Past Green Tips

Register now to be inspired: Oct. 26-27 Power Shift: Real Skills for Social Change (KY Center for African-Am. Heritage). Oct. 30 Sustainability 101 Professional Development (HR). Nov. 1 Meet The Professor: Carol Hanchette, Medical Geography (U. Club). Nov. 1 Campus Community Partnerships for Sustainability Conference (JCTC). Nov. 1-2 Sustainability Symposium: Cross-Pollinating for Resilience (Strickler 101, sponsored by Liberal Studies Project & Biology). Nov. 2-4 Bluegrass Bioneers (Strickler). Full schedule for Sustainability Week.

8/21/12 GREEN TIP: FREE DAILY BIKE CHECK-OUT FROM SAC!
The Sustainability Council has launched a new bike-share program in partnership with Intramural & Recreational Sports! Anyone with a UofL ID can now check out a bike, helmet, and lock for free from the SAC gym equipment desk. Stop in and take one of our bikes for a spin! Participants must sign a damage waiver and return the bike by the time the gym closes at the end of each day. Bikes may also be checked out on Fridays for weekend use and returned on Monday. All bikes have fenders & baskets.
Details: http://louisville.edu/intramurals/bikeshare-program.html

8/14/12 GREEN TIP: WHY LANDFILL IT WHEN YOU CAN RECYCLE IT ALL?
Welcome Week is a great time to remind students & colleagues that we can recycle just about everything at UofL! All recycling bins at UofL are part of the same single-stream system that accepts all kinds of paper, plastics, metals, glass, and cardboard. Items need not be totally clean or empty. Special collections are also available for recycling batteries, printer cartridges, electronics, chemicals, lighting, and cell phones. Together we can raise UofL’s recycling rate above the current 40%!
Full details: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/operations/recycling.html

8/3/12 GREEN TIP: WEAVE SUSTAINABILITY INTO YOUR FALL COURSES!
As you finalize fall syllabi, the Sustainability Council encourages faculty from all disciplines to integrate themes of environmental, social and economic stewardship into your courses, research, and service learning projects. To help get you started, we have class discussion guides, online learning resources to go deeper, info on grants, community groups & campus sustainability efforts that need your help, and engaging events throughout the year like Campus Sustainability Day on October 24th.
Discussion guides: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/education-research/green-threads.html
Online Resources: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/links.html
Research Grants/Ideas: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/education-research/research.html
Events: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html

7/26/12 Green Tip: Sign-up for Car-share by Aug. 1st for $30 driving credits
Why bring your car to campus when you can borrow ours? This fall, you’ll be able to reserve online one of our fuel-efficient vehicles at HSC or Belknap and pay a low hourly rate that includes gas and insurance. UofL Car-share is intended to make it easier to carpool, bus, bike, or walk to campus. UofL faculty and staff with valid driver’s license can set up a personal or professional profile for just $10 (a one-time application fee). Sign-up by August 1st to receive $30 in driving credits! Learn more and sign-up here

7/12/12 GREEN TIP: STAYING SAFE ON TWO WHEELS
Get Healthy Now offers free bike classes, Fridays at 2pm all summer long, covering bike maintenance, road riding skills, and more. You can also help make our streets safer for everyone by participating in a bike transportation focus group at UofL’s Urban Design Studio (507 S. 3rd St.) on July 23rd at 6pm. For its Connecting Kentuckiana transportation plan update, the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency wants input on problem spots for connectivity, safety and access for cyclists.

7/2/12 GREEN TIP: RESPONSBILE PURCHASING

Your purchasing decisions can help UofL reduce our environmental impact & save money! With the start of a new fiscal year, please take a moment to review UofL’s Green Purchasing Policy for guidance on everything from efficient Energy Star® equipment to less toxic Green Seal cleaning products to Forest Stewardship Council certified paper products. And remember: The greenest products are the ones you don’t have to buy! See UofL Surplus. Reducing waste and consumption must be our top priority.

6/19/12 GREEN TIP: WATER CONSERVATION SAVES MONEY, ENERGY & THE ENVIRONMENT

The summer heat and drought is a great reminder of the importance of conserving water on campus and at home. Your efforts can also help minimize utility bills and the use of energy to pump and treat water. Not only can you help conserve by taking shorter showers and watering lawns and gardens during cooler hours, but by stopping the water flow while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes, and by reporting leaky plumbing to Physical Plant for repair at http://louisville.edu/physicalplant/forms/non_chargeable_request.

6/13/12 Green Tip: Campus Sustainability Tour (Weds) & New Professional Development (Thurs)

Join us this afternoon (6/13) for a Belknap Campus Sustainability Tour led by UofL sustainability coordinator, Dr. Justin Mog. Leaves from the Garden Commons at the Cultural Center at 3:30. Tomorrow (6/14), UofL launches a new professional development training called Sustainability 101. This training, 2-3pm in Human Resources 103A, provides an introduction to the basic principles of sustainability and how to apply them in professional & personal decision-making. Register for this free training.

5/22/12 GREEN TIP: U OF L’S AASHE MEMBERSHIP PROVIDES YOU ACCESS TO SUSTAINABILITY IDEAS & INFO

Interested in the nexus between environmental, social and economic responsibility? UofL recently renewed its membership in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE), giving YOU access to a world of benefits! To access member discounts and an online Resource Center containing how-to guides, best practices, assessment tools, policy and program databases, reports, and more, go to www.aashe.org/user/register and register using your @louisville.edu address. Full details: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/sustainability-council/memberships-and-organizational-affiliations.html

5/17/12 GREEN TIP: EATING LOCAL IS GOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET

Buying local is one of the best things you can do to lower your environmental impact, strengthen our regional economy and eat better! The Gray St. Farmers' Market at HSC opens for the season today! Load up on local fair every Thursday 10:30am - 2pm! Local food is also available close to Belknap campus at the Old Louisville farmers’ market (Wednesdays 3-6pm at 3^rd & St. Catherine), The Root Cellar (3^rd & Hill), and through UofL Dining Services and our CSA program. More information: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/operations/food.html

5/9/12 Green Tip: Pedal with the President Thursday morning!

As Bike Month rolls on, there’s still time to join the fun, save some money, get fit, and reduce pollution through biking to work! President Ramsey leads the annual ride to UofL on Thursday, May 10th, leaving at 7:30am from Amelia Place, 2515 Longest Ave. Easy, low-traffic routes will go to Belknap & HSC. Through May 17th, join one of the UofL teams competing for the “golden handlebars” in Louisville’s Bicycle Challenge. Register to win a new ride on Bike To Work Day, May 18th! Details here.

5/2/12 Green Tip: Last chance for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscriptions

Food travels an average of roughly 1500 miles to reach your plate in America. That’s not healthy for you or the planet! Vote with your fork to support a vibrant local food economy with fresher, more delicious and nutritious food by participating in UofL’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Weekly deliveries of farm-fresh produce, meats, dairy, eggs, and more begin mid-May! Half-shares start at $12.50/wk! Explore your options. Connect with other subscribers on Facebook.

4/26/12 Green Tip: Gear Up for Bike Month, Beginning Tuesday!

Did you know that a 4-mi trip by bicycle prevents 15 lbs of air pollution and that the average person loses 13 lbs during their 1st year of bike commuting? This May, the Sustainability Council invites you to try a healthier, greener way of getting around! Join a UofL team for Louisville’s Bicycle Challenge May 1-17. Pedal with the President to UofL on May 10th. Participate in Get Healthy Now’s new bike safety classes. Register to win a bike! Details at the resource page for UofL bike commuters.

4/12/12 GREEN TIP: EAT LOCAL, FRESH & HEALTHY THIS SEASON

Miss yesterday’s Local Food Fair? You can still sign-up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share & have farm-fresh food delivered to you weekly! With 5 participating farms, UofL’s CSA program provides affordable flexibility. Half-shares start at $12.50/wk, or split a share with friends! Along with fresh produce, shares are available for local eggs, dairy, cheeses, meats, bread, etc. Vote with your fork for a sustainable economy! Explore your options. Connect with other subscribers.

3/7/12 GREEN TIP: WEAVE SUSTAINABILITY INTO YOUR COURSES WITH GREEN THREADS!
Interested in sustainability, but not sure how to integrate themes of environmental, social and economic stewardship into your courses? The Sustainability Council invites faculty from all disciplines to participate in an April 24^th workshop called Green Threads: Sustainability Across the Curriculum. You’ll receive an honorarium of $500, information on local, campus and regional sustainability issues, and resource materials for course development…all while networking with other faculty from across UofL. A brief application is due March 26th to Barbara Burns <bburns (at) louisville.edu>. Download the application.

2/28/12 GREEN TIP: LEAP INTO SPRING WITH ORGANIC GARDENING WORKSHOPS
Started your seeds yet? Now’s the time to start planning your garden to ensure you’ll have the most local, nutritious, sustainable food possible. The Garden Commons’ Organic Gardening Workshop Series will help bring you up to speed. The series continues Wednesday (2/29) at 7pm in the Cultural Center with a workshop on container gardening - perfect for apartments, decks, patios, or wherever land is scarce. The Workshop Series continues with: Herbology (March 21), Spring Planting (April 4) and a Harvest Party (May 2). Details at: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html

2/21/12 GREEN TIP: OFFSET BUDGET CUTS BY ELIMINATING WASTE

2/14/12 GREEN TIP: U OF L LOVES MOUNTAINS

In solidarity with UofL students rallying today in Frankfort for I Love Mountains Day (bus leaves the Planetarium at 10:30am), the Sustainability Council invites everyone at UofL to consider ways to waste less energy and send the Earth a valentine! When leaving a room, shut off lights, turn down thermostats, and power down computers, projectors, and equipment. Unplug chargers, printers & non-essential equipment when not in use. Set computers to automatically hibernate or sleep when idle (under Control Panel > Power Options). More ideas: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/green-tips.html.

1/20/12 GREEN TIP: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF E-MAILING LARGE FILES

1/9/12 GREEN TIP: PLAN TO PARTICIPATE THIS SPRING!

As you’re making Spring plans, don’t forget to encourage your students and colleagues to participate in the bevy of sustainability-related events on campus (include them in your syllabi!)! Events are listed and updated at http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html. Spring highlights include: a lecture on Industrial Agriculture by Mark Winne (February 1st); a Green Economics Lecture Series (Feb. 3rd, March 2nd, March 23rd, April 6th); Body Awareness Body Appreciation Week (Feb 27 - March 2); the Campus Conservation Nationals March 26th - April 15th); and the Climate Change Teach-In (April 17th).

1/4/12 GREEN TIP: NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: EAT WELL AND SUPPORT SUSTAINABILITY!

Eat well this year with UofL Dining Services’ Go Green Meal Plan! With this new 10-meal plan, faculty and staff can directly support UofL sustainability initiatives while feasting in our greenest dining facility, The Ville Grill, where kitchen waste is composted, 25% of food is sourced locally, vegetarian options abound, and nothing is disposable! Blocks of 10 meals (which can be used for guests, too) cost just $7.73 per meal, with a percentage of the revenue going to fund sustainability. Full details at: http://www.uofldiningservices.com/gogreen.html

12/15/11 GREEN TIP: SAVE SANTA BY SAVING ENERGY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Burning all this coal is melting Santa's North Pole home! You can help. When you leave for the holidays, turn down thermostats and unplug chargers, printers & non-essential equipment. Always turn off lights and power-down equipment when vacating a room. Get more great ideas for a greener holiday at: http://www.sierraclub.org/tips/holidays.aspx.

12/9/11 EMPHASIZE GREEN IN YOUR HOLIDAY THIS YEAR!
Which option is more environmentally friendly: Live tree, cut tree or artificial tree? Find out and get more “green” holiday tips at http://uofl.me/ultgrnhldy

12/7/11 GREEN TIP: WEAVE SUSTAINABILITY INTO YOUR SPRING COURSES!

As you develop and revise your spring syllabi, the Sustainability Council encourages faculty from all disciplines to consider integrating themes of environmental, social and economic stewardship into your courses, research, and service learning projects. We have discussion guides on a variety of topics available to help get you started (http://louisville.edu/sustainability/education-research/green-threads.html), online learning resources to go deeper (http://louisville.edu/sustainability/links.html), info on grants and campus sustainability efforts that need your help (http://louisville.edu/sustainability/education-research/research.html), and engaging events throughout the year like the Climate Change Teach-In on April 17, 2012 (http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html).

12/2/11 GREEN TIP: STAY WARM THIS WINTER WITHOUT A SPACE HEATER
Feeling cold? Space heaters are an inefficient, costly and dangerous way to warm up - UofL strongly discourages their use. Instead, if your work space is cold or drafty, please contact Work Control at 852-6245 or http://louisville.edu/physicalplant/forms/non_chargeable_request and a room temperature adjustment will be conducted. You can expect occupied room temperatures to be maintained between 66 and 72 degrees F throughout the heating season. Everyone is encouraged to dress for those temperatures. No matter what their color, cozy sweaters are a "green" alternative this winter.

11/20/11 GREEN TIP: MAKE THE HOLIDAYS GREENER

The holidays can be hard on your wallet, and the planet. Consider ways to save money, resources, and the environment this season. When you leave for the holidays, turn down thermostats, shut off lights & computers, and unplug chargers, printers & non-essential equipment. Serve Kentucky Proud meals with local, seasonal foods and consider low-impact, non-material gifts like memberships to a fitness club; tickets to a local performing arts company; subscriptions to a CSA (http://www.grasshoppersdistribution.com/); or registrations for skill-building classes like UofL’s Lifelong Learning offerings: http://louisville.edu/lifelonglearning/.

11/15/11 GREEN TIP: AMERICA RECYCLES DAY

November 15th is America Recycles Day (http://www.americarecyclesday.org)! Take the pledge at http://americarecyclesday.org/pledge/ and encourage your students and colleagues to recycle all they can…which is just about everything at UofL! All UofL recycling bins accept any type and color of paper, plastics, metals, glass, and cardboard. In addition, special collections are available for recycling less-common items such as batteries, chemicals, e-scrap, lighting, and cell phones. Full details: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/operations/recycling.html

11/3/11 GREEN TIP: U OF L TO BE REPRESENTED AT THE FESTIVAL OF FAITHS (NOV. 2-7)

UofL is participating in the Festival of Faiths (http://www.festivaloffaiths.org/) through November 7th at the Henry Clay Building (604 S. 3rd St.) to highlight our efforts to protect “Sacred Air.” UofL’s Sustainability Council and Photo Archives collaborated on a booth featuring campus trees and energy efficiency measures. UofL tree experts will be on hand at the booth tonight from 6-8pm. UofL will also be represented on the student panel at the Youth Breakfast with Bill McKibben this morning from 7:30–9:00am. Details at: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html.

10/28/11 GREEN TIP: SOCIALLY-RESPONSIBLE RETIREMENT FUNDS

The Open Enrollment period is a great time to consider your investments. Did you know that UofL offers employees socially responsible investment options for retirement plans? These options are designed to give you investment income for a secure retirement while putting money behind companies you can feel good about. Options include: 1. CREF Social Choice Account favoring companies that are: strong stewards of the environment, devoted to serving local communities, committed to higher labor standards, and managed ethically (https://www.mysavingsatwork.com/taxexempt/assets/tiaacref_io_uofl.pdf); and 2. Fidelity Select Environment and Alternative Energy Portfolio (http://louisville.edu/hr/benefits/retirement/Fidelity%20Brochure.pdf).

10/21/11 GREEN TIP: WRAP UP SUSTAINABILITY WEEK WITH BIONEERS & SERVICE!

Bluegrass Bioneers 2011 starts today at UofL! Check out this morning’s Mini-Peace Fair outside Strickler Hall, then join us for an inspiring 3-day gathering of social, scientific, and environmental Bluegrass innovators all working to create a more just and sustainable world. The Sustainability Council hosts a Campus Sustainability Tour leaving Strickler at 4pm today. Full Bioneers schedule: http://www.bluegrassbioneers.org/. Saturday features a Central Park clean-up volunteer opportunity (8:30am-noon) and the How Can We Best Serve Conference (10am-2pm in the SAC Floyd Theater)! Schedule: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html.

10/20/11 GREEN TIP: SUSTAINABILITY WEEK EVENTS ON ALL THREE CAMPUSES TODAY!
Experience great local food and community over lunch (10:30am-2pm) at HSC’s Gray Street Farmers’ Market or at The Ville Grill’s Farm to Table dinner (5pm & 7pm). At noon, the Shelby Campus Green Team hosts a Brown Bag Session with the Louisville Climate Action Network in Burhans Hall room 207. And at 6pm in Ekstrom’s Chao Auditorium you can meet Outstanding Community Engagement heroes at the annual Awards Reception! Bluegrass Bioneers starts tomorrow with the Campus Sustainability Walking Tour leaving Strickler at 4pm! Schedule: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html.

10/19/11 GREEN TIP: IT’S CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY DAY!

Celebrate stewardship at UofL’s 4th annual Campus Sustainability Day under the big tent on the Humanities Quad from 10am-2pm. Pick up free green goodies, pledge to make a difference, and learn what campus and community groups are up to. At noon the Cultural Center hosts a sustainability-focused Let's Talk Lunch, and this evening there’ll be two green career events! Sustainability Week continues tomorrow with a Shelby Campus Green Team Brown Bag Session, a Farm to Table dinner, and the Outstanding Community Engagement Awards! Schedule: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html.

10/18/11 GREEN TIP: SUSTAINABILITY WEEK CONTINUES!

Get a taste of both the environmental and social issues pivotal to sustainability with today’s Sustainability Week events! At noon Dr. Melissa Merry will speak on "Framing Disaster: Environmental Groups' Response to the Gulf Oil Spill" in the Urban Studies Institute, Room 200. Then the Book-in-Common Keynote with author Wes Moore is at 6pm in the SAC Multipurpose Room. Tomorrow features Campus Sustainability Day, a special Let's Talk Lunch, and evening green career events! Schedule: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html.

10/17/11 GREEN TIP: SUSTAINABILITY WEEK KICKS OFF TODAY WITH FOCUS ON SOCIAL JUSTICE

UofL’s second annual Sustainability Week, highlighting the links between social, economic and environmental stewardship, kicks off today at 4:30pm with "Fighting Sexual Exploitation in the Community," featuring special guest speaker Rachel Durschlag, from the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, at Ekstrom’s Chao Auditorium. This event is sponsored by Cards 4 Freedom. Details: http://www.facebook.com/Cards4Freedom?sk=wall. Don’t miss tomorrow’s lectures on the Gulf oil spill and The Other Wes Moore! Check out the full schedule for Sustainability Week at http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html.

10/11/11 GREEN TIP: SUSTAINABILITY WEEK IS COMING! (OCT. 17-23)

The Sustainability Council is proud to announce the second annual UofL Sustainability Week, October 17-23! This year’s Week features a campus sustainability tour, fairs, lectures, conference, community conversation, and local food tastings every day of the week. Don’t miss the Campus Sustainability Day fair on Humanities Quad, Wednesday 10am-2pm, and the third annual Bluegrass Bioneers events Friday to Sunday (http://www.bluegrassbioneers.org/)! Bring your colleagues and students to learn, engage and be transformed! Schedule: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html

10/6/11 GREEN TIP: ONLINE SWAP FOR REUSABLE ITEMS & PACKING MATERIAL

Got stuff? Need stuff? You may not have to throw it out or buy it new! UofL’s online Property Exchange is here to help. The system lets departments easily swap useful surplus items – everything from equipment to furniture to office supplies to boxes and bubble wrap from shipments. Just log in and post your needs or your surplus stuff at: https://louisville.edu/surplus/tracker/surplusfolder_view. Remember: First reduce. Then reuse. Then recycle! Learn more: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/operations/solid-waste-management.html

9/29/11 GREEN TIP: FRIDAY IS BIKE TO WORK DAY – WIN A NEW BIKE!

Friday, Sept. 30th is Louisville’s first-ever Fall Bike To Work Day. Join the fun and try a healthier, greener, money-saving way of getting to campus! Ride in with others from three Meet & Ride locations and register today to win a new commuter bike at the noon celebration at 4th Street Live! Event details and UofL bike commuter tips at: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/operations/bicycling-for-transportation.html

9/21/11 GREEN TIP: THURSDAY IS WORLD CAR-FREE DAY!

The Sustainability Council encourages you to leave the car at home on Sept. 22^nd for World Car-Free Day! Walk, bike or bus (always free with UofL ID!) to campus & check out the Car-Free Fair at the Red Barn 10am-2pm featuring free bike tune-ups, bus schedules, bike maps, and bike-blender smoothies! Meet experienced bike commuters at the noon "Biking for Health & Wealth" Lunch-and-Learn. At 12:30pm enjoy a car-free trip to Gray St. Farmers' Market! http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html

9/14/11 GREEN TIP: NEW FALL BIKE COMMUTER CHALLENGE SEPT. 16-29

Mayor Fischer has decreed Sept. 30^th to be Louisville’s first-ever Fall Bike To Work Day, and teams are forming now for a Bike Commuter Challenge Sept. 16-29! Join the fun and try a healthier, greener way of getting to campus. A 4-mile bike trip prevents 15 lbs of air pollution and the average person loses 13 lbs during their first year of bike commuting! Form/join a team and log your trips to win fabulous prizes! Details and tips: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/operations/bicycling-for-transportation.html

9/9/11 GREEN TIP: SET COMPUTERS TO HIBERNATE
Computers consume 20% of UofL’s polluting electricity, yet much of this is unnecessary when desktop models are left on while we’re away from our desks. Reduce this waste by taking a few seconds to set your computer to Hibernate (or Sleep) when idle. Under Control Panel, click Power Options, then under the Power Scheme tab, set System Hibernates to whatever time delay works for you. Data will be saved and windows will reopen when you return. More tips: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/green-tips.html/

9/2/10 GREEN TIP: DON’T BE TRASHY! RECYCLE IT ALL AT U OF L!

The beginning of a new semester is a great time to remind your colleagues and students that we can recycle just about everything at UofL! All recycling bins on all campuses are part of the same single-stream system that accepts any kind and color of plastics, paper, metal, glass, and cardboard. In addition, special collections are available for reusing durable goods and recycling less-common items such as batteries, chemicals, e-scrap, lighting, and cell phones. Full details: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/operations/recycling.html

8/24/11 GREEN TIP: NEW GO GREEN MEAL PLAN LETS YOU SUPPORT SUSTAINABILITY!

UofL Dining Services’ new Go Green Meal Plan allows faculty and staff to directly support UofL sustainability initiatives while eating in our greenest dining facility, The Ville Grill, where kitchen waste is composted, 25% of food is sourced locally, vegetarian options abound, and nothing is disposable! This semesterly plan allows you to purchase blocks of 10 meals (can be used for guests, too) for just $7.73 each, with a percentage going to fund sustainability. Details: http://www.uofldiningservices.com/gogreen.html

8/19/11 GREEN TIP: U OF L MEMBERSHIP IN THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR SCIENCE & THE ENVIRONMENT

In support of efforts to bolster UofL's environmental and sustainability curriculum, the Provost’s Office proudly announces renewed UofL membership in the National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) University Affiliate program (http://ncseonline.org/02education/Affiliates/). Membership includes: Free campus-wide access to environment and energy news services (http://www.eenews.net); Representation on NCSE's Council of Environmental Deans and Directors; potential funding for multi-institutional collaborations; Paid environmental internships through NCSE's Campus to Careers Program; and free registrations (three remaining) to NCSE’s 2012 Conference on Environment & Security (http://www.environmentandsecurity.org/) January 18-20 in DC. Questions: justin.mog (at) louisville.edu; or shelley (at) ncseonline.org. Details: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/sustainability-council/memberships-and-organizational-affiliations.html

8/11/11 GREEN TIP: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOCAL BOUNTY!

Late summer is a time of tremendous bounty for area farmers. Support them while reducing your environmental footprint and improving your personal health just by eating fresh, local food! Ask for locally-grown fruit, vegetables, eggs, dairy, meats, and other treats at your grocer, restaurant, or market. And don’t miss out on all the goodies available at the Gray Street Farmers' Market every Thursday from 10:30am - 2:00pm through October 27th at the Health Sciences Center. More info: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/operations/food.html.

8/4/11 GREEN TIP: WATER CONSERVATION IS A WIN, WIN, WIN

The summer heat and drought is a great reminder of the importance of conserving water on campus and at home. Your efforts can also help minimize utility bills and the use of energy to pump and treat water. Not only can you help reduce water use by taking shorter showers and watering lawns and gardens during cooler hours, but by stopping the water flow while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes, and by reporting leaky plumbing to Physical Plant for repair at http://louisville.edu/physicalplant/forms/non_chargeable_request.

7/28/11 GREEN TIP: NEW TOOL FOR REPORTING CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

UofL encourages biking and walking to campus and wants to help create a culture of mutual respect for all road users. To help, Louisville Metro has unveiled a new “Close Call” reporting system that allows pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists to notify authorities about near-misses with those who are not sharing the road safely. Reporting the time and place of your close call will help the city collect data about the frequency of near-misses and the places that merit some safety improvements or monitoring: http://www.louisvilleky.gov/BikeLouisville/close_call_form.htm.

7/14/11 GREEN TIP: DON’T MAKE YOUR OFFICE WORK WHILE YOU’RE ON VACATION

Headed off for a summer vacation? Don’t leave a huge carbon footprint in your wake! Take a few moments before you leave to make sure your office won’t be wasting energy while you’re away. Obviously, you’ll want to turn off lights and equipment before you go, but it’s also smart to turn up thermostats and to unplug chargers, coffee makers, empty refrigerators, and any other non-essential equipment. The greenest energy is power not wasted!

7/6/11 GREEN TIP: PUMP IT UP AND SAVE!

Whether you’re riding a bike or driving a car, one simple step can save a bunch of energy: keep your tires properly inflated. Efficiency is reduced 1% for every 3 PSI that tires are under-inflated. The Department of Energy estimates that drivers waste about 1.2 billion gallons of fuel each year simply due to under-inflation. Investing a few bucks in a tire gauge could save drivers hundreds in gas. Check your tire pressure at least monthly.

6/30/11 GREEN TIP: PURCHASING FOR U OF L? CONSULT OUR GREEN PURCHASING POLICY FIRST

Your purchasing decisions can help us reduce our environmental impact and save us money! The start of a new fiscal year is a great time to review UofL’s Green Purchasing Policy (http://louisville.edu/sustainability/operations/green-purchasing.html). The policy provides helpful guidance on everything from efficient Energy Star® equipment to less toxic Green Seal cleaning products to Forest Stewardship Council certified paper and wood products. And remember: The greenest products are the ones you don’t have to buy! Reducing waste and consumption must be our top priority.

6/23/11 GREEN TIP: WANT AN EXTRA $9000 THIS YEAR? THINK OUTSIDE THE CAR!

We all know gas prices are high, but consider all the other costs associated with driving. The American Automobile Association recently summed it all up and found that the average U.S. car owner shells out nearly $9,000/year on everything from insurance to parking (http://www.aaaexchange.com/main/Default.asp?CategoryID=16&SubCategoryID=76&ContentID=353). If you’d like to keep that money in your pocket this year, consider the many fun, healthy, free ways of getting to campus and get moving at: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/operations/transportation.html.

6/15/11 GREEN TIP: SUMMER AIR QUALITY IS EVERYONE’S BUSINESS

Recent Air Quality Alert days in Louisville are a stark reminder that with summer heat comes even greater responsibility to keep smog-forming pollutants out of our air. You can help by driving less (learn how: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/operations/transportation.html), and not letting your car idle when waiting at train crossings or pick-up points. An idling engine produces more emissions than a moving car, and restarting your vehicle uses as much fuel as idling 20-60 seconds. Idling longer is a waste of gas and money.

6/2/11 GREEN TIP: INTERESTED IN SUSTAINABILITY? ACCESS GREAT IDEAS AND INFO WITH U OF L’S AASHE MEMBERSHIP!

All who care about environmental, social and economic responsibility should get connected with the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). UofL recently renewed its AASHE membership, giving YOU access to a world of benefits, including conference discounts and an online Resource Center containing how-to guides, best practices, campus profiles, assessment tools, policy and program databases, reports, and more. For access, go to www.aashe.org/user/register and complete a user profile using your @louisville.edu address.

5/24/11 GREEN TIP: BIKE TO WORK MONTH ROLLS ON!

5/12/11 GREEN TIP: WHAT EVERY U OF L BIKE COMMUTER NEEDS TO KNOW

If you missed the HSC or Belknap Bike To Work Fairs this week, check out the Sustainability Council’s new webpage to learn how to ride the city safely and easily and to connect with all of May’s Bike To Work Month events and get involved in the Commuter Challenge: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/operations/bicycling-for-transportation.html

4/27/11 GREEN TIP: TURN TRASH INTO TREASURE AT THE SWAP SHOP!

4/18/11 GREEN TIP: ALL ABOARD! THOROUGHBRED RAIL LINK PRESENTATION TONIGHT 6PM!

Could Louisville could ever get passenger train service?!...How about Fall 2012?! Ralph Tharp, executive director of Kentucky Capital Development Corporation, is championing a commuter train service linking Louisville, Lexington, and nine other stops, including UofL! He'll be sharing his vision tonight (April 18th) at 6:00pm in Chao Auditorium, Ekstrom. Brought to you by UofL's Sustainability Council and the Coalition for the Advancement of Regional Transportation.  Details: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html

4/12/11 GREEN TIP: SPRING INTO COMPOSTING! 6PM TONIGHT

Do you know how to make your own organic fertilizer? Does the start of the growing season make you curious about composting? Join us after work today (April 12th) from 6-7pm when the Garden Commons hosts a free Composting Workshop in the Cultural Center conference room. You’ll leave inspired and you might even walk away with a free Garden Commons shirt! Details: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html

4/8/11 GREEN TIP: GOT OLD DRUGS? DISPOSE OF THEM PROPERLY TOMORROW!

Medication residues have been found contaminating our water systems as a result of dumping waste drugs into sewers and landfills. This pollution poses serious threats to drinking water and to wildlife. You can help by participating in Saturday’s Drug Toss, April 9^th from 10am-2 pm at Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium and two other Louisville sites. All substances (except the containers, which will be recycled) will be incinerated in an environmentally responsible manner used to create energy.  Details: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html

3/31/11 GREEN TIP: Learn about the oldest tree on campus at today’s Climate Change Teach-in!

Which is the oldest tree at UofL? How much carbon does it sequester out of the atmosphere? Climate Justice Super Heros know the answers and will be sharing their knowledge and providing a sneak preview of the new Campus Tree Tour today from 11am-2pm behind Grawemeyer Hall! What’s your super-power? http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172463962804311

3/30/11 GREEN TIP: calculate your carbon footprint at tomorrow’s Climate Change Teach-in!

Ever wonder what a ton of coal looks like? And how long you can power UofL with it? Climate Justice Super Heros will be on-hand around Belknap campus tomorrow 11am-2pm to answer these questions and help you calculate your own personal carbon footprint! What’s your super-power? http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172463962804311

3/29/11 GREEN TIP: Learn to love tap water at Thursday’s Climate Change Teach-in!

Put your Climate Justice Super Hero taste-buds to the test with the Tap Water Challenge! Think you can pick Louisville’s award-winning tap water out from the crowd of bottled waters? Well grab your refillable bottle and come on down to the Garden Commons next to the Cultural Center Thursday 11am-2pm! What’s your super-power? http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172463962804311

3/28/11 GREEN TIP: Learn how to tune-up your bike at Thursday’s Climate Change Teach-in!

Climate Justice Super Heros know that spring is the perfect time to get back on your bicycle and rediscover the amazing ability to get places under your own power! Free bike maintenance workshops and tons of info about how to use the TARC bus system for free will be provided Thursday 11am-2pm by Strickler Hall! What’s your super-power? http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172463962804311

3/25/11 GREEN TIP: Learn to cook (with the sun!) at Thursday’s Climate Change Teach-in!

Climate Justice Super Heros will invade Belknap campus on Thursday, March 31^st! Look for them from 11am-2pm at five outdoor stations around campus designed to motivate, inspire and give you the skills and information you need to jump into action!  What’s your super-power? http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=172463962804311

3/23/11 GREEN TIP: Green Careers Speaker Series wraps up Thursday with Tom Fitzgerald

The Green Careers Speaker Series concludes Thursday with Tom Fitzgerald, a prominent environmental lawyer from the Kentucky Resources Council. He’ll be speaking about his experiences working around the state on thorny environmental policy and law issues such as mountaintop removal. Join us in the Chao Auditorium of Ekstrom Library on March 24th from 12:15 - 1:00 p.m., and look for our Green Careers Fair coming up in April! More: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/events.html

3/11/11 GREEN TIP: REGISTER FOR GREEN THREADS FACULTY WORKSHOP BY MARCH 21st
Thinking of creating or adapting a course to incorporate issues of sustainability? The Sustainability Council invites faculty from all disciplines to participate in the third annual "Green Threads: Sustainability Across the Curriculum" workshop. Participants receive resource materials, mutual support, local food meals, and a $500 honorarium. Green Threads will take place over Reading Day April 26th, with a kickoff dinner with previous participants on April 25th. Applications due March 21st to Barbara Burns <bburns(at)louisville.edu>. Details: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/education-research/green-threads.html.

3/1/11 GREEN TIP: SIGN-UP FOR LOCAL FOOD DELIVERIES TO CAMPUS AT WEDNESDAY’S FAIR!

2/23/11 GREEN TIP: NEW HSC-BELKNAP SHUTTLE SERVICE SAVES YOU TIME, MONEY & POLLUTION!

Need to get between HSC and Belknap? Get there in 10 minutes without spending a cent, hunting for parking, or polluting the air! TARC’s new “Campus Connector” service provides frequent, direct buses between campuses via 4th Street (on Route #4) or Floyd Street (on Route #18). And it’s FREE with UofL ID. Use this service daily for a year and you’ll save $185 in gas and prevent over 1000 lbs. of air pollution! Details: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/operations/transportation.html

2/18/11 GREEN TIP: RECYCLING IS SEXY!

RecycleManiacs know the truth: Landfills are ugly and recycling is sexy! Check out UofL’s hilarious new RecycleMania video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuAsHBam1dA&) and get busy with single-stream! Our secret weapon against UK is that here it all goes in the same bin: all types of plastic, paper, cardboard, metal, and glass. Boycott styrofoam and you’ll never have to look for a trash can again! Details: http://louisville.edu/physicalplant/files/QRS.pdf. RecycleMania standings: http://www.recyclemaniacs.org/university_detail08.asp?ID=1261.

2/7/11 GREEN TIP: RECYCLEMANIA STARTS THIS WEEK!

Help UofL beat UK a whole new way: Recycling! Starting this week through April 2nd, UofL is competing against schools around the country to see which university can recycle the most. We've got a great chance to win with our new single-stream recycling system that lets you recycle everything in the same bin: all types of plastic, paper, cardboard, metal, and glass. Help the Cards to victory by making sure you and all your colleagues and students recycle everything they possibly can anywhere on campus!

Details on what you can recycle at UofL are available at http://louisville.edu/physicalplant/files/QRS.pdf

Updates on UofL's standing are available at the Recyclemania website: http://www.recyclemaniacs.org/university_detail08.asp?ID=1261

1/31/11 GREEN TIP: SOCIALLY-RESPONSIBLE RETIREMENT FUNDS

Did you know that UofL offers employees socially responsible investment options for retirement plans? These options are designed to give you investment income for a secure retirement while putting money behind companies you can feel good about. Options include: 1. CREF Social Choice Account favoring companies that are: strong stewards of the environment, devoted to serving local communities, committed to higher labor standards, and managed ethically (https://www.mysavingsatwork.com/taxexempt/assets/tiaacref_io_uofl.pdf); and 2. Fidelity Select Environment and Alternative Energy Portfolio (http://louisville.edu/hr/benefits/retirement/Fidelity%20Brochure.pdf).

1/21/11 GREEN TIP: EATING LESS MEAT IS BETTER FOR EVERYONE

Did you know that in today’s industrial agriculture system, supplying a meat-centered diet requires 19 times as much land and 13 times as much water as a plant-based diet? Or that vegetarian men on average have only a 4% risk of death from heart attack vs. 50% risk for those on a meat-centered diet? UofL’s West Side Dining facility provides numerous healthy options that are easier on you and the planet, including a salad bar and the Wild Mushroom vegetarian station! More at: http://uofldiningservices.com/WestSide.html

1/14/11 GREEN TIP: VOLUNTEERING CAN HELP YOU (AND THE PLANET!) LIVE LONGER

Did you know that volunteering can help you (and the planet!) live longer?! It’s true: http://tinyurl.com/4cgh7au. Kick-start a year of giving back to your community on Monday by participating in UofL’s MLK Day of Service, starting at 10:30 a.m. in Bigelow Hall, Miller Information Technology Center. Three of the many volunteer worksites are in Louisville’s precious Olmstead Parks! Learn more at http://louisville.edu//leadership/service-opportunities/mlk-day. Walk-ins will also be accepted on Monday if space allows. Get more green ideas at: http://louisville.edu/sustainability/

12/20/10 GREEN TIP: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF E-MAILING LARGE FILES

12/10/10 GREEN TIP: GOT SNOW?!

With snow in the forecast, you can avoid the danger of slippery roads and the hassle of scraping the windshield by leaving your car at home. Winter’s the perfect time to leave the driving to TARC! And the entire bus system is completely free with UofL ID! Plan your trip at http://www.ridetarc.org/tripplan/. If you do have to clear some snow this winter, consider using a shovel instead of gas-guzzling blowers or salt – you’ll get some exercise while preventing corrosion and damage to plants, wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.

12/1/10 GREEN TIP: STAY WARM THIS WINTER WITHOUT A SPACE HEATER

Feeling cold? Space heaters are an inefficient, costly and dangerous way to get warm - UofL strongly discourages their use. Instead, if your work space is cold or you feel a draft, please contact Work Control at 852-6245 or http://louisville.edu/physicalplant/forms/non_chargeable_request and a room temperature adjustment will be conducted. You can expect occupied room temperatures to be maintained between 66 and 72 degrees F throughout the heating season. Everyone is encouraged to dress for those temperatures. No matter what their color, cozy sweaters are a "greener" alternative.

11/23/10 GREEN TIP: GREENER HOLIDAYS

The holidays can be hard on our wallets…and the planet. This year, consider ways to save money, resources, and the environment. When you leave for the holidays, turn down thermostats and unplug chargers, printers & non-essential equipment. Always turn off lights and power-down equipment when vacating a room. Serve Kentucky Proud meals with local, seasonal foods. Instead of the latest gadget, consider low-impact, non-material gifts that keep on giving, such as: memberships to a fitness club or yoga studio; tickets to a local performing arts company; subscriptions to a CSA (http://www.grasshoppersdistribution.com/); or registrations for skill-building classes such as UofL’s Lifelong Learning offerings: https://louisville.edu/lifelonglearning/environmental-sustainability.html.

11/15/10 GREEN TIP: AMERICA RECYCLES DAY

November 15^th is America Recycles Day (http://www.americarecyclesday.org)! Take the challenge at http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ARD_Challenge and encourage your students and colleagues to recycle all they can…which is just about everything at UofL! All UofL recycling bins accept any type and color of paper, plastics, metals, glass, and cardboard. In addition, special collections are available for recycling less-common items such as batteries, chemicals, e-scrap, lighting, and cell phones. Full details: http://louisville.edu/physicalplant/recycling

11/3/10 GREEN TIP: LEARN MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY AND ENGAGE STUDENTS AND COLLEAGUES
UofL will play host to two events in this year's Festival of Faiths: Sacred Soil (http://www.festivaloffaiths.org/): Thursday, Nov. 4, noon-1:30 p.m., "Earth Jurisprudence: Awakening to Earth's Rights," by Patricia Siemen, Room 275, Brandeis School of Law; Monday, Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., "Industrialized Farming Policies and Practices," by Wes Jackson. A "Slow Food on Campus" local food tasting follows in the Student Activities Center. Nov. 12-13, UofL faculty and staff will participate in the 2010 Green Convene (http://www.greenconvene.org/gc2010.html) at Bellarmine University.

10/22/10 GREEN TIP: WRAP UP SUSTAINABILITY WEEK WITH BIONEERS!

Bluegrass Bioneers 2010 starts at UofL today! Join us for an inspired and inspiring annual 3-day gathering of social, scientific, and environmental innovators from the region working to create a more just and sustainable world. Today the Sustainability Council will be leading a campus sustainability tour starting at 2:30p.m. in the Strickler lobby and a panel on the new UofL Climate Action Plan at 4:30p.m. Full Bioneers schedule: http://www.bluegrassbioneers.org/

10/19/10 GREEN TIP: CHANCE TO COMMENT ON PLANS FOR NEW CAMPUS SHUTTLE SERVICES DURING U OF L SUSTAINABILITY WEEK

UofL has negotiated with TARC to provide a free Belknap-HSC shuttle service with wait-times of 15 minutes or less through revisions of two existing TARC routes (#4 and #18) to better serve our campuses. These changes will take place in January if there is sufficient public support. TARC is accepting public comment about the proposed changes through October 27th: http://www.ridetarc.org/news.asp?ArticleID=439. TARC is also finalizing plans for shuttle service between Belknap & the new arena for basketball games. You can learn more about the plans and make comments at two of this week’s Sustainability Week events on the Humanities Quad: the Transportation Alternatives Fair (Tuesday, 11am-1pm) and Campus Sustainability Day (Wednesday, 11am-2pm).

10/11/10 GREEN TIP: PLAN TO PARTICIPATE – SUSTAINABILITY WEEK OCT. 18-24TH

The Sustainability Council is proud to announce the first UofL Sustainability Week to take place October 18-24! It all starts next Monday with fairs, tours, lectures, conferences, local and vegetarian food tastings, and volunteer opportunities every day of the week. Events represent the full spectrum of issues relevant to sustainability – from Monday’s Campus Clean-up, to Tuesday’s Transportation Alternatives Fair, to Wednesday’s Campus Sustainability Day, to Thursday’s Breaking Bread Progressive Dinner, to Bluegrass Bioneers events Friday to Sunday! Bring your colleagues and students to learn, engage and be transformed! The full schedule is available at: https://louisville.edu/campushealth/services/promotion/special-events/sustainability-week-schedule-10-18-10-24-2010.ics.

9/27/10 GREEN TIP: ONLINE SWAP FOR REUSABLE PACKING MATERIAL (AND MUCH MORE!)

Need boxes or bubble wrap for shipping or moving? Did you receive a shipment and have perfectly good packing materials to get rid of? Now you can swap these items (and any other surplus stuff – from equipment to furniture to office supplies) using UofL’s online Property Exchange tool! Post your needs or your surplus stuff at: https://louisville.edu/surplus/tracker/surplusfolder_view. Remember that the famous “Three Rs” are in order of priority: Reduce, Reuse…THEN Recycle! Learn why at: http://www.storyofstuff.com/

9/14/10 GREEN TIP: SET COMPUTERS TO HIBERNATE
Computers consume 20% of UofL’s electricity, yet often they are left on while we’re away from our desks. You can help reduce this waste by taking a few seconds to set your computer to Hibernate (or Sleep for Macs) when idle. Under Control Panel, click Power Options, then under the Power Scheme tab, set System Hibernates to whatever time delay works for you. Your data will be saved and your windows will reopen when you return to your computer.

9/2/10 GREEN TIP: RECYCLE IT ALL AT U OF L!

The beginning of a new semester is a great time to remind your colleagues and students that we can recycle just about everything now at UofL! All recycling bins on all campuses are part of the same single-stream system that accepts all kinds and colors of paper, plastics, metals, glass, and cardboard. In addition, special collections are available for recycling less-common items such as batteries, chemicals, e-scrap, lighting, and cell phones. Full details: http://louisville.edu/physicalplant/recycling

8/20/10 GREEN TIP: U OF L COULD BE AN EVEN “COOLER SCHOOL” WITH YOUR HELP

As evidenced by our great leap forward in the recently released 2010 Sierra Club Top 100 “Cool Schools” list – from 92^nd to 56^th in just one year (http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/201009/coolschools/allrankings.aspx), UofL is quickly positioning itself as a green leader. But we still have a long way to go… And we can’t progress without your help! This fall, please consider the environmental impact of your purchases (http://louisville.edu/purchasing/sustainability/greenpolicy.html) and the means by which you commute to campus (http://louisville.edu/parking/commute-green.html).

8/9/10 GREEN TIP: SAVING WATER SAVES MONEY, ENERGY & THE ENVIRONMENT

With the summer heat, it’s a great time to remember the importance of conserving water on campus and at home. You can help reduce water use not only by taking shorter showers and watering lawns and gardens during cooler hours, but by shutting off faucets left on by others and while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing dishes. Report leaky plumbing to Physical Plant for repair (http://louisville.edu/physicalplant/forms/non_chargeable_request). Replace shower heads, faucets and toilets with low-flow fixtures like the new Hydrametrics shower heads recently installed in the Natatorium (http://hydrametrics.com/).

7/20/10 GREEN TIP: INTERESTED IN CAMPUS SUSTAINABILITY? GET CONNECTED!

If you care about campus sustainability, you need to get connected with the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). UofL recently renewed its AASHE membership, giving YOU access to a world of benefits, including conference discounts and an online Resource Center containing how-to guides, best practices, campus profiles, assessment tools, policy and program databases, reports, and more. To create a personal account, go to www.aashe.org/user/register and complete the user profile using your campus-based email.

7/9/10 GREEN TIP: Keep our campus beautifUL

Building on the success of our April 15th Campus Cleanup with President Ramsey (http://www.flickr.com/photos/uofl/sets/72157623737768943), a new volunteer group is forming to gather monthly and spread out across Belknap to pick up litter and show true Cardinal pride. Learn more at http://campuscleanup.spaces.live.com/ and sign-up before July 16^th by contacting Jamie Saunders <jamie.saunders@louisville.edu>, 852-8712.

6/30/10 GREEN TIP: PURCHASING WITH RESPONSIBILITY

The start of a new fiscal year is a great time to consider ways your purchasing decisions can help us reduce our environmental impact. Please review UofL’s Green Purchasing Policy (http://louisville.edu/purchasing/sustainability/greenpolicy.html) for helpful guidance on everything from efficient Energy Star® equipment to less toxic Green Seal cleaning products to Forest Stewardship Council certified paper and wood products. And remember: The greenest products are the ones you don’t have to buy! Reducing waste and consumption must be our top priority.

6/17/10 GREEN TIP: GET LOCAL FOOD DELIVERED TO YOU ON CAMPUS!

Want fresh, healthy food delivered straight to you on campus from local farms each week? It’s still not too late to sign-up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share! Grasshoppers (502-708-1881, Grasshoppers (at) insightbb.com) is accepting applications until August 1^st for shares delivered August 25 – November 17^th. River Farm Organics (valerie (at) riverfarmorganics.com, 502-681-5106) offers pro-rated shares until November. Summer shares from A Place on Earth (courtney (at) aplaceonearthcsa.com, 502-532-0476) begin next week and they’re still accepting new shareholders.  Details: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=68400228840.

6/9/10 GREEN TIP: HOW YOU CAN STOP THE OIL DISASTER

Wondering what to do about the Gulf oil spill? …They were drilling for us! You can use less oil by flying and driving less (http://louisville.edu/parking/commute-green.html) and buying fewer petroleum products. Making the plastic for U.S. bottled water alone requires more than 17 million barrels of oil annually – enough to fuel one million cars for a year. Stay hydrated this summer without contributing to the problem. Use refillable bottles and enjoy Louisville’s award-winning tap water!

5/26/10 GREEN TIP: TAKE RECYCLING TO THE NEXT LEVEL!
UofL’s new single-stream recycling system is helping divert many tons of waste from the landfill by allowing us to recycle all types of paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastics in one bin. But did you know you can also recycle batteries, chemicals, e-scrap, lighting, and cell phones at UofL? Learn how at http://louisville.edu/physicalplant/recycling. You can also help us expand the single-stream recycling system faster - those who want to work with Physical Plant to bring the program to their buildings can contact Aaron Boggs at 852-8181 or avbogg01 (at) louisville.edu.

5/20/10 GREEN TIP: EATING LOCAL IS GOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET

Buying local is one of the best things you can do to lower your environmental impact, support the local economy and eat better! The Gray Street Farmers' Market opens at the Health Sciences Center in the 400 block of Gray Street today at 11. This is a special start time. Beginning next week, it will be open 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 28 (http://louisville.edu/sphis/gsfm). Starting in June, look for the Old Louisville market Wednesdays 3-6 p.m. at Third Street and St. Catherine. Louisville has two dozen farmers' markets: http://www.louisvillegreenguide.org/directory/farmers.html. Options for campus CSA deliveries remain: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=68400228840.

5/7/10 GREEN TIP: IT’S NICE OUT…LEAVE THE CAR AT HOME!

May’s the perfect time to start getting to campus car-free! Learn how your colleagues do it at Monday’s Transportation Alternatives Fair 8-10am next to the Planetarium and 11am-1pm in front of Gottschalk Hall (rain date: May 11). Then at 6pm Monday, learn how Detroit’s doing it – screening of documentary “Beyond the Motor City” (Chao Auditorium). And it’s not too late to join a UofL team in the Bike To Work Month Commuter Challenge (http://greenlightride.com/competition/view_challenge/119/), or to register for a confident cycling class (www.bicyclingforlouisville.org/classes).

4/26/10 GREEN TIP: BIKE TO WORK MONTH COMMUTER CHALLENGE

May is Bike To Work Month nationwide and teams are forming now for Louisville’s Commuter Challenge May 1-20! Join the fun and try a healthier, greener way of getting to campus. A 4-mile trip by bicycle keeps 15 lbs of pollutants out of the air and the average person loses 13 lbs during their first year of commuting by bike! Form a team of five and log your trips to earn points towards fabulous prizes: http://www.bicyclingforlouisville.org/bike_to_work_month.html

4/22/10 GREEN TIP: EARTH DAY – 40 FOR THE 40^TH

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day today by changing some of your old habits for the better! If spring cleaning has turned up some useful items you no longer need, don’t trash them…share the wealth! Bring items such as office supplies, clothing, media, electronics, etc. to the UofL Swap Shop in the Red Barn & SAC multipurpose room April 22-28, 10am-5pm (info: 852-5787). For 40 other easy ways to clean up your act check out: http://www.wethechange.com/40-ways-you-can-save-the-environment/

4/12/10 GREEN TIP: GET OUTSIDE!

Outdoor exercise has been demonstrated to dramatically improve your mental and physical health…and this week you have two chances to do some green good in the meantime! At 3pm today (Apr 12) following the Community Engagement Showcase in the Red Barn (11-3) join volunteers to plant UofL’s new Garden Commons: http://louisville.edu/culturalcenter/garden. At 3pm Thursday (Apr 15) following Earth Fest on the West Lawn, join President Ramsey for a Campus Clean-up (volunteers also meeting at HSC’s Abel Building & Shelby’s KPPC).

4/1/10 GREEN TIP: EAT LOCAL, FRESH & HEALTHY THIS SEASON

On average in America, food travels roughly 1500 miles to reach your plate. That’s not healthy for you or the planet! Today you can vote with your fork to support a vibrant local food economy with fresher, more delicious and nutritious food by attending the Local Food CSA Fair from 10-2 at Miller IT Center in Bigelow Hall. Meet area farmers and sign-up for weekly produce baskets to be delivered to you at UofL! https://louisville.edu/uofltoday/campus-news/faculty-staff-students-invited-to-local-food-info-fair

3/25/10 GREEN TIP: MARCH 30TH MAYORAL FORUM ON SUSTAINABILITY

Find out where the candidates stand! UofL will host a Mayoral Candidate Forum on Sustainability & Economic Development at 7pm on Tuesday, March 30th in the Chao Auditorium of Ekstrom Library. Come early at 6pm for an informal opportunity to personally meet the candidates in the lobby. Then, during the 7pm forum, you’ll be able to ask questions of all the candidates about environmental, social and economic development issues which will shape the future of Louisville!

3/18/10 GREEN TIP: IDLE THREATS

Stuck waiting for the train to pass or construction crews at Warnock? Don’t leave your car idling while you wait. Save yourself some money and gas while saving us all from unnecessary pollution. Shut off the engine…and take a deep breath. The amount of fuel consumed to restart a car is the equivalent of idling 20-60 seconds. Idling longer than this is a waste and an idling engine produces more emissions than a moving car.

3/9/10 GREEN TIP: THINK OUTSIDE THE CAR!

Check your email for a chance to win fabulous prizes from local green businesses by telling us what you think about potential programs to reduce the number of car trips to campus! A random sample of faculty, staff and students are being asked to participate in this brief survey about alternative transportation. Explore greener options for getting to campus: http://louisville.edu/parking/commute-green.html. Start or join a carpool or vanpool: http://www.tickettoride.org/.

3/5/10 GREEN TIP: SPRING IS THE PERFECT TIME TO GET INTO COMPOSTING!

Did you know that UofL composts all of its yard wastes and makes free woodchip mulch available to you anytime (contact: Aaron Boggs 852-8181)? You, too, can turn waste into organic fertilizer! Instead of filling the landfill, why not compost those fruit & vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, egg shells and yard wastes? Consider setting up a compost collection in your office (5 gallon buckets with gasket lids work well) and composting at home. More info: http://www.louisvilleky.gov/SolidWaste/IWantTo/Start+Composting.htm.

2/25/10 GREEN TIP: GET READY FOR SPRING WITH ORGANIC GARDENING WORKSHOPS
Now’s the time to start planning an organic garden to ensure you’re getting the most local and nutritious food possible! UofL is doing just that and we invite you to join us for a series of workshops leading up to the installation of a campus-community garden commons at the Cultural Center. The first workshop on garden planning is tonight (Feb. 25) at 6:00pm in Stevenson Hall. Inauguration of the Garden Commons will be Wednesday (March 3^rd), 2:00pm at the Cultural Center. http://louisville.edu/culturalcenter/garden.

2/17/10 GREEN TIP: STAYING GREEN WHEN IT’S WHITE OUT

Worried about slippery roads and scraping the windshield? Winter’s the perfect time to try taking the bus to campus! And it’s free with UofL ID! Plan your trip on TARC: http://www.ridetarc.org/tripplan/. …Cold on campus? Donning an extra sweater or thermal underwear is more cozy and energy-efficient than cranking up the thermostat. …Got snow? Use a shovel instead of salt! Get some exercise while preventing corrosion and damage to plants, wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.

2/11/10 GREEN TIP: LEARN HOW TO REDUCE OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT TODAY!

In doing its business, UofL produces roughly 200,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent every year. That’s about 7 tons for every employee and student. We can all help reduce those emissions by changing the way we do things. Learn more about our greenhouse gas emissions at http://acupcc.aashe.org/ghg-report.php?id=121. Find out what we can do about it at today’s Teach-In on Climate Change (Feb. 11) in Ekstrom Library 10am-2pm. Free local foods lunch provided!

2/4/10 GREEN TIP: CATERING WITH CONCERN

In charge of providing food for a meeting or campus event? Consider the effects of your choices on people’s health, the environment, and the local economy. Some things you can do: Seek healthier, fresher options. Minimize environmental impact by serving less meat. Strive to purchase as much local, seasonal food as possible – there are Louisville caterers which specialize in this. Avoid excessively-packaged and individually-wrapped foods. Provide a pitcher of tap water instead of bottled water.

1/28/10 GREEN TIP: RIDERS WANTED!

Car commuting generates 9% of UofL’s greenhouse gas pollution. We are committed to going climate neutral and one way you can help (and stay fit) is by bicycling to work! Map a safe bike route here: http://www.ridethecity.com/louisville. The Sustainability Council is exploring ways to reduce car commuting, including a program to provide a free bicycle to anyone willing to forgo obtaining a campus parking permit for at least two years. If you’d like to help test-ride potential bike models, email: justin.mog (at) louisville.edu.

1/22/10 GREEN TIP: A SIMPLE WAY TO CUT PAPER USE IN HALF

Already using recycled-content paper? Great! But the simplest way to reduce our environmental impact isn’t just changing what we consume, but reducing how much we waste. A blank side of paper is a waste! Cut paper use in half by duplexing – printing or copying on both sides whenever possible. This option is available on many campus machines. If not, consider printing odd pages and then using the bypass feeder for even pages.

1/14/10 GREEN TIP: BUY LOCAL, BUY FAIR

Help us celebrate Economic Justice Week at UofL by doing your part to minimize abuse to people and the environment. When shopping, look for products made in the USA or right here in Louisville. Buying local reduces your carbon footprint, keeps our economy strong, and minimizes the exploitation of workers abroad. If you must buy from overseas, look for fair trade products. Learn more about Sweat-Free Communities at http://www.sweatfree.org

12/18/09 GREEN TIP: SAVE SANTA BY SAVING ENERGY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Burning all this coal is melting Santa's North Pole home! You can help. When you leave for the holidays, turn down thermostats and unplug chargers, printers & non-essential equipment. Always turn off lights and power-down equipment when vacating a room. Even Santa's doing his part: http://www.santasenergy.com/