Going Green isn't just for Tree-Huggers Anymore

A year ago, Molly Rambach, like the majority of students in Norman, didn't think much about everyday tasks like throwing out garbage, taking a shower, buying groceries or even driving her Jeep Commander. But all that changed when she visited a friend in California last summer and started learning more about environmental issues and the Green Movement.

"When a lot of people think about going green, they automatically think that it's all just about Global Warming and stuff. We want people to understand that they have the power to ensure our environment and surroundings are there for future generations." Rambach said, "Everything you do impacts the environment: getting in your car, eating beef, turning on a faucet."

"You know, if everyone in the world stopped eating meat for one day a week, it would help the environment seven times more than if everyone drove an electric car,"she said.

Rambach, an executive member of the Green Week committee, explained that the week leading up to Earth Day, which took place April 19 through 22 at various locations throughout the OU campus, is an effort to promote environmental awareness and educate students about recycling.

There are many students at OU who think it is very important to be aware of their consumption habits and actively look for ways to get others to join them. Green Week is just one of the many events designed to get people interested in learning more about recycling.

Chris Applegate, President of OUr Earth, an environmental organization, has gone as far as lobbying in Washington D.C. Although OU established a recycling plan in Both Amanda Tooley, marketing specialist at Facilities Management and Appleton, agree that it really started to take off between 2007 and 2008.

Climate Commitment, more commonly referred to as ACU-PAC, in April of 2007. The commitment was a pledge on behalf of the university to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“It is our patriotic duty as Americans to help our country achieve energy independence and to be sound stewards of the environment. All of us as Americans should unite in this effort. OU is uniquely situated for leadership in this area not only because of the conservation steps being announced today, but because of our academic leadership in fields related to advanced oil and gas production, enhanced recovery of fossil fuels, weather and climate research, biofuels research and other areas,” said OU President David L. Boren*
* http://www.ou.edu/sustainability/currentpractices.html


Things have been looking more positive ever since. According to the university’s sustainability website, recycling on campus went up twenty percent between 2008 and 2009.

Recycling on campus last year was equivalent to 932.55 tons.

One very important contributing factor in student participation, is the convenience of the containers.

Toohey pointed out that the dual-purpose receptacles have proven that.


Appleton pointed out that the shape of the recycling collectors were also important, because people are more likely to throw away paper into them if they are rectangular in shape rather than being round.

Professors and presidents of organizations aren't the only ones taking showing interest.

"We are really trying to change the way we do things," said Scottie Williams, Norman Sanitation Department Utilities Superintendent.

He pointed out the various vehicles used for collecting different types of recyclables, including some newly acquired, more 'nature-friendly' trucks.



On a more somber note, Williams pointed out that the highest point in Oklahoma is actually a landfill in southeastern Oklahoma City.

However, a thirteen percent drop in waste produced on-campus during 2009. With more people beginning to take notice, Oklahoma’s waste problem is improving.



Professor Dalton, director the OU's Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Environment Department says one reason it is easy to underestimate the importance of recycling is because the problem is externalized.

Dalton says that there are barges at sea filled with trash looking for a place to dispose of it, because we have simply run out of space.

Dalton, Appeton and Rambach are convinced that consumerism is a huge obstacle for Americans when it comes to our waste production problems.

"We are all so consumed with buying the newest iPhones but we don't think about what will happen to the old one," said Appleton.

"What happens to your old TV when it breaks and you buy a new one? Think about it, it goes somewhere. It doesn't just disappear," said Dalton.

When it comes to recycling, sustainability is a word that is often thrown around a lot.

During a meeting in Oklahoma City, Appleton was asked to explain the meaning and importance of the term.

He thinks that recycling is just one part of living a sustainable lifestyle. Which for him means being happy with 'less stuff'.

Appleton thinks that the problem is one of national important. According to him, people in Europe and Asia are more aware of natural resources.

Toohey explains that being smart about consumption when it comes to energy and waste is comparable to making the best use of time or money. If there is a limited amount of something, such as natural resources, then being conservative with it is only responsible choice.

Appleton says he understands that most students are not necessarily going to start eating organic or buying fair-trade products, but thinks that recycling is something that everyone should take part in.

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Spring Fever

The warm, sunny weather, which hit Norman over the past few weeks, is putting many OU students in a bright mood. Nicer weather is providing a more pleasant atmosphere, even if you do have to study.

"I love it, now I can walk outside and not feel like I'm going to freeze to death on the way to class," said Erica Shockal, OU sophomore.

Winter storms and typical crazy Oklahoma weather, have made students eager to get outside. Many of them are excited to head outdoors if its only to layout and read a textbook.

The cheery lighthearted atmosphere appears to be providing a little taste what summer has in store. Spring is definitely in the air.

Medieval Fair

The Medieval Fair was in full swing March 26, 27 & 28 right here in Norman's own Reaves Park. Filled with delicious food (arguably of State Fair of Texas caliber), crafty wares of all kinds, and costumed eccentrics (i.e. prime people watching entertainment); who could really ask for anything more entertaining?

*Al Bostick's Medieval Fair Dream

The fair was originally spawned by OU's English Department in 1976 as a one day event in April, which was chosen because of it's proximity to Shakespeare's birthday. It was the first Medieval or Renaissance Fair in Oklahoma, and remains one of the few in the country which doesn't charge for admission.

The Medieval Fair of Norman is free annual event, open Monday-Friday from 10am - 7pm. Those interested in learning more can visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Norman-OK/The-Medieval-Fair-of Norman/229600234981 or simply call (405) 366

-8095 for more information.

*original picture source

http://www.medievalfair.org/picture_gallery.html

Green Week 2010

A year ago, Molly Rambach, like the majority of students in Norman, didn't think much about everyday tasks like throwing out garbage, taking a shower, buying groceries, or even driving her Jeep Commander. But all that changed when she visited a friend in California last summer, and started learning more about environmental issues and the Green Movement.

"When a lot of people think about going green, they automatically think that it's all just about Global Warming and stuff. We want people to understand that they have the power to ensure our environment and surroundings are there for future generations." Rambach explained, "Everything you do impacts the environment; get in your car, eating beef, turning on a faucet."

She also added, "You know, if everyone in the World stopped eating meat for one day a week, it would help the environment seven times more than if everyone drove an electric car."




Green Week, the week leading up to Earth Day, will take place April 19th through the 22nd at various locations throughout the OU campus. The various different events throughout Green Week are designed to entice students to attend in order to promote the cause and educate students.

Those selected for this year's Green Week Executive Committee have been committed to innovative planning since last Fall in order to successfully make Green Week 2010 a monumental event.

The dedicated individuals behind Green Week hope that appealing to as many people as possible, will spark interest in those who previously may not have been interested in environmentalism.

Green Week is all about teaching people all about the various reasons to go green and informing them of simple ways they can personally have an impact on the environment. Although it only lasts one week, the issues surrounding it are about lifetime commitments for a long-term goal.

All throughout the week, which is actually Monday-Thursday, Grey Owl Coffee(http://greyowlcoffee.blogspot.com/) will be giving away coffee in the South Oval from 8-10AM, and lunches will be brown bag.

Each of the four days has it's own environmentally-conscious theme. Monday's theme is Living Green, Tuesday is all about Transportation, Wednesday will center around Energy, and Thursday's focus will be Water.

The schedule will vary from day to day. However, the week will include movie screen from films like, Tapped, Food Inc., & Tar Creek, as well as speakers like Dr. Lifset, of the OU College of Engineering and Mayor of Norman, Cindy Rosenthal.

More reasons to attend include giveaways such as reusable totes and water bottles, as well as tee-shirts made from recycled plastic bottles, a visit from the exotic animals of Little River Zoo (they rescue animals, are located right off of Highway 9, and even have a porcupine! Check out http://www.littleriverzoo.com/ for more information), and free bike repairs in the South Oval.

The last day of Green Week will feature a Living Green Fair and concert (location and bands TBA).

The many individuals and organizations making Green Week 2010 possible include: OU Student Congress, Green Week Executive Committee, OU Housing and Food, plus sponsors like Tom's shoes and Victoria Secret Pink.

Going Green as well as Green Week itself, is not only nationwide, but global. As Rambach pointed out, it is "...relevant to every part of our lives and each department at OU."

As new technology is essentially making the world we live in smaller and smaller by connecting us through travel, communication and industry, we as individuals have the opportunity to chose what kind of of impact to leave behind.

Making Earth-friendly decisions, even those involving seemingly small tasks can have a positive impact on animals and nature worldwide.

Living a Green Lifestyle is good for our health, wallets, and ultimately the quality of life for everyone, including future generation.

Behind Green Week is The Green Education Foundation, which was founded in 2008.

GEF is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping schools and communities educate others about environmental awareness.

According to GEF's website (http://www.greeneducationfoundation.org/) two million children are expected to participate in Green Week, which can actually be any week ranging from February 1st to April 13th.

This year's Green Week will actually be leading up to the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day.

It is expected to be the biggest Green event ever held on the OU campus.

The Green movement has been in the works and gaining momentum slowly throughout the last 20 years or so.

Great strides have been made toward improving sustainability within the OU community and City of Norman especially within the last 5 years.

Groups like OUr Earth, OU's student environmental organization, school-wide recycling programs, and the community garden are just a few examples of how concerned professors and students are uniting to build a more Green campus.

Those especially interested in the Green Movement actually have the option of majoring or getting a minor in Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Environment, established by the College of Arts and Sciences.

The IPE's website contains links to various campus, local, statewide, and national organization for those who want to learn more or find out how they can get involved (http://ipe.ou.edu/resources.htm).

Professors like Deborah Dalton, Director of the IPE Program, and other dedicated leaders with the OU community are working hard to try and spread their message to the greater student body.

The message Green Week wants to get out is one of hope.

We as individuals, children, grownups and college kids alike, all have to ability to make earth conscious decisions on a daily basis.

By tweaking personal routines when it comes to transportation, water use, and even turning off lights and appliances, everyone can and should do their part to preserve this Earth.

Chinese Culture Night hosted by SCSS

Beginning at 5:30pm this evening (Sunday, March 7), The OU Society of Chinese Students and Scholars hosted an evening full of culturally rich performances and delicious traditional cuisine in the Union Ballroom for anyone on campus attending China Night 2010.

"I learned a lot about Chinese culture from these young men and women.", said student attendee, Kristen Zahnow, "I enjoyed the music and dances. They are very talented."

Over fifty international students (amongst others) incorporated colorful costumes, short film clips, speakers, dancers, and of course food, to highlight some important aspects of the past 5,000 years of Chinese Culture.

Those interested in learning more about SCSS can visit the group's website at http://www.ouscss.com/drupal to learn more about upcoming events.

Lenten Commitments Prove Trying

Catholic students, as well as those who belong to a few other Christian denominations, including Episcopalians, Lutherans, and some Methodists, will continue to observe the religious period known as Lent until April 4th, most notably by personally giving up a specific food, drink, or habit.

"I gave up cursing, because it was something I did unknowingly on a routine basis," said Catholic student, Andrea Shannon, "I feel like I'm rationing what sort of words I use. Hopefully I can continue to decrease my cursing and censor myself even after Lent ends. It's a good thing."

Originally, Lent was characterized by fasting and prayer prior to baptisms occurring at Easter. The term "Lent" was adopted by English speakers during the Middle Ages.

After services on Easter Sunday, Catholics and other Christians will be able to indulge again (if they still care to) in whatever it was they gave up for the 40 days of Lent.

One Catholic student, Dana Haymon, is substituting tea for soda .