Green Daily

Top 10 Environmental Scholarships

Cat Lincoln — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:03:00 EST

(Photo by Annie\'s Homegrown)

This has been a week full of rough news, from dogfighting to the Great Barrier Reef dying to poisoned dolphins, so I found some happy news for us: there are actually places giving out scholarship money to students studying environmental topics. Isn't that uplifting and hopeful?

The Mother Nature Network put together a list of the top ten scholarship programs for eco-studies like botany, environmental health, sustainable agriculture, and more. Some highlights include:

Annie's Homegrown -- the yummy mac and cheese folks -- awards $2,500 and $10,000 scholarships to to students in food and agriculture programs.

The Garden Club of America offers three $2,000 scholarships to professionals or students who want to spend a summer engaged in environmental studies.

If you are a grad student from New England or California, and you're doing environmental studies, you are eligible to apply for a whopping $15k fellowship from the Switzer Foundation.

Definitely check out the full list over at the Mother Nature Network site.

Another great resource is the Green Scholarships list on scholarships.com. It's a short list, but what they have is pretty choice: information on EPA fellowships, SCA Conservation Internships and Surfrider Foundation Scholarships.

Got some intel on other programs that offer financial support to eco-studies? Share the love, and the potential moolah, in the comments!

Top 10 Environmental Scholarships originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hankies, and other gear for a runny nose

Amanda Miller — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:36:00 EST

Filed under: Health, Home, Kids and Parenting, Green on Campus

Tissues are really not the best things for the planet, and yet, they can be so hard to resist. They seem so clean, sterile, and convenient, and a nice big box of Kleenex or Puffs seems to become the only friend willing to cuddle with you on the couch when you're sick.

Fortunately, if you are concerned about the environmental impact of your sniffles, there are several alternatives, as well as some eco-friendly tissue choices.

When choosing toilet paper, tissue or paper towels, look for brands made with 100% post-consumer product. If this is nowhere to be found, check to see if any come from forests that are certified to be sustainable. At the very least, steer clear of the super soft and fluffy toilet papers.

If you choose to try out handkerchiefs, Green LA Girl has an excellent guide to purchasing them, from plain to cute to downright fancy, and Super Eco has great tips to help you care for them.

If you are trying to educate the little ones about the spread of germs and proper procedure, something like Sniffle Sleeve might be right up your alley! Of course, in a pinch, tying a hankie around your child's arm would do the trick.

Finally, if you're interested in preventing the sniffles, why not purchase a neti pot?

Hankies, and other gear for a runny nose originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:36:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Being greener in a virtual world

Amanda Miller — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: Kids and Parenting, Movies, TV and Books, Green on Campus

Professor Byron Reeves of Stanford University has some interesting ideas about how to get people "going green" in a virtual world. He believes that if "green" actions were incorporated into game mechanics so that they were necessary to progress and gain points and standing on a leaderboard, the behavior would carry over into one's life.

He pitched his idea to the radio show Living on Earth, pointing out that the system would be competitive and that the "goal here is to align entertainment and fun with utility and community value."

I can see this easily being implemented into a game like Sims 2, where everyday actions are simulated. While you can choose to be more environmentally conscious, turning it into a theme with a focus would definitely appeal to people. After all, if they are willing to buy the expansion pack, Apartment Life, just to simulate living in an apartment, then "green" living can't be far behind.

Nintendo would also be a promising choice for design and development. Not only does the Wii appeal to everyone, they have already had success designing games that teach new languages, encourage fitness, and keep your brain sharp.

Being greener in a virtual world originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:05:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A question of etiquette: Reusable bags

Amanda Miller — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Green on Campus

I recently stumbled upon a question on some private message boards that not only got me thinking, but prompted me to examine my own behavior.

Do you feel a sense of etiquette when it comes to putting your reusable shopping bags to good use? Can you comfortably bring your Store A brand bags into Store B, or do you feel rude or tacky?

Before reusable bags were popular, my housemate and I used to walk downtown with our backpacks when we needed to buy food, carrying any overflow in plastic bags with our hands. Although this would still be a viable option, as many students know, store employees will shoot you funny looks for bringing in a backpack, if they allow it at all.

Personally, I don't like to use the reusable bags that I do own. They don't match, they look tacky, I hate the fact that they're made partly of plastics, and I don't much like carrying around anything with a store logo. Part of my New Year's Resolution this year will be to find a set of bags that I would use, and then get into the habit.

This question of etiquette will be weighing on my mind when I begin my selections.

Corporations do not have feelings, so why should I feel odd walking into a hardware store with the competition's reusable bags? If I were the type to wear something like a Nike sweatshirt, I certainly would not feel unwelcome in an Adidas store.

The alternative would be to acquire a set of store bags for every type of store that I visit, and this would be exhausting and ridiculous, not to mention costly.

On the other hand, it is not necessarily the corporation that one might be concerned about offending. The store employees need to be taken into account, and the etiquette might change when we're talking about a big chain hardware store's bag in a Mom-and-Pop shop.

Of course, we are paying them on that day for their goods and services, and it is not likely that store employees and small business owners shop exclusively at their own stores!

Businesses also pay for their plastic bags, so by using our own bags, we are saving them money.

Have you ever received negative comments from store owners or employees about your reusable bags? Do you, too, feel somewhat awkward where branded bags are concerned?

A question of etiquette: Reusable bags originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Over the moon about Moonpads

Amanda Miller — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Health, Home, Natural Body Care, Green on Campus

A woman's menstrual cycle is a very personal thing. I don't mean to say that it is taboo. In fact, many women are perfectly comfortable talking about it. It is simply that each woman experiences her cycle somewhat differently.

Symptoms can range from none to nausea, back pain, and crankiness. The options for flow control are many, sporting wings, cardboard or plastic applicators, no applicators, liners, barriers and differently woven strings. Most of us become fairly specific about what works for us, and what we simply don't like.

Mentioning the possibility of using reusable pads is probably going to drum up the most variety in reactions. Many women don't even use pads to begin with, and the idea of somehow carrying the used ones around school or the office until you get home seems daunting.

Personally, I just don't think I could do it. On that note, if I had to switch, I'd definitely choose Moonpads. They're colorful and stylish, which is a total plus, considering its usage will make you fast friends. They also look bizarrely comfortable, and their "wing" system actually looks like it would work.

Each Moonpad is made with 100% organic (pesticide-free) cotton flannel, and filled with 100% organic cotton terry cloth, grown in the US by union workers. The dying process is handled by the artist, and even the thread is unbleached 100% cotton.

They are available at different price ranges, in plenty of styles, and most importantly, offer different levels of flow control, from liners to extra absorbent. The washing instructions are low-maintenance, which is also a plus.

Finally, if you are one of the many women, like me, that just can't get "over the moon" about reusable pads, that's perfectly all right. If you're still interested in reducing the negative impact from your cycle, there are other methods available.

They're definitely worth consideration, or even the old college try. The statistics on menstrual-related waste are staggering, and mainstream products contain chemicals and materials that are harmful and not easily degradable. These options are especially important for students, as over the course of their lifetime, they could greatly reduce their personal impact.

Over the moon about Moonpads originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Meet Harold the Lunch Monster

Amanda Miller — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Food, Health, Home, Kids and Parenting, Green on Campus

When it comes to packed lunches, there are so many details that require attention. Whether you're worried about keeping your drink cold and your sandwich meat fresh and safe to eat, or you're wondering just how much lead or PVC is in that bag that you hand to your child each morning, there is much to think about.

Enter Harold the Lunch Monster from Ones and Zeros Fashion. He was born to munch up lunches and keep them safe and organized for everyone. In fact, there's a whole story behind his birth.

Each one is handmade from 100% organic cotton, and comes in a variety of colors. Organic cotton means pesticide and chemical-free. Remember to always wash your fruits and veggies diligently to keep them up to the same standards!

Packed lunches have the potential to reduce an awful lot of waste, and usually result in better eating habits. You also have more control over what your children eat, as well as self control. Grocery store and takeout goodies can seem all too tempting when you're hungry and pressed for time at noon.

Harold is very stylish and fun. My favorite part has to be the way that he opens. It actually looks like he's opening his mouth! Harold is also quite subtle, which means that he can be enjoyed by children, teens, college students, and even adults.

Meet Harold the Lunch Monster originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Green Gifts: DiY Jewelry

Amanda Miller — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Tips, Green Giving, Green on Campus

When composing your Christmas gift list, chances are, jewelry is written somewhere next to at least one of those names. It is a popular, classic gift that can be personal and very meaningful. Unfortunately, it can also be costly, and not everyone's tastes suit those of your local jeweler.

Fortunately, there are handmade alternatives that can be easier on a budget, eco-friendly, and personalized. Many recipients will feel extra special owning an original piece that was created by you, or a gifted artisan.

If you don't think you have it in you to make something yourself, why not browse the jewelry category of Etsy? Each item is handmade, and you won't believe the unique designs you'll find.

Ready to make your own? Hop on through the break! Many of these projects make ideal gifts for students, and range from beginner to expert.

Check out these homemade, eco-friendly jewelery gift ideas:

Do you have a few old keyboards laying around? I certainly do. I spill more liquids into my keyboard than anywhere else in my house combined. Fear not, because that old keyboard can be turned into hip jewelry.
Most people can find spare washers lurking around their homes that can be turned into earrings, a necklace, bracelets, and more.
To give a gift that's really personal, why not make a collage cuff bracelet?
If you like a challenge, check out this beautiful eggshell jewelry! You can use eggs that passed their expiry date, and even old nail polish.
Save the pop tops from your soda cans for this recycled bracelet.
Do you have a collection of earrings missing their other halves? Turn them into a charm bracelet! If you want to do something extra personal, ask family members and friends of the intended recipient to each donate a misfit earring or button and send over a note explaining the significance. After assembling the bracelet, package with the notes and wrap!

Green D.I.Y substitutions
If you're not satisfied with the greenness of any of the above projects, try using material substitutes instead!

Rather than buying something new, look for things you already have. Ask your friends if they have extra buttons, fabric scraps, ribbon, computer parts, toys, vases, or anything else you might want to use.
Instead of buying scrapbooking or origami papers, hunt through your old catalogs, magazines, junk mail, wrapping paper or fabric scraps to substitute. Get creative; old posters, postcards, holiday cards, sheet music, unwanted picture books, and more can really add personality.
Ask someone behind the counter at your favorite craft store if there are more eco-friendly and effective substitutes for the recommended glue, paints, or finishes.

Looking for more green DiY holiday projects? Learn how to make your own decorations, centerpieces, and other holiday goods using materials that you find in your home.

Green Gifts: DiY Jewelry originally appeared on Green Daily on Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nix the holiday hangover naturally

Amanda Miller — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Food, Health, Green on Campus

The holiday season is a time for celebration; the type that is full of sugary treats and alcoholic drinks. As enjoyable as this is, you probably won't be singing Christmas carols in the morning.

Luckily, there are some eco-friendly remedies that you can find at any grocery store. In fact, you can probably already find most of them in your kitchen. Consider stocking up with these organic and fair trade certified items for the holidays.

Many of these remedies would also make ideal stocking stuffers for your son or daughter home from college for the winter break.

Gallery: Natural Hangover Remedies

Honey
I bet you thought that you might never touch sweets again, but honey has a natural sweetener, fructose. This helps speed up the absorption of alcohol within your body.

Honey is also high in potassium, which helps to counteract the effects of alcohol. Potassium is an electrolyte, and the inclusion of electrolytes is one thing that contributes to the popularity of sugary sports drinks.

Your blood sugar may also be low, and natural sugars are the best way to raise it. Try adding a tablespoon of honey to your morning tea, and repeat as often as you wish throughout the day.

Bananas
Bananas are also rich in potassium, as well as magnesium, another electrolyte. It, too, contains natural sugars, and can help to soothe the stomach.

Try spreading some honey, perhaps with a bit of peanut butter, and some banana onto white bread, lightly toasted if you wish. Normally I subscribe to whole grain breads, but I find that they can taste dry when I am dehydrated or nauseous.

As an alternative, why not fix yourself a banana milkshake sweetened with honey?

Ginger
Ginger is my personal favorite choice to combat nausea. You can buy organic ginger candies to suck on, or purchase organic ginger tea for a hydrating treat. You can also buy ginger root in capsule form.

Peppermint
Another nausea-fighter is peppermint. It is a carminative, which means that it helps to remove unwanted gas from the stomach and intestines.

Peppermint teas are wonderful, and you can make them yourself by adding a spoonful or two of the dried leaves to boiled water. Cover, and steep for ten or fifteen minutes. You can also chew on the leaves directly, or buy the organic tea from a store.

You can also try gently sucking on an organic candy cane. The motion can help to ease your headache!

Vitamin B, Ginseng and Caffeine
Many people complain that they feel drained the day after. Taking a vitamin B complex can help perk you up, especially if you took one on the day that you drank as well. Beware; the complex will turn your urine highlighter-yellow!

Many people love their coffee after a hard night of partying, but it might not be the wisest idea. Caffeine is a diuretic, which causes you to urinate more often. This may wake you up, but it will only dehydrate you further. Of course, there are people out there that do disagree. Do note, however, that if you are not a regular caffeine addict, the diuretic effect will be much stronger.

Try substituting the natural equivalent, ginseng, instead and see how you feel. Ginseng tea has many benefits, and is most potent when purchased organically.

Fresh air and exercise
Stale air, especially if you've had your windows closed against the cold, or heat your home with baseboard heating, can really aggravate nausea and dehydration. Bundle up and take a brisk walk, and you should be feeling better in no time. The natural light will also help cue your brain to wake up already!

Nix the holiday hangover naturally originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Students get paid for a green commute

Amanda Miller — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:24:00 EST

Filed under: Green on Campus

In an effort to "go green," many schools are implementing incentives for students to travel to and from classes in an eco-friendly manner.

Let's take a look at some of the benefits that colleges across America are offering:

Hybrids to the front: At San Diego City College, 33 sought-after parking spaces will be reserved for hybrid vehicles, as well as other highly fuel-efficient options.

School pays you: At many schools, students are earning monetary rewards for leaving their cars at home, or even for carpooling. Stanford University will pay you up to $282 per year to do this.

Free stuff: Freshmen at Ripon College in Wisconsin were given a free Trek mountain bike, complete with helmet and lock, for agreeing not to drive to school. This is over $450 worth of of free stuff!

Rent-a-bike: Simply show your I.D. and student card to the Triton Bikes program over at the University of California San Diego to check out your new ride. These bikes are even refurbished. The program rescues abandoned bikes, fixes them up, slaps some tape on for identification and then allows students to borrow them.

Earn your parking space: USCD's Pedal Club grants 10 free days of parking per quarter to students who agree to bike to school most of the time. Special parking spaces for carpools are also growing in popularity in colleges across the U.S.

Subsidize this: Many schools, including San Diego State University, will subsidize bus and trolley passes.

Classy: In Beeville, Texas, Coastal Bend College switched to a four-day week, and three other campuses followed suit. In Richmond, Va, J. Seargant Reynolds Community College introduced Fuel $mart Fridays. This allows students to schedule all of their classes on a Friday.

Students get paid for a green commute originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:24:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gaming affects polar bears too

Amanda Miller — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:33:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets and Tech, Movies, TV and Books, Green on Campus

Gaming is an international pass-time. I have been doing it as far back as I can remember, and my father has done it most of his life. My friends and coworkers game, and students make up a healthy proportion of the gaming community.

Unfortunately, this industry has been somewhat slow to green itself. While the major companies like Sony and Nintendo are taking steps, we're a long way from a guilt-free gaming experience. We are moving towards a greener gaming future.

Let's take a look at some of the impact that gaming has on the environment, and what you can do about it.1. Plastic use
According to Check Out, a Wal-Mart blog, roughly 101 million games were sold in plastic cases in 2007, roughly equaling the emissions of 9,000 cars.

Fortunately, some of the major games are already packaged in cardboard and paper. World of Warcraft, with over 11 million subscribers, and on the eve of the release of its latest expansion, Wrath of the Lich King, which is estimated to sell over 5 million copies, comes in cardboard packaging.

If you want to make a difference, consider buying your games second-hand, renting instead of buying, selling or donating your old games, or downloading them instead.

2. Multi-functionality
Today's consoles can do a wide variety of things, much like our cell phones and other gadgets. You can surf the web, send messages, play with gamers around the world, and play Blu-Ray discs, DVDs, and music.

This may sound pretty great. Buy a nice set of speakers, and you can ditch your DVD/Blu-Ray players and stereos, and keep your computer turned off for a greater portion of the day.

Check Out proposes that in fact, your console might be using up a fair amount more energy than a stand-alone media player. For the most part, you cannot opt out of this functionality, so pass your old players to your younger sibling, and keep your console powered down when you can.

3. Energy consumption
Many consoles are not turned off as often as they could be, and for many reasons. Some games don't allow you to save whenever you feel like it, and life isn't always going to wait for you to reach a save point or the end of a level. Features such as the Wii's Connect 24 and other standby modes drain energy even though you aren't using the system.

Leaving one console on 24/7/365 would supposedly eat up as much energy as running two refrigerators for the same duration.

While you can't rebuild your console to make it more energy efficient, you can make an effort to keep strict control over it. Using energy-saving options, turning it off completely, or keeping your entertainment system on a power bar that you can turn off is a great start.

Game research and development is also a huge energy sucker, but the pressure has been on lately for companies to green up their act.

Which console is the greenest? The Wii consumes significantly less energy than its competitors, and many of its games are educational, environmentally-minded, and encourage activity.

4. The break-down
The last place your console should end up is a landfill. Instead, recycle it, and earn some cash back!

Gaming affects polar bears too originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:33:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harvard adds LEED certified dorms

Christina Clark — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Green on Campus

Graduate students, faculty and staff at Harvard are getting some new, LEED certified digs. The 115,000 sq. foot, 215 bed 10 Akron Street project using a host of eco-friendly materials inside and features energy conserving systems within its infrastructure.

The building is not just about things like bamboo floors and energy-efficient heating though. Architect Kyu Song Woo worked hard to incorporate the building into its surroundings. Upper levels are cantilevered over the street level to preserve river views for Cambridge residents.

The river facing side of the building blends well with its neighbors and the street side of the building is low and made to blend well into the street scape. An interior courtyard provides a pleasant gateway into the Harvard campus for those passing by.

Inside the space features well planned and pleasant common areas designed to bring the residents together. Harvard has a University-wide commitment to sustainable building and campus operations.

[Via Green Building Elements]

Harvard adds LEED certified dorms originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GreenCollar Vets matches GI Bill benefits with green tech training

Christina Clark — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:34:00 EST

Filed under: Tips, GreenTech, Green on Campus

If you know anyone coming out of the military looking to go back to school GreenCollar Vets is an awesome resource. The site is compiling a database of green technology training programs that are accepted by the GI Bill.

The site also lists green collar jobs, though mainly in Texas at this point. Education and training programs are from all over the country. Topics include wind energy technology, green construction, fuel cell technology and solar technology.

Don't know any veterans? Anyone looking to go back to school (or just go for the first time) and learn some green work skills could benefit by looking through the list of training and education options. These might be the next hot job skills.

GreenCollar Vets matches GI Bill benefits with green tech training originally appeared on Green Daily on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 08:34:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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AusPen makes Earth friendly whiteboard markers

Christina Clark — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:12:00 EST

Filed under: Kids and Parenting, Green on Campus

Chalk is a thing of the past in school. The majority of schools have installed dry erase boards for teachers to use, replacing chalk boards. Even my nephew, who is only in first grade, is required to bring dry erase markers to school to practice his writing skills on a mini dry erase board.

AusPen is working to help reduce the amount of waste and toxins in the average school. AusPen dry erase markers are better for the Earth in a variety of ways.

The marker bodies are made from easily recycled aluminum instead of plastic.
The markers are refillable - the six marker kit with refills is equal to 246 disposable markers.
The markers tips are reversible so even if one end wears out you can keep using the marker.
The ink is non-toxic and almost odor free.

The $69.95 price tag for the six marker kit may seem expensive until you think about how long that kit will last. AS a former high school teacher, I know I had to buy more markers at least once per semester. Some would run out, others would grow legs and walk away and others would dry out when the cap wasn't replaced quite right. A 10 pack of markers is anywhere from $8 to $11. That means you could spend up to $250 on the same amount of disposable markers. In that case it's a great deal. I would just make sure to keep a very close eye on them in my classroom!

AusPen makes Earth friendly whiteboard markers originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:12:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Green: Bart Simpson in soapstone

Amanda Miller — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fashion, Green Giving, Green on Campus

Unlike some of the items featured on eBay Green, this item is legitimately eco-friendly, although it might not look it. The Bart Simpson soapstone sculpture is made and packaged in Kenya, conserving energy and economically empowering the people.

The process and materials used are true to African traditions, and the whole partnership is fair trade certified.

You might remember a few weeks back when I featured the Homer Simpson reusable shopping bag. When I found this sculpture, I knew I had to do a follow-up post. After all, if you feel the need to decorate your home and person in The Simpsons-inspired items, then this is a must-have.

After all, the soapstone sculptures of the majestic orca, the mighty polar bear, or the delicate doe can't hold a green candle to a Bart Simpson head on your mantel!

Gallery: eBay Green

eBay Green: Bart Simpson in soapstone originally appeared on Green Daily on Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Five reasons students should vote

Amanda Miller — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:15:00 EST

Filed under: Polit-eco, Green on Campus

Amidst all of the campaigns encouraging you to vote, the heated debates going on around you, and the mixed messages from the media, it can be difficult for some students to rise to the voting occasion.

Forgetting the "I'll be just like Jessica Alba" and "because Ellen thinks its cool," and even "the chicks will dig it" messages for one moment, here are five practical reasons to hit the polls this autumn:

Learning about the issues and casting a vote is a very empowering experience. It helps to shape your character, affirm your identity, and build self-respect. Even if you don't end up feeling savvy enough to debate the tough stuff with the people that live and breathe that sort of thing, you'll be able to follow it and think critically.
On the day that the new President or Prime Minister is sworn in, you will know more about what the future holds. What will happen to your taxes, to tuition, to pollution laws? Are green technologies going to flourish, will gas prices rise, and will the troops come home? What was promised, and what are you going to do about it next election?
Speaking of the next election, if you decide this year that you don't have the time, haven't been following the debates, or that your vote does not count anyway, you will have to wait four years before you have the opportunity that you have right now. That is a lot of time to grow, to reflect, and to have regrets.
The chicks really will dig it. So will future employers, coworkers, peers, professors, and just about anyone else. People will pick up on the fact that you choose to educate yourself, to exercise your rights, and to care about what is going on in the world.
You will get to join the unofficial elitist club of 'I voted so I get to complain.' If you know what we are supposed to be getting from each candidate, and pay attention to what they give, you have armed yourself appropriately. There will be no more listening to the 'he said, she said, they did not, look at what they approved' bull commercials.

Five reasons students should vote originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:15:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Voter registration campaign: Declare Yourself

Amanda Miller — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Celebrities, Movies, TV and Books, Polit-eco, Activism, Green on Campus

"Only you can silence yourself." This is the slogan put out by DeclareYourself.com, a not-for-profit organization aimed at encouraging voting and educating the public about the candidates, and it has huge celebrity backing. In particular, it is targeting young, first-time would-be voters.

This website, at first glance, appears to be no different from other campaigns that tout voting without providing any real information.

Celebrity campaigns, television ads, and other 'get out and vote' media messages actually discourage some voters, or at the very least, turn them off to the messenger, according to some students at WSU.

Daniel Lancaster, a WSU junior, thinks that many such websites and advertisements are trying to water down the issue and liken it to a "Calvin Klein advertisement."

He also expressed concern that many people will simply cast a vote, without really becoming educated about the policies their vote will be backing.

If you look at the website more closely, you will find some resources that combine to form a nice starting point, an introductory portal to the world of voting for new voters. You'll also find resources to help you encourage others to vote.

Through their website, you can register to vote, learn about voting and registering deadlines, and network on sites such as MySpace and Facebook. You can also check out the candidates and the issues, and head over to their respective websites.

They also offer a book featuring 50 "celebrated Americans" talking about why voting is important. The list even includes celebrities such as Hayden Pannettiere (teen Heroes star).

Perhaps the most striking and influential information displayed on the site is not in print, but rather in photography. The above image of Jessica Alba, shot by photographer Mark Liddell, is hauntingly beautiful, yet disturbing and thought-provoking. The site features several "only you can silence yourself" photo-shoots, including one of Andre 3000.

Voter registration campaign: Declare Yourself originally appeared on Green Daily on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Students, nab a green roomie

Amanda Miller — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Home, Green on Campus

College is full of growing pains, and suddenly living with strangers is one of them. Whether your roommate drinks your milk, hosts parties at 2 a.m., sings in the shower, or recently purchased a pet rooster that lives in the bathroom, it's definitely a learning experience.

If there's one thing you should not have to deal with, it's a sloppy, wasteful roomie, and on that matter, Green Renter has your back.

The company rates rental buildings on several green criteria to help you choose environmentally friendly accommodations complete with green neighbors or even roommates.

While your college experience is not going to be perfect, you can lower your bills by living in a building that gives back, surrounded by people who share many of your values and beliefs.

Students, nab a green roomie originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 09:28:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Westminster College gives students free public transit passes

Christina Clark — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:03:00 EST

Filed under: Local, Green on Campus

I spent one semester in Washington, D.C. during my undergrad days and I loved the availability of public transportation. I could get anywhere in the city with no hassle, much different that the lame and inadequate bus system I was used to back home.

The kicker? I needed an unlimited transit pass which cost me upwards of $100 per month. And that was several years ago. For a college student, it was a heck of a lot of money. Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah apparently understands this problem and wants to give students an incentive to use public transportation.

If Westminster students (or faculty) make a pledge to use Utah Transit Authority transportation options four days per month they can get a free UTA pass for the year. It's a premium pass which allows the holder to access almost any of the transportation options (except the bus to the ski slopes).

Westminster is working to green campus in other ways, like offering free bike use for students, community gardens and the installation of solar power on some campus buildings.

[Via Eco Localizer]

Westminster College gives students free public transit passes originally appeared on Green Daily on Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:03:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago looking for Green teachers - deadline is tomorrow!

Christina Clark — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:35:00 EST

Filed under: Local, Green on Campus

The Chicago Public School system is looking for some green minded middle and high school teachers. The school system is continuing to implement the Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) this year with the help of teacher volunteers.

Each teacher volunteer will sponsor an after school environmental service club. The program includes year-round staff support, leadership workshops and a $500 stipend.

The mission of C3 is to train teachers and students to improve the quality of life in their schools and neighborhoods through environmental education and action. Some projects have included rain water harvesting to use for school landscaping, recycling contests, and education for bus drivers and parents on the harmful effects of leaving a vehicle idling while waiting to pick up students.

Teachers interested in sponsoring a club for the 2008-2009 school year need to apply by September 19. That's tomorrow! So sign up if you're a CPS teacher or pass it on if you know a CPS teacher. Let's green Chicago!

Chicago looking for Green teachers - deadline is tomorrow! originally appeared on Green Daily on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:35:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Reducing energy consumption in student housing

Amanda Miller — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Home, Tips, Green on Campus

Whether you live in a dorm or an apartment, and whether you pay for your energy bills or they are inclusive, it can be difficult to remember to save energy when you're renting.

Here are some tips to help you avoid being wasteful:

Nix the nightlights, lava lamps and anything with a motion or noise sensor. As amusing as your SpongeBob SquarePants nightlight might be, it's time to move on. If you simply must have quirky lighting, go solar powered. Try the Glow Brick or the Sun and Moon Jars over at ThinkGeek.
Pick up a power bar or two. Instead of plugging your gadgets and electronics right into the wall (so last decade), plug them into the bar/strip instead. With a flip of the switch you'll be able to silence the suckers, rather than expending all that energy to unplug each one. See? It saves energy!
Change the settings on your gadgets. If you don't like the defaults for your computer provided by your operating system, try out a program like Local Cooling, which not only helps you customize your energy settings, it also will tell you how many trees, how many gallons of water, and how many kwh you've saved by using it. Also check out a program like Riva Tuner, which can regulate your video card fan to spin faster when its temperature rises, and slower when it's cooler. It's a must-have for gamers.
Don't forget the obligatory 'change your lightbulbs' and 'take shorter showers' tips. Turn off lights when you don't need them, don't do laundry or dishes without a full load, stop using heated settings on such appliances, regulate your thermastat, and don't take your personal jet out for joyrides.

Reducing energy consumption in student housing originally appeared on Green Daily on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:30:00 EST . Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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