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Projects Updates for key objective: No name

  1. Weekly Sustainable Transportation meeting with Hrushikesh and Nathaniel

    Associated Project(s): 
    Appropriately Staff Sustainable Transportation Efforts

    On 07/20/2023,  Sarthak, Nathaniel and Hrushikesh had a weekly meeting to discuss on Weekly Progress of the current projects that we are working on.

    Meeting Notes:

    - Campus Bike Plan 2024

    - Abandoned Bikes Project Inventory Documentation Completion

    - Bike Parking Rack Design

    - Research on Permeable Pavers and Bike Shelter

    - Discussion on the Next week's Tasks regarding Bike Audit

    - Bike Census

     

  3. follow up on potential VRO project

    Associated Project(s): 
    Rainwater Management
    Reduce Nitrates from Agricultural Stormwater

    Dear Madhu,

    Thank you for taking the time to speak with me and here is a follow up email to our zoom conversation. The committee on natural areas at UIUC oversees research on roughly a dozen university-owned properties that include about 1,000 acres of natural lands spanning east-central Illinois. The largest of these, the Vermilion River Observatory, located about 45 miles by road east of campus, was acquired by the Dept of ECE in the 1960s to construct a radio telescope. The ~495 acre property is now managed by the CNA for various environmental research projects and there are ~105 acres of agricultural land that are leased to a tenant farmer by ECE for cash revenue that at its peak generated ~20k/year but the value of the crop has been declining recently. Due to being in the drainage of the Vermilion river, the soils of the VRO are somewhat marginal in their production value and I think there is some chance the tenant farmer will decide to leave the lease. Or it may be possible given a suitable research project to take over the lease and use the lands for research.

    The project I am interested in pursuing is a long-term, large-scale ecological and agricultural experiment evaluating trajectories of agricultural lands following agricultural abandonment. Considering the scale of the agricultural lands on the VRO, I think it could be possible to have large and well-replicated experimental treatments that include comparisons among passive revegetation, bioenergy production, and active reforestation. Potential study outcomes could include carbon sequestration/flow, biodiversity conservation, and economic and energy cost/benefit analyses comparing the costs of these different experimental treatments versus the returns on investment. By east-central Illinois standards, I think the productivity of the agricultural lands on the VRO could be considered marginal, but based on my read of the literature and our conversation, I get the impression that these marginal lands are more likely to experience agricultural abandonment in the coming years.

    Assuming ECE would be open to a change in the management strategy for the agricultural lands on the VRO, which I would be happy to discuss with ECE and the OVCRI if we decide to proceed, the CNA could provide some logistical support for a large-scale research project on the VRO, including through the use of some of our farm equipment and out buildings on the property. We also have two full-time research/management staff whose time can be budgeted into proposals. And I am eager to undertake more long-term experiments on the CNA properties using former agricultural lands, since I see this as one of the most unique and important values of these properties that can be applied to a pressing environmental challenge.

    This is something I would be excited to pursue through the support of iSEE and I would love it if it gave us a chance to collaborate, Madhu. Attached please find an aerial photo of the VRO and an older site description map. Please let me know if you think this could dovetail with other opportunities currently being pursued by iSEE and CABBI and let me know what I can do to help!

    Best,

    Brian

    --------------------------

    This is the land that Brian Allan had mentioned to me

     

    Madhu

    ---------------------------------

     

    Attached Files: 

  4. Free Native Plants!

    Associated Project(s): 
    Sustainable Landscapes Plan

    Hi all –

     

    I hope everyone is doing well!  

     

    I’m reaching out with an opportunity (not related to waste reduction 😊).

     

    The National Wildlife Federation, alongside our new partner, Garden for Wildlife Inc., have launched an initiative to support our partners (k-12 schools, colleges/universities, churches, etc.) in their efforts to expand quality native habitats for people, pollinators, and wildlife. Garden for Wildlife Inc., sells “direct-to-consumer” native plants to 38 states in the eastern and central United States (western states are coming soon!)

     

    Your campus can now apply for free native plants for your native plant and habitat projects . These plants will come pre-selected, be native to your area, and include at least one species of milkweed, an essential plant for supporting pollinators and monarch butterflies. These plants are slightly smaller than quart size, with at least 3 inches of new growth. They will begin to bloom within a couple of months of planting, depending on the season. 

     

    In order to request plants, you must meet the following requirements: 

     

    • Plant in the approved space within 3 days of receipt (i.e. – a school, community green space, park, etc.). 
    • Maintain the wildlife garden for at least 5 years and share and donate photos of the space or planting. 
    • Display provided signage noting that the plants were donated by Garden for Wildlife by the National Wildlife Federation. 
    • Cover the costs of plant delivery - $38 / 64 plants (i.e. – 192 plants = $114, 768 plants = $456, etc.) 

     

    To apply, please visit: https://gardenforwildlife.com/pages/donations 

     

    Please reach out with any questions. This is first come first serve, so if you are interested, please don’t hesitate to fill out the online form! 

     

    Thanks, take care,

    Kristy 

  6. Weekly meeting with Hrushikesh and Nathaniel

    Associated Project(s): 
    Appropriately Staff Sustainable Transportation Efforts

    Sarthak met with Hrushikesh and Nathaniel on 7/13/2023 together to discuss the weekly meetings. This was the first Sustainable Transportation weekly intern meeting.

    Sarthak explained the layout for these meetings in the future. Hrushikesh and Nathaniel would lead these meetings going forward. They will report on the progress made in the previous week and go over their to-do list for the current week and the week after. They will send Sarthak their weekly progress report in form of Word or Excel or some other form and share it with the Sustainable Transportation team.

    These meetings will be held weekly until the semester begins.

  7. Weekly Meeting with Nathaniel and Hrushikesh

    Associated Project(s): 
    Appropriately Staff Sustainable Transportation Efforts

    On 07/13/2023, Sarthak had a meeting with Nathaniel and Hrushikesh to get a Weekly progress report and to set next week's tasks.

    - Set a structure for Weekly Meetings

    - Discussion on Bike Friendly University (BFU), Bike Racks Locations and their design Plans, Campus Bike Plan 2024, and the Abandoned Bicycles Project.

    - Gave an overview of the i-Cap Portal and Bike Friendly University (BFU) to Nathaniel.

    - Potential Encouragement project on Social Media: Making a Rules of the Road Video.  

  9. Campus Sustainability Funds to Support Cover Crops

    Associated Project(s): 
    Cover Crops on South Farms
    Funding for Sustainability

    The following is an email conversation between Adam Davis, Morgan White, and Jen Fraterrigo.

    On June 29, 2023 Adam sent the following email:

    Good morning, Jen and Morgan

    The REC staff has asked me whether there will be any Campus Sustainability funds to support cover crops this year? I’m wondering whether last year’s request was considered and approved? We would like to increase the acres of Crop Sciences research ground that’s in cover crops, and could use some financial support in purchasing more cover crop seed.

    Thanks,

    Adam

    -----------

    Hi Adam,

    When would funding need to be available?

    Thanks!

    Morgan

    -----------

    The sooner the better—we need to purchase more cover crop seed, which will take 3-4 weeks for delivery. Planting would happen towards the end of September, so funds by early to mid-August would be important to get it done this year.

    Thanks,

    Adam

    -----------

    On July 7, 2023 Jen replied:

    Hi Adam,

    The Sustainability Council was supportive of increasing land planted with cover crops; however, it is not a funding body and therefore cannot support this effort financially. If the department or college cannot provide funding, I suggest applying for funding from the SSC Green Fund. Unfortunately, the timing may not work for this year.

    Happy to discuss more if it would be helpful.

    Thanks,

    Jen

    -----------

    Thanks for this suggestion, Jen. We’ll self-support the increase in seed this cycle, and put in an application to the SSC green fund for next growing season.

    Adam Davis

     

     

  10. All Sports are Water Sports

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Sports Alliance (GSA)
    Water Conservation [ARCHIVED]
       

     

    PLAYTOZERO.GSALOGO.png

     

    Play to Zero Playbook

    TwitterInstagramLinkedInWebsiteYouTube

     

    1ST WATER PLAYBOOK FOR SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

    WaterKickoff-9900000000079e3c.png

    Dear Colleagues,

    We are excited to present the first-ever Playbook on Water for Sports & Entertainment Venues. This playbook will set the stage for why water matters and how venues can become driving forces for water protection and restoration. Through sharing lessons learned and practical approaches to reduction, reclamation, reuse and replenishment; we, together, can help ensure our communities become more resilient to growing impacts from climate and other stressors.

    Access to clean and affordable water is essential to the sports industry and our collective health and well-being.... The impact to our communities and fans is critical to address. 

    It's clear that more investment, more assistance and more leadership from individuals, policymakers, businesses and increasingly from the members of the Green Sports Alliance, is needed to protect our essential water resources. Sports and entertainment venues have an opportunity to be good water stewards and lead by example.

    I hope that this playbook provides you with the inspiration, resources and examples necessary to start your own journey to ensuring water remains safe, reliable and accessible for all of our communities.

    - Roger McClendon, Executive Director of Green Sports Alliance [READ THE FULL LETTER FROM ROGER HERE]

     

     

     

    Photocollageofwatersports-9900000000079e3c.png

    This playbook focuses on four key strategies across drinking water, wastewater and stormwater management:

    Strategy 1: Understand your Water Baseline

    Strategy 2: Water Efficiency

    Strategy 3: Water Reuse

    Strategy 4: Water Replenishment & Ecosystem Stewardship

    Each strategy provides a baseline knowledge and resources for you to further explore the concepts presented and a corresponding Green Sports Alliance member case study designed to share lessons learned, best practices and tips for your future success.

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    YOUR WATER JOURNEY: FIVE STEPS FOR STARTING AND PROGRESSING ON YOUR PATH TO WATER STEWARDSHIP

    #1 Commit ➡️ #2 Learn ➡️ #3 Plan ➡️ #4 Three E's ➡️ #5 Celebrate 🎉

     

    DuneIvesQuote-9900000000079e3c.png

     

     

     

     

    Thank you to our Playbook Contributors!

    Dune Ives, Lead Author | CEO of Movements That Matter and GSA Board Member

    Green Sports Alliance Corporate Members | Stantec and Xylem, Inc.

    A special thanks to our Water Playbook Editorial Board Members, Green Sports Alliance Leadership/Staff and our Graphic Design/Copy Editing Team! 

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  11. Can Liner right sizing

    Associated Project(s): 
    Green Cleaning Products and Practices

    From: Varney, Pete <pvarney@illinois.edu>
    Sent: Thursday, July 6, 2023 11:49 AM
    To: Hansen, Zach <ZHansen@na.com>; Wallner, Molly <MWallner@na.com>; Sinn, Macie <sinn1@illinois.edu>
    Cc: Hulse, Daphne Lauren <dlhulse2@illinois.edu>
    Subject: FW: One Does Not Simply...Choose a Product Willy Nilly Every Time  

     

    Great timing…Can Liners!

    Right sizing needs to be on the sooner rather than later list.

     

    Thank you,

    Pete

    (217) 333-7583

  16. 6-28-23 External Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    "Don't Waste" with Coca-Cola
    Tailgate Recycling
    Reduce Single-Use Plastics
    Fighting Illini, Fighting Waste
    Green Sports Alliance (GSA)
    Welcome Celebration Recycling

    Attendance: Jake Slager, Shawn Patterson, Thurman Etchison, Jen Fraterrigo, Steve Breitwieser, Travis Tate, Shreya Mahajan, Daphne Hulse

    Coke Updates:

    • Jake is now officially solely focused on colleges and universities
    • RVAT totes
      • Nothing charged for totes or for transportation
      • Chloroplast wrap and cut-outs are about $150 each x 20 = $3,000 (probably does not include transportation)
      • Keep these recycling only
      • 2-3 weeks lead time for wrap
      • Coca-Cola has the rendering for royal blue. Can make tweaks and changes
      • Couple $100 to edit or change the wrap design
      • Daphne’s to-do: Update QR code for new website
      • Make sure bins have clear messaging just for “bottles and cans”
      • These bins would be used for tailgating near to Memorial Stadium, ideally

    Reusable Cups/Bottles

    • Coke is supportive of reusable cups
      • Yeti sponsors for reusable cups
    • Making an effort to push sustainability early in the college processes
      • Encourage use of reusable bottles
      • Use tap water from filler stations
      • Cut back on waste
      • Where there are purchases, ensure that the recycling bin is used
      • Ohio State’s effort with reusable bottles has been mixed success (MyCup program)
      • Indiana did something similar. It was costly and mixed results there, too
        • Jake will get more plugged in on these programs at different schools

    Athletics

      • 100th year of Memorial Stadium
        • Ohio State did something similar with their 100th year
        • Sustainability can be incorporated in here, too

    Engagement opportunities

      • GoGreen - Eric Green - not a large sample size
        • Jake talked with David Watson, who is in contact with Eric
        • Shreya’s experience as a student: without the incentive behind it, it’s not going to encourage students to regularly use it
      • Looking into Rockwire Illinois App to see how we can encourage plastic reduction

    Welcome Week

    • T-shirts
      • Mid July get the quantities for the welcome week
      • Orange shirt may fit well with giveaway items for tailgating

    Bigger Conversations

    • Path forward - Be Orange Go Green, Fighting Illini, Fighting Waste, Don’t Waste
      • How do we differentiate, make it clear to the public what is what?
      • Is tailgating a fighting illini, fighting waste event?

     

  19. 6-26-23 Internal Meeting

    Associated Project(s): 
    "Don't Waste" with Coca-Cola
    Fighting Illini, Fighting Waste
    Green Sports Alliance (GSA)
    Welcome Celebration Recycling

    On June 26, UIUC sustainability representatives met to discuss the following:

    Attendance: Shawn Patterson, Marty Kaufmann, Thurman Etchison, Bryan Johnson, Shreya Mahajan, Naveen Reddy, Daphne Hulse

    1. Tailgating / Welcome Week

      1. Coca-Cola ordered 20 recycling bins (metal frame)

        1. Cost will come from the wraps, Jake gathering a quote

      2. Welcome Week Dining - planning meetings that zero waste could join?

        1. Moved to Grange Grove for this year

        2. Thursday, 13th at 9am next meeting (N end)

        3. Consider t-shirts for volunteers

    2. Housing Insider Newsletter

      1. Housing marketing team willing to consider sustainability submissions for consideration in their newsletters, but likely not every edition

      2. Next steps from here? Think about Eweek, iNews, GradLinks as places to include sustainability information, get the larger population thinking about sustainability

    3. Plastic waste reduction

      1. Gathering information, exploring strategies used by peer schools

      2. Aim - engaging/lighthearted

    4. Wednesday 6/28 - meeting with Coca-Cola

      1. Discuss cost of wrap for 20 bins

      2. Assess where we are at with the shared budget

      3. Discuss volunteer shirts for tailgating & explore giveaway items/incentives

      4. Discuss volunteer shirts for Welcome Week

      5. Anything else to add to the agenda for Wednesday?

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