In most cases, when we speak of progress, we describe it as taking steps forward, but not this time. Instead, Worcester Academy is taking care to retrace its path, and reduce its carbon footprints. By Signing the Green Schools Climate Commitment last fall, our campus pledged to achieve carbon neutrality by 2020. In order to meet this goal we must secure renewable energy sources, improve and implement the best operational and cultural conservation and efficacy practices, and purchase carbon-credits. Competing with over 150 schools in the regional Green Cup Challenge, our campus has been trying to take these necessary actions in order to decrease energy use by 20%. Last year, when there were only 30 schools competing, Worcester Academy succeeded in reducing the campus energy level by 9.8%, taking 15th place in the competition.
We are definitely on the right track, however, everyone on campus needs to make a mutual effort and commit to the pledge. In the first GCC, students worked with their advisors to come up with a checklist of steps to take: turning off unnecessary lights, and computers, and closing or opening windows to regulate heat. Other efforts included recycling, composting leftover food, and using reusable dining materials. Each student volunteered to complete one of these tasks. For many students there was no problem with this process, on the other hand, some students did not want to give up their free time. In reality these tasks, like turning off lights, take only ten or fifteen minutes. Is that too much to ask? Surprisingly yes, there is a considerable amount of students who feel the GCC is just a waste of time, and many are dreading the second GCC that is on the way. The resistance is keeping Worcester Academy from reaching the 20% goal and future carbon neutrality.
The Green Cup Challenge action steps are not mandatory; they serve as an opportunity for the Worcester Academy community to adapt to the world’s changing environment. It is difficult to change one’s daily routine, and incorporate more environmentally friendly habits, but should we let that stop us? Michael Carroll, an advocate for the sustainability of our campus believes the “One question that will continue to demand contemplation is what and how long it takes for [environmental] values to become internalized and part of habit”. The individuals responsible for our electricity reduction of 10% have already adapted and implemented the “green routine”. Mr. Carroll adds, “Habits come easy for those who clearly see the moral dimension in using natural light, avoiding bottled water or taking only what you can eat in the dining hall.”
Maybe if students understood the significance of this environmental approach, they would become more involved. Between 2006 and 2007 alone Worcester Academy emitted 8,907,659 pounds of carbon dioxide. The Green Cup Challenge provides a launching pad for schools like ours to reduce carbon emissions and in the long run put an end to global warming. The Green Cup Challenge is new to us, it started in January 2008, but its time to get familiar with the steps and get down to business. There are many flyers around campus, pointing out the most important initiatives, but Mr. Carroll has broken them down even further, giving us three main steps; “1. Turn off lights, 2. Unplug items not in direct use, and 3. If you are plugged in, make sure you are making the most of it”. Can it get any easier that that? Possibly, but let’s get our super fans to cheer us on. Let’s beat those other schools in this year’s GCC, and let’s keep removing our carbon footprints.

http://www.enn.com/

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032493/

http://environmentalnewsonline.com/

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/environment.html

http://www.nytimes.com/pages/science/earth/

The worldwide specific energy consumption is approximately 15 kilowatt-hours per kilogram of aluminum produced.

Aluminum has no known function in living cells and presents some toxic effects in elevated concentrations.

Exposure to aluminum can cause respiratory and neurological problems.

Exposure to aluminum is generally not harmful, but can be dangerous in high amounts.

The mining and processing of aluminum is extremely resource-intensive

Plastic water bottles often contain polycarbonate, which leaches BPA, a synthetic hormone that can mimic estrogen and cause prostate cancer.

Plastic water bottles are more dangerous to human health, but the manufacturing process is less energy-intensive. However, plastic is only biodegradable over a very long period of time.

-ryan

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium

http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts22.html

http://www.grist.org/advice/ask/2006/07/12/foil/

http://www.thegoodhuman.com/2008/12/29/10-reasons-to-stop-drinking-bottled-water/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic

-ryan

-ryan

1. How could we systematically collect, organize, and distribute for re-use all the useable paper that gets thrown away or recycled?

How do we want to set up this Blog?

Pages are typically used for permanent issues, topics, or projects.

Posts can be similar, but also tend to be more current events in the club, school, and world.

Links are organized, as are the posts (this one is listed under Blog Formatting, while the first post is listed under Meeting Notes), under categories.

We can build each category and page as needed.

1. setting up Blog.

2. letter to Headmaster regarding disposables in the dining hall

3. briefly addressed GCC results

Below is a letter for the Club to review and give feedback on. Use the comment section below  and/or email to each other.

WA Environmental Club
February 5, 2009
Dear Mr. Morse,
We are writing you today to suggest some positive changes that we recommend to make WA become more sustainable. As you know, we are in the midst of the Green Cup Challenge Competition, and in addition to reducing energy use, we want to look for other ways to reduce our impacts on the environment.
As a club we are currently working on a project to sell WA reusable water bottles to faculty and students. We are hoping that more students will use reusable water bottles, so we can reduce our school’s waste. In addition to this, we request that the school can look into eliminating the use of bottled water, instead using tap water. This will save the school money, both because there will be less water bottles thrown out or recycled, and the school will not have to pay extra for the tap water.
Additionally, the club requests that the school eliminate the use of Styrofoam plates and cups in the dining hall. Since there are reusable cups and plates in the dining hall, it is more environmentally responsible to stop using disposable dining materials. Research has shown that Americans generate more waste than any other nation in the world, with 4.5 pounds of municipal solid waste per person per day. As a school, we have a great opportunity to be a leader in environmental responsibility by reducing our waste while saving money. We greatly appreciate your consideration of our requests.
Sincerely,
Ryan Barry                                                        Stephen Wright
Co-Presidents of the Environmental Club