearing

It’s been so long since the EPA did its job – enforcing our environmental laws and protecting the public. We protested when they failed; now we need to step up and help them succeed!

BUS RIDE from Portland:
Get on the bus!!! Sierra Club is hosting a bus from Portland to Seattle. Enjoy a free ride with breakfast, issue briefings, and awesome company!

Thursday May 21st, bus departs portland at 8:00 am and arrives in time for the noon rally and guest speakers. Bus will return by 5pm.

EMAIL FOR MORE DETAILS!
ecpsu@pdx.edu


City of Portland: Polarized or Powerful? Now We're Talkin' dialogue
Thursday, May 28
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Stark Street Meetinghouse
4312 SE Stark St

Diversity, Engagement, Togetherness, Development, Socio-Economic Impact, Acceptance, Relationship building, Class, Growth, Learning...

Have you had the feeling you're not in Kansas, anymore? Things are changing so rapidly, it's difficult to figure out which end is up.

Between the economic recession, the stimulus package and local plans to update the policies that will drive growth in the City of Portland for he next generation, everything is up in the air.

* How can we make good decisions in a climate of uncertainty?
* How can the community come together to support each other?
* How can we know that what we think is our best interest is good for our neighbors?
* Can we influence any of this?
* What do we need to change about our relationship with each other to not only weather the change, but create the community of our dreams together?

Yes, You Can!

Please join us for a new community dialogue series - "Now, We're Talking, Polarized or Powerful" the last Thursday of the month for the next five months.

RSVP for additional information or to reserve childcare or language translation. To RSVP please call 503 823-4112 or email judith.mowry@ci.portland.or.us

Transportation: Trimet Bus #15

To help ensure equal access to city programs, services and activities, the City of Portland will reasonably modify policies/procedures and provide auxiliary aids/services to persons with disabilities. Call 7 days in advance to request special assistance for ADA accessibility or language interpretation. TTY 503 823-6868

Co-sponsored by:
Office of Neighborhood Involvement
Southeast Uplift
Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods
Oregon Action
Central NE Neighbors

Student elections are here! Vote online at http://banweb.pdx.edu under Student Election 2009 (Personal Information Tab).

Vote between:
May 5 (Tues) 8:00 am to May 8 (Fri) 5:00 pm
May 11 (Mon) 8:00 am - 5:00 pm


PSU Student Elections May 5th - May 11th
http://banweb.pdx.edu
Why does it matter? You know that $200 in student fees we pay each term? It adds up to at least $12 million a year, and the student government is the main allocator of that money. Specifically, the SFC decides where that money goes - some of it goes to student groups (including the Environmental Club), some to the maintenance of Smith Memorial Student Union (it's half owned by students), and some to Campus Rec and Athletics. Additionally, the Senate has oversight of the SFC, while also working for students on various campaigns from childcare to better student orientations to equal rights. The student body president and vice president represent students when working with administration. Their competency can go a long way in convincing administration to make PSU better for students. The president and vice president also hire an executive team that works on issues ranging from equal rights for students, leadership development, lobbying in Salem for financial aid, student voice, and education access.

That's why it's important you vote. Last year, less than 2,000 students out of 27,000 enrolled students voted. Your money, your tuition, your student groups, and your campus depend on you speaking up. And with such small turnout, your voice carries a lot of weight!

Info about candidates at http://www.aspsu.pdx.edu/eboard/docs/0809eboard-statements.pdf


Environmental Club endorses Lavallee-Proudfoot of the ACT slate
At the last meeting, the Environmental Club decided to endorse presidential candidate Collin Lavallee and vice presidential candidate Chris Proudfoot of the ACT slate after listening to their platform values. The other two slates (Multicultural and Sustainability slates) were invited to speak, but did not show up. The ACT slate includes Collin Lavallee for President, Chris Proudfoot for Vice President, and Amina Ali, Nicholas Mercury Carlstrom, Daniel Lyons, Daria Raskova, Fallon Roderick, Johanna Rose, Robert Lowe, Pakou Xiong, and Jarrell Townsend for the Senate. Check out their Facebook page.


Candidate for SFC chair, Johnnie Ozimkowski, promotes sustainability
Johnnie Ozimkowski stopped in at the last Environmental Club meeting and shared his vision for student group sustainability. He states that he would like to work towards conservation. In a time of economic hardship, wise environmental sustainability can save money and the planet. He hopes to encourage student groups to work towards wise economic and environmental uses of their student fees (less bottled water, utilizing the local and sustainable Food for Thought, less air travel, etc).


Also on the ballot: The Green Initiative Fund
The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) is a proposed student fee that will help create several new sustainability initiatives to save PSU students money, create new opportunities for students to learn and participate in sustainability, and reduce our community’s carbon footprint. PSU students will pay only $5 per term to help fund:

1. FlexPass Subsidy: Provide a subsidy to decrease the cost of the current FlexPass program. This is the first of many steps to creating a universal pass for all students at PSU.
2. Special Sustainability Projects Fund: Establish a student-governed grant making committee called the “Gravy Fund” for small scale sustainable capital projects, such as bike parking stations, bikes for the new bike loan program, water bottle refilling stations, etc.
3. Green Revolving Loan Fund: to support sustainability projects that will result in long-term savings for students. Such projects include energy efficient lighting, energy and water conservation projects and highly efficient computer labs. The Revolving Loan Fund will be self-sustaining and grow over time as the funds are constantly “revolving” or being used, earned back, and reinvested.
4. Conservation and Renewable Energy Manager: Provide a living wage salary for a new energy manager, who will focus on coordinating energy efficiency projects, as well as managing the Green Revolving Loan Fund.

Vote for TGIF May 4-8!

*The Green Initiative Fund has been endorsed by all three slates - ACT, Multicultural, and Sustainability. The Green Initiative Fund is neutral and does not endorse any particular slate.


Sunroot Gardens - let's get our hands dirty
We are planning on having a gardening day (TBA) with Sunroot Gardens. Sunroot Gardens transforms people's lawns into gardens (given their permission, of course), and runs a CSA with the food produced! They're always in need of helping hands, and when in season, labor earns some fresh produce. The plot will be within biking or bus distance from campus. Watch the next couple newsletters for more info.

Here's an excerpt from their website:
Ready to get serious about growing food for survival in these changing times? Here's what Sunroot Gardens is doing:

* planting veggies in the city; in front, back & side yards, empty lots & anyplace else possible
* raising staple crops like wheat, beans & quinoa in large plots, in & out of town
* bartering produce & staple crops for land, labor, goods & services needed to farm
* harvesting & distributing to the people who contribute, from a central Southeast location

Sunroot Gardens is not a business or a non-profit, and is not affiliated with any political group, religion, or philosophy. It is simply an effort to feed as many people as possible by offering them ways to participate in the growing of the food.


Have you seen sustainability in action this year?
The Campus Sustainability Office is seeking information about exciting contributions that have been made in our community during the 2008-09 academic year. Please respond to Heather Spalding (hspaldin@pdx.edu) before Friday, May 15th with any information you may have about innovative changes that have happened around campus.

These may include:
* Individuals who have shown outstanding commitment
* Projects and proposals
* Partnerships
* Stories
* Events
* Photos

Responses do not need to be formal or in-depth. Just brainstorm and send whatever ideas you can think of. We will use this information for our 2nd annual Sustainability Celebration which will be held on May 29th from 3:00 - 5:30.

Thanks for your input!


Help decide the future of PSU Cycling: Win prizes!
The PSU Cycling Club is looking for responses to their Future of PSU Cycling survey. They are looking at what kind of activities people are interested in (regardless of if those people are members or not). This will help the club plan for the coming years. Respondents will be entered into a drawing for one of five (5) PSU Cycling t-shirts.

This short survey is online: http://tinyurl.com/c6otu6


Volunteer with OLCV tomorrow night: easy phone banking on key global warming bill
6 - 8 pm, Tuesday, May 5
Oregon League of Conservation Voters office, 320 SW Stark, Suite 530, Portland

Will the Oregon house support this key bill, which would reduce fuel pollution by 10%, improve truck efficiency, protect consumers, and reduce our dependence on foreign fossil fuels? Or will they shy away, blinded by scare tactics from polluters, who have dug in their heels and are pulling out all the stops?

Come on down! Tomorrow night (Tuesday), we're phone banking on this key bill from 6 to 8 pm at OLCV. We'll be calling constituents in at least two, and up to five, key districts. As those of you who've worked in the capitol know, legislators take notice based on just a few calls from constituents -- it can make all the difference!

These are super-easy phone calls: you're not asking for money, you're letting people take one minute to speak out and help them contribute to key laws! In fact, last week when I called on this every single person I reached said "yes" and several said "thank you"!

If you can make it, please let Melissa (melissa@olcv.org) know so we can provide snacks.

About the bill:

Vote YES on HB 2186

Good for Consumers and Emerging Businesses, Reduces Our Dependence on Foreign Fossil Fuels

House Bill 2186 takes common-sense steps to reduce our dependence on foreign fossil fuels and reduce global warming pollution.

House Bill 2186 would reduce Oregon’s global warming impact and spur Oregon innovation and businesses. The bill focuses on actions that create significant benefits and have health, consumer, and energy benefits. Tire efficiency, idling reduction, low-polluting fuels, product composition, and truck aerodynamics have been studied for decades, and other states have moved forward on these issues.

Helping Emerging Oregon Businesses: Reducing Pollution from Fuel by 10% by 2020

A low-pollution fuel standard could reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of fuel by 10% by 2020. Many Oregon companies -- such as SeQuential Biofuels (Salem), Green Fuels of Oregon (Klamath Falls), Willamette Biomass Producers (Rickreall), and EnviroFuel (Corvallis) -- could benefit, as would new entrepreneurs. Oil and utility companies supported a similar effort in California.

Saving Money on Fuel: Improving Aerodynamics in Trucks

Truck owners can add fairings and other items to increase efficiency. Improving aerodynamics reduces drag, saving money on fuel and reducing air pollution. With the help of Coburg-based Cascade Sierra Solutions, truck owners can borrow money for equipment and pay it back over time from fuel savings.

Saving Consumers Fuel and Money: Low Rolling Resistance Tires

Since the 1980s, car manufacturers have used low rolling resistance tires as an affordable way to increase miles-per-gallon. However, replacement tires don’t always meet those standards. Efficient tires can cost $2 to $3 more, but that is quickly returned, as tires can reduce fuel consumption by 1.5% - 4.5%, saving $12 to $40 over the lifetime of a tire. The bill prohibits rules adversely affecting safety or tire life and exempts deep-tread tires, snow tires, specialty tires, and motorcycle tires.

Smart Choices: Substitutes for Products Containing High-Potency Greenhouse Gases

Substituting safe, cost-effective alternatives for the high-potency greenhouse gases found in certain consumer and commercial products (used as refrigerants or propellants) makes environmental and economic sense.

Join the Willamette River Clean Up -- May 16
Willamette River Clean-Up
Down By the Riverside Event
Saturday, May 16
9:00 a.m.

The City of Portland is teaming up with SOLV to assure a big turnout at this year’s Down By The Riverside event on Saturday, May 16. Riverfront businesses and residents, as well as hundreds of public-spirited individuals, will be picking up litter along the Willamette River that day starting at 9:00 a.m.

The City and SOLV have lined-up locations from Kelley Point Park to the Sellwood Bridge where the public is encouraged to come down to the river for a few hours to show how much Portlanders care about the Willamette.

Advance registration is required. To sign-up for a site, visit SOLV’s Down By the Riverside webpage… http://www.solv.org/programs/down_by_the_riverside.asp or contact Brett with SOLV at 503-844-9571 ext 332.

People with questions specific to the Willamette Clean Up can also contact Rick Bastasch, City of Portland River Renaissance/Office of Healthy Working Rivers, 503-823-0275.

Clean-up starts at 9:00 a.m. and will go no later than 1:00 p.m., with most sites requiring just a couple of hours work. Each site will have a coordinator to hand out litter bags and gloves and explain safety procedures. Participation is restricted to kids 12 and older, unless otherwise noted on the site registration.

We hope to see you Down by the River!


Bling H20 - Celebrating absurdity with crystal-studded bottled water
(Taken from Portland Online)

Check this out - Bling H20! And more about extreme bottled water - http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/09/bling_h2o.php!

What is Bling H20? Sexy water? What sort of product could this be? The site boasts that Bling is "More Than a Pretty Taste" and that it's "more expensive than wine."

In reality, Bling H20 is just really, really expensive bottled water. Evidently, it is the brain-child of a Hollywood writer-produced who surmised that "...you could tell a lot about a person by the bottled water they carried." So he bottled his water in Swarovski Crytsals. Yes, that's right -- you too can pay anywhere from $10 for a small, plastic bottle to more than $400 for a case of crystal studded glass bottled water.

...or you can grab a reusable stainless steel bottle and refill it multiple times from your tap for many, many less dollars... but I guess that wouldn't really be putting out your best Hollywood image would it?


Wash your hands often and beware of the pig sniffles!